Olalekan Adebumiti
Classic hymns about heaven are often written by well-known hymn writers such as Fanny Crosby, Isaac Watts, and Charles Wesley. These hymns are often more personal and reflective than traditional hymns, and they may focus on the believer’s hope for heaven. Some of the most popular classic hymns about heaven include:
“Abide with Me”:
This hymn, written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, expresses a deep longing for God’s presence and guidance throughout life’s trials and uncertainties. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of heaven as a place of eternal peace and comfort, where one can find solace in God’s unchanging love.
“Blessed Assurance”:
This hymn, penned by Fanny Crosby in 1873, declares unwavering faith in God’s saving grace and the promise of eternal life. The lyrics capture the essence of Christian assurance, a state of peace and confidence rooted in the belief that God’s love and mercy are everlasting.
“For All the Saints, Who from Their Labor Rest”:
This hymn, composed by William Mercer Babcock in 1864, pays tribute to the faithful departed, those who have finished their earthly journeys and now rest in the eternal peace of heaven. The lyrics express gratitude for their lives of service and devotion, and anticipation of the reunion that awaits all believers in the heavenly kingdom.
“Holy, Holy, Holy!”:
This hymn, written by Reginald Heber in 1827, is a majestic praise anthem that celebrates God’s holiness, power, and majesty. The lyrics convey the awe and reverence that are fitting when contemplating the infinite nature of God, the source of all creation and the eternal ruler of the universe.
“Jerusalem, My Happy Home”:
This hymn, composed by John Bunyan in 1674, expresses the yearning for the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, where believers will find everlasting peace and joy. The lyrics paint a picture of a place of perfect beauty, where all sorrows and pain will be no more, and where one can experience the fullness of God’s love and presence.
“All Creatures of Our God and King”:
This hymn, written by Henry Williams Baker in 1870, is a universal anthem of praise that invites all creation to join in adoration of God. The lyrics encompass a wide range of creatures, from the tiniest insects to the majestic animals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life under the benevolent reign of God.
“Angels, from the Realms of Glory”:
This hymn, composed by William Cowper in 1763, beautifully captures the awe and reverence one would feel in the presence of angels, God’s messengers and inhabitants of heaven. The lyrics describe the angels’ radiant beauty and their heavenly songs, emphasizing their role as servants of God and protectors of the faithful.
“Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of My Heart”: This hymn, written by Irish theologian and poet George Croly in the 18th century, is a heartfelt prayer for God’s guidance and presence in one’s life. The lyrics express a deep desire to focus on God and His love, seeking direction and strength from the divine source.
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”:
This hymn, composed by Robert Robinson in 1758, is a humble plea for God’s grace and mercy, recognizing the depths of human sin and the need for divine redemption. The lyrics convey a sense of dependence on God’s goodness and the hope that only He can provide true sustenance and comfort.
“Eternal Father, Strong to Save”:
This hymn, written by John Bickersteth in 1839, is a prayer for sailors and seafarers, asking for God’s protection and guidance on the often dangerous seas. The lyrics express trust in God’s watchful care and the belief that He is always present, even in the midst of storms and trials.
“Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of All Kings”:
This hymn, composed by John Donne in 1623, is a beautiful tribute to Christ’s majesty and sovereignty. The lyrics proclaim His rightful rule over all creation, emphasizing His power and compassion, and expressing gratitude for His sacrifice and salvation.
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer”:
This hymn, written by William Williams in 1772, is a prayer for guidance and direction in life’s journey. The lyrics express a dependence on God’s wisdom and faithfulness, seeking His guidance through the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.
“Holy Spirit, Truth Divine”:
This hymn, composed by John Wesley in 1779, is a prayer for the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance, recognizing its role in illuminating the mind and leading one closer to God. The lyrics express a desire to be filled with the Spirit’s power and wisdom, allowing it to transform one’s heart and life.
“How Great Thou Art”:
This hymn, written by Carl Boberg in 1886 and translated into English by Stuart K. Hine in 1949, is a majestic and moving tribute to God’s greatness and power. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the vastness and beauty of creation, and how it all points to the infinite nature of God. The hymn also expresses a deep sense of awe and gratitude for God’s love and mercy, and for the salvation that He has provided through Jesus Christ.
“In the Sweet By and By”:
This hymn, written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. in 1868, is a comforting and hopeful song about the afterlife. The lyrics describe the “sweet by and by” as a place of eternal peace and joy, where there will be no more pain or sorrow.
“When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder”:
This hymn, written by Charles Albert Tindley in 1887, is a powerful and evocative song about the final judgment. The lyrics describe the scene when the trumpets will sound and the dead will rise from their graves, and how the righteous will be gathered into heaven while the wicked will be condemned to hell.
“The Old Rugged Cross”:
This hymn, written by George Bennard in 1912, is a poignant and heartfelt song about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The lyrics describe the cross as a symbol of both pain and love, and how Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of love for humanity.
“Nearer, My God, to Thee”:
This hymn, written by Sarah Flower Adams in 1847, is a prayer for closeness to God. The lyrics express a longing to be in God’s presence, to experience His love and peace, and to be free from the cares of this world.
“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”:
This hymn, written by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, is a meditation on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The lyrics describe the suffering of Jesus on the cross, and how His sacrifice was an act of love for humanity.
“Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”:
This hymn, written by Augustus Montague Toplady in 1776, is a powerful and moving song of repentance and faith. The lyrics describe the sinner’s need for God’s mercy and grace, and how Christ’s sacrifice on the cross provides the only hope for salvation.
“The Lord’s My Shepherd”:
This hymn, written by Psalm 23, is a beautiful and comforting psalm about the love and care of God. The lyrics describe the shepherd’s protection and provision for his sheep, and how God is the same kind of shepherd for us.
“When We All Get to Heaven”:
This hymn, written by Eliza E. Hewitt in 1867, is a joyous and hopeful song about the reunion of believers in heaven. The lyrics describe the scene when we will all be together in heaven, praising God and enjoying eternal life.
“Were You There When They Crucified My Lord”:
This hymn, written by African-American spirituals, is a powerful and moving song about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The lyrics describe the scene of the crucifixion, and how Jesus suffered and died for the sins of the world.
“This Is My Father’s World”:
This hymn, written by Maltbie D. Babcock in 1910, is a celebration of God’s creation. The lyrics describe the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and how everything we see and experience is a gift from God.
“I Surrender All”:
This hymn, written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896, is a song of complete surrender to God. The lyrics describe the believer’s willingness to give up everything to follow God, and to trust in His will for their life.
