When We All Get to Heaven
A Sermon based on
the hymn by Eliza E. Hewitt
Introduction
“When We All Get to
Heaven” is a hymn of boundless joy and hopeful expectation. Written by
Eliza E. Hewitt in 1898 and set to music by Emily D. Wilson, this
uplifting song has stirred hearts for generations. With radiant
optimism, it reflects the Christian’s eternal hope: heaven with God and
the redeemed of all ages. Hewitt, who endured years of spinal pain and
confinement, never lost her eternal focus. Instead, she poured her hope
into hymns that looked beyond suffering to the glory to come.
The song calls on
believers to “sing the wondrous love of Jesus” and press on toward the
eternal reward. Hebrews 11:16 tells us of a “better country, that is, a
heavenly one,” and Philippians 3:20 declares, “Our citizenship is in
heaven.” This hymn reminds us that heaven is real, prepared (John 14:2),
and promised to those who walk in faith.
More than just
poetic lyrics, this hymn is a call to live with heaven in view. Each
verse motivates us to serve, endure trials, rejoice in hope, and remain
faithful—because one day, we will see Jesus face to face. Let us now
explore each stanza and be reminded why heaven is worth it all.
Stanza 1
“Sing the wondrous
love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed,
He’ll prepare for us a place.”
This stanza is
rooted in John 14:2–3, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for His
people. We are called to “sing” about His mercy and grace, because His
love is not only past (at the cross) but present and future—He is
preparing our eternal home. Revelation 21:3–4 describes those heavenly
mansions as a place where God dwells with His people and wipes away
every tear. The hymn begins with praise and confidence: we are going
somewhere wonderful because Jesus loves us.
Stanza 2
“While we walk the
pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.”
The Christian life
is a “pilgrim pathway” (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13). We walk through
trials, storms, and discouragement, but they are temporary. 2
Corinthians 4:17 reminds us, “For our light affliction... is working for
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” The contrast
between “clouds” now and “no shadows” later is striking. Heaven will
make every hardship seem light and momentary.
Stanza 3
“Let us then be true
and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.”
Here, the hymn
becomes a call to perseverance. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Faithfulness is
not occasional—it’s daily. And what is our motivation? “Just one
glimpse” of Jesus! Revelation 22:4 promises, “They shall see His face.”
That moment will make every effort, sacrifice, and sorrow more than
worth it.
Chorus
“When we all get to
heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!”
The chorus erupts
with hope. Heaven will not be a quiet, reserved affair—it will be filled
with rejoicing, singing, and shouting! Revelation 7:9–10 pictures a
great multitude praising the Lamb. Notice the plural “we all”—this hymn
celebrates the unity of the redeemed. It’s not just about me getting to
heaven—it’s about all the faithful of every nation, race, and age
celebrating Jesus together forever.
When We All Get to Heaven
Sermon Outline:
Introduction
Stanza 1 – Sing
His Love, Anticipate His Promise
-
John 14:2–3 –
Mansions prepared
-
Revelation
21:3–4 – No more sorrow or pain
-
Psalm 89:1 –
Sing of the Lord’s mercies
Stanza 2 –
Pilgrim Trials, Eternal Joy
-
1 Peter 2:11 –
Strangers and pilgrims
-
2 Corinthians
4:17 – Light affliction, eternal glory
-
Romans 8:18 –
Present sufferings not worthy to compare
Stanza 3 –
Daily Faithfulness and the Sight of Christ
-
1 Corinthians
15:58 – Abound in the work of the Lord
-
Revelation 22:4
– They shall see His face
-
Galatians 6:9 –
Don’t grow weary in doing good
Chorus –
Unified Celebration and Victory
-
Revelation
7:9–10 – Multitude praising the Lamb
-
Philippians 3:20
– Our citizenship is in heaven
-
1 Thessalonians
4:17 – Together forever with the Lord
Call to Action
Heaven is prepared
for the faithful. Are you walking the pilgrim pathway with your eyes
fixed on Jesus? Have you obeyed His gospel—believing in Him (John 8:24),
repenting of sin (Acts 17:30), confessing His name (Romans 10:9–10), and
being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? If so, stay
faithful. If not, don’t wait. Let heaven be your goal.
Scripture Reference List
John 14:2–3 – Jesus
prepares a place for us
Revelation 21:3–4 – No more sorrow, pain, or death
Psalm 89:1 – Sing of the mercies of the Lord
1 Peter 2:11 – Sojourners and pilgrims on earth
2 Corinthians 4:17 – Present afflictions are light
Romans 8:18 – Glory far outweighs suffering
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Be steadfast and immovable
Revelation 22:4 – They shall see His face
Galatians 6:9 – Don’t grow weary in doing good
Revelation 7:9–10 – Multitude praising God
Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Together with the Lord forever
John 8:24 – Believe or die in sin
Acts 17:30 – God commands all to repent
Romans 10:9–10 – Confess with the mouth
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized
Song History
Eliza E. Hewitt
wrote “When We All Get to Heaven” in 1898. Though she suffered chronic
health issues for much of her life, she never let physical trials darken
her view of heaven. The music was composed by Emily D. Wilson during a
camp meeting in New Jersey. Together, their work captured the joyful
expectation of eternal life and the unity of the faithful looking
forward to that “day of rejoicing.” The song remains one of the most
beloved and energetic hymns sung in churches of Christ and around the
world.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
