[195 words]
There is a wondrously upbeat song that many love to sing in our worship services. The refrain goes like this:
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 problem with that song is that not all will be going to heaven. Jesus, himself, said: “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Now, I understand the intent of the songwriter (E. E. Hewitt). She pictured a group of faithful Christians singing this hymn in honor of God and Jesus. In that context, she is right. But when this song is sung by those who are not faithful then it’s a different story.
In some songbooks, Christian editors have changed the lyrics to read: “When the saved get to heaven.” Perhaps that’s a better reflection of Mrs. Hewitt’s intent and certainly the truth.
Think about it. When you sing that song, are you sure you will be in that company? If not, I’d like to visit with you.
Larry Fitzgerald
Abilene, TX