Title: To God be the glory
Hymn Number: SS&S 23 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 To God be the glory! great things
He hath done :
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son ;
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the Life-gate that all may go in.
Refrain: Praise the Lord ! praise the Lord !
Let the earth hear His voice !
Praise the Lord ! praise the Lord !
Let the people rejoice !
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son ;
And give Him the glory
great things He hath done!
2 O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believe the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
3 Great things He hath taught us, great
things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher,and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see
About The Hymn
The hymn “To God Be the Glory”, numbered 23 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1875. It is a triumphant hymn of praise that celebrates God’s greatness, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the hope of eternal life. With its three verses and a jubilant refrain, the hymn invites worshippers to glorify God for His marvelous works and to embrace the joy of living in His grace.
Verse 1: Praise for Redemption Through Christ
The hymn opens with a call to praise:
“To God be the glory, great things He hath done, so loved He the world that He gave us His Son.”
This verse acknowledges God’s immense love for humanity, expressed through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The line reflects John 3:16, emphasizing that salvation is rooted in God’s sacrificial love and grace.
It continues:
“Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that all may go in.”
Here, the hymn focuses on the redemptive work of Christ, who gave His life to atone for sin and restore humanity’s relationship with God. The “life gate” symbolizes the way to eternal life, which Jesus opened through His death and resurrection. This verse sets the foundation for the hymn’s overarching theme of gratitude and worship.
Refrain: Joyful Exaltation of God
The refrain, repeated after each verse, is a jubilant exclamation of praise:
“Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!”
This refrain reinforces the call to glorify God, urging both the earth and its inhabitants to lift their voices in praise. It invites all believers to rejoice in the salvation God has provided.
It concludes:
“O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He hath done.”
This line emphasizes that the only way to approach God is through Jesus Christ, the mediator of salvation. It encourages worshippers to acknowledge and celebrate God’s greatness and goodness.
Verse 2: The Assurance of Forgiveness
The second verse reflects on the blessings of redemption:
“O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, to every believer the promise of God.”
This verse highlights the sufficiency and completeness of Christ’s sacrifice, which secures salvation for every believer. The “purchase of blood” refers to the price Jesus paid to redeem humanity, fulfilling God’s promise of forgiveness.
It continues:
“The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.”
This line underscores the inclusive nature of God’s grace, offering hope to even the “vilest offender.” It emphasizes the immediacy of forgiveness and the transforming power of faith in Christ. This verse reassures believers of God’s mercy and His readiness to forgive all who come to Him.
Verse 3: Anticipation of Eternal Glory
The final verse looks forward to the ultimate joy of eternity:
“Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son.”
This line acknowledges the many blessings believers have received, including the wisdom, salvation, and joy that come through Jesus. It also celebrates the ongoing relationship believers have with God through Christ.
It concludes:
“But purer, and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.”
This verse shifts focus to the future, anticipating the indescribable joy of seeing Jesus face-to-face in eternity. It points to the hope of heaven, where believers will experience the fullness of God’s glory and love.
Overall Message and Significance
“To God Be the Glory” is a hymn of exuberant praise, celebrating God’s love, the gift of salvation, and the hope of eternal life. Each verse builds on the central theme of glorifying God for His marvelous works. The first verse focuses on the gift of redemption, the second on the assurance of forgiveness, and the third on the anticipation of eternal joy.
The hymn’s refrain invites all people to join in exalting God, reminding believers of their collective call to worship and rejoice in His grace. Its simple yet profound message has made it a timeless favorite, inspiring generations of Christians to praise God for the “great things He hath done.” Through its uplifting melody and powerful lyrics, “To God Be the Glory” continues to draw hearts to worship and thanksgiving.