Sing with All the Saints in Glory
Sing with all the saints in glory
This hymn celebrates the eschatological vision of Revelation 7 and affirms Lutheran teaching on the resurrection of the body and eternal communion with Christ and the church triumphant. It expresses the Christian hope that transcends present suffering through faith in Christ's victory over death and the promise of glorification.
History & Background
Written by William John Irons, an English clergyman, in 1873, this hymn was designed to celebrate the resurrection and the communion of saints in glory. It was first published in the 1875 edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern and has become a standard Easter and All Saints' hymn in Lutheran and broader Protestant worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 708
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 426
- Gather 4th Edition — 563
- Glory to God — 835
- Lutheran Service Book — 671
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 483
- Lutheran Worship — 448
- New Century Hymnal — 531
- United Methodist Hymnal — 702
- With One Voice — 691
Bulletin Note
Written by William John Irons in 1873, this hymn draws directly on Revelation 7's vision of the multitude in white robes before the throne. Its tune, Sine Nomine (Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906), became the standard setting for All Saints hymns in English worship.
Preaching Connection
This hymn enfolds the eschatological Gospel of Revelation 7—pure promise of resurrection and eternal communion—making it a fitting response to any proclamation of Christ's victory over death and our inheritance in Him.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From saints' earthly rest through Christ's sustaining power to eschatological glory and eternal communion
Themes
Resurrection and eternal life Communion of saints Heavenly glory Vision of God Eschatological hope