"We're Marching to Zion"

 

We’re Marching to Zion

Issac Watts, a name well known for his many great hymns which include “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” wrote this fine hymn. He is recognized as the "Godfather of English Hymnody." Many of his hymns remain in use today and have been translated into numerous languages.

Watts displayed a propensity for rhyme from an early age. He was once asked why he had his eyes open during prayers, to which he responded: “A little mouse for want of stairs, ran up a rope to say its prayers.” He received corporal punishment for this, to which he cried: “O father, father, pity take, And I will no more verses make.”

As a teenager he complained to his father about how boring the songs of the day were. His father challenged him to write something better. Hence, a hymn writer was born. He would write at least 750 songs over the course of life.

This hymn was written in response to a trend in the churches of his day.  Many people were opposed to singing hymns in the church.  They would only want to sing the Psalms and other parts of Scripture.  Churches accommodated and they would sing the Psalms and the Scripture at the beginning of a service, and then after the sermon, they would sing hymns.  Many people would walk out of the church when the hymns were sung in protest.

Not a lot is known about Watts’ early years. He was born in 1674, in England. Watts, whose father was a Nonconformist, (a member of a Protestant Church in England that dissents from the established Anglican Church), studied at the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington.

He became tutor to the family of Sir John Hartopp of Stoke Newington and of Freeby, Leicestershire, and preached his first sermons in the family chapel at Freeby. He was appointed assistant to the minister of Mark Lane Independent Chapel, in London, and became full pastor in 1702. He was an inspiring preacher.

As Isaac Watts quietly pastored Mark Lane Chapel, the growing popularity of his hymns was causing a tempest. “Christian congregations have shut out divinely inspired Psalms,” one man complained, “and taken in Watts’ flights of fancy.” The issue of singing hymns versus Psalms split churches, including the one in Bedford, England, once pastored by John Bunyan.

Many mocked Watts for writing such humanly composed songs rather than just Psalms or Bible verses. They referred to his works as “Watts’ Whims."

From the verses we can see how Watts not only wanted the singer to communicate the joy of what was to come through eternal life in heaven, but also the blessings of God on earth. An allusion to John Bunyan’s popular devotional classic The Pilgrims Progress (1678) is found in the final stanza calling attention to the Christian journey toward Zion and a triumphant entry into “Immanuel’s ground.”

This rousing hymn is a reminder that the believer’s journey is to another world. Too often, we Christians, forget our calling and journey. When we view this world as temporary and not so lovely, perhaps we will start singing and marching to Zion. God and this world’s system has a way of making us want to.

More than 100 years after the writing of this hymn, Robert Lowry composed a new tune and refrain for Watts’ verses. Lowry was a Baptist pastor in Brooklyn and a well-known author and composer of gospel hymns. However, he often said he’d “rather preach than write.” He’s probably most famous for writing the words and music for “Shall We Gather at the River?”

Lowry was ministering and teaching during the Civil War, which was also a time when revivalism was rising in America. He was impressed with Watts’ text, but he wanted a musical setting that expressed the enthusiasm of the American revival movement. He adapted the text, composed a new tune, and called it “We’re Marching to Zion.”

Verse One

“Come, we that love the Lord,

And let our joys be known;

Join in a song with sweet accord,

Join in a song with sweet accord

And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne.” 

Psalm 107:22

“Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy.”

Scripturesavvy.com: The phrase “songs of joy” signifies the emotional response we should embody while giving thanks. Rejoicing is not merely a feeling; it is also an action. When we rejoice, we celebrate. The emphasis is placed on joy, demonstrating that our faith is not just about solemnity; it is also about the joyful exuberance that comes from a relationship with God who cares for us deeply . . . Gratitude is meant to be shared. The idea of declaring God’s works signifies that our stories of faith are powerful tools. We can share our experiences with friends, family, or even strangers as a way to encourage others. Sharing our testimonies can help others see how God has been faithful and working in their lives, even if they may not recognize it immediately. 

Verse Two

“Let those refuse to sing,

Who never knew our God;

But children of the heavenly King,

But children of the heavenly King,

May speak their joys abroad, May speak their joys abroad.”

2 Corinthians 4:4

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Godsbless.ing: Paul delves into the spiritual battle that is at play in the dissemination of the gospel in this section. He acknowledges that there are those who do not receive or understand the gospel message not because of its content but because they are blinded by the enemy, referring to Satan as the “god of this age.” This highlights the spiritual dimension of unbelief and the forces at work to hinder people from coming to faith. It underscores the importance of prayer, spiritual warfare, and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit in helping unbelievers to see the truth of the gospel.

Psalm 40:5

“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”

Scripturesavvy.com: By sharing stories of God’s goodness in our community, we inspire hope and strengthen our faith. Through conversations about God’s marvelous works, we bolster one another during tough times. The act of remembering and thanking God for His past actions allows us to enhance our future trust in Him.

Verse Three

“The hill of Zion yields,

A thousand sacred sweets,

Before we reach the heavenly fields,

Before we reach the heavenly fields,

Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets.”

“’Before we reach the heavenly fields – Because of God’s love for us, He not only has prepared a wonderful place for us when we die, or when we meet Him in the air.  He also provides ‘sacred sweets’ before we reach the ‘heavenly fields.’  Those ‘sacred sweets’ are the daily blessings we receive while on earth.  Another day of life.  Another day to share with one another.  New babies that are born every day.  New joys of helping someone find Christ.  Each of those things are blessings that happen before we get to Heaven, and we ought to be truly grateful for those ‘sacred sweets.’” Hymnoftheweek.net

Revelation 21:21

“The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”

Studylight.org, Dr, Constable’s Expository Notes: John described the street or pavement of the city probably referring to all the streets since all would be connected. These were pure gold, as pure as transparent glass. Old Testament priests who ministered in Solomon’s temple walked on a gold floor originally. 

Verse Four

“Then let our songs abound,

And every tear be dry;

We’re marching through Emmanuel’s ground,

We’re marching through Emmanuel’s ground,

To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high.”

“Marching and upward.  We shouldn’t be ‘strolling’ to Zion or ‘wandering’ to Zion.  No, we should be marching – with purpose, with intensity because we know where we are going.  Secondly, we should be marching upward.  Upward to a better place.  Upward to a higher place.  We aren’t heading downhill.  We are marching upward to the beautiful city of God.” Hymnoftheweek.net

Revelation 7:17

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; ‘He will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Enduringword.com: In heaven, the redeemed will know no more sorrow or pain. The hurt and the struggle of this earthly life are gone, and tears are a thing of the past, because God will wipe away every tear . . . We also understand from this that every tear will only be wiped away in heaven. On this earth, we have our share of pain and tears to endure and bring to God. He shows His love now with sweet consolation and strength for our tears; but one day – in heaven, not now – He will wipe them away forever.

Chorus

“We’re marching to Zion,

Beautiful, beautiful Zion;

We’re marching upward to Zion,

The beautiful city of God.”

This hymn is a reminder that the believers journey is to another world. Too often, we Christians forget our calling and journey. From these stanzas, we can see how Watts not only wanted the singer to communicate the joy of what was to come through eternal life in heaven, but also the blessings of God on earth.

You can find a complete story of Watts’ life in the hymn study of “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” in February 2024, which can be found down the right side of this blog under the Archives.

I am indebted to the following resources:

hymnoftheweek.net

tomahbaptistchurch.com

umcdiscipleship.org

melodypublications.com

en.wikipedia.org

By His Grace . . . 

"How Firm a Foundation"

 

There is mystery in who wrote this powerful hymn. It was first printed in “A Selection of Hymns” published by John Rippon, an influential English minister who pastored Carter Lane Baptist Church in London. The only name for a writer was “K.”

One speculated contributor is Robert Keene, a close friend of John Rippon who served as song leader at Carter Lane Baptist Church from 1776-1793. Some historians believe Keene likely assisted Rippon in preparing his influential hymnal.

Though the author was unknown, the hymn survived through its great message. It was especially popular with men who felt the weight of the world on their shoulders, and many leaders in America chose it as their favorite hymn. Andrew Jackson requested it be sung at his deathbed, and Robert E. Lee and Theodore Roosevelt both requested it be sung at their funerals. During the American Civil War, both Northern and Southern soldiers could be heard singing it; a testament to how God bridges the gap between all men.

This is the story shared by Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis Guild, Jr. of what happened on a Christmas Eve night in 1898 when this hymn was used to unite a divided American army during the Spanish-American War, a time soon after the Civil War when tensions between North and South were still high.

“On Christmas eve of 1898 I sat before my tent in the balmy tropical night [near Havana] chatting with a fellow-officer of Christmas and home.

“Suddenly from the camp of the Forty-ninth Iowa rang a sentinel’s call, “Number ten; twelve o’clock, and all’s well!” It was Christmas morning. Scarcely had the cry of the sentinel died away, when from the bandsmen’s tents of that same regiment there rose the music of an old, familiar hymn, and one clear baritone voice led the chorus that quickly ran along those moonlit fields: ‘How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord!’

“Another voice joined in, and another, and another, and in a moment the whole regiment was singing, and then the Sixth Missouri joined in, with the Fourth Virginia, and all the rest, till there, on the long ridges above the great city whence Spanish tyranny once went forth to enslave the New World, a whole American army corps was singing.

"The Northern soldier knew the hymn as one he had learned beside his mother’s knee. To the Southern soldier it was that and something more; it was the favorite hymn of General Robert E. Lee and was sung at that great commander’s funeral. Protestant and Catholic, North and South were singing together on Christmas day in the morning – now that’s an American army!"

Regardless of authorship, we know that this hymn was written by a Christian who was extremely knowledgeable of the promises of God found in Scripture, who had most likely called upon those promises for strength in times of tribulation.

Verse One

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?”

 1 Corinthians 3:11

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse from the Bible emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ as the foundational cornerstone of our faith . . . He is the unshakable foundation upon which we can build our beliefs, values, and identity as Christians . . . We recognize the importance of His teachings in guiding our actions and shaping our character by acknowledging Jesus as our foundation. This verse serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in our faith and to continually build upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ . . . The foundation of my life’s work is built upon Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone that holds everything together and gives true meaning and purpose to all that I do . . .  Placing my faith and trust in Christ enables me to build a life that will withstand the tests of time and trials that may come my way . . . I seek to build upon the foundation of Christ in all aspects of my life, knowing that He is the solid ground on which I stand. With Him as my cornerstone, I am able to live a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment, knowing that my efforts are not in vain but are building towards something eternal and everlasting.

Verse Two

“Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”

Romans 4:20

“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.”

Biblerepository.com: What stands out in this passage is that Abraham “staggered not.” He did not waver in disbelief. This tells us that faithful belief is grounded in an active relationship with God. When we cultivate this relationship, we start to see God’s faithfulness in our lives, solidifying our trust in Him . . . Abraham’s strength in faith gives glory to God. It serves as a model for how our faith can positively impact our relationship with God as well. When we believe, we open the door for His power to work in our lives. This isn’t about a blind leap of faith; it is about believing in the character of God. Abraham knew that God was capable of doing what He promised. He had a relationship with God that went beyond surface-level understanding. It was mature, filled with trust, and fed by experiences with God’s faithfulness.

Verse Three

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

 Psalm 18:16

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.”

Scripturesavvy.com: The phrase “drew me out of many waters” has a personal and almost maternal quality. It evokes an image of nurturing affection, showing that God is deeply involved in our lives. His intent is always to cultivate hope and restoration. This resonates with Isaiah 43:2, which promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.” Here we see the continuity of God’s protective nature seen throughout the Scriptures. Such imagery emphasizes our identity as beloved children who can approach God without fear of being overlooked or forgotten.

Godsbless.ing: Psalm 18:16-19 is a powerful passage that speaks of God’s deliverance and protection, a testimony of His intervention in times of distress for those who trust in Him. This Psalm, attributed to David, reflects his gratitude for God’s saving grace and recognition of God’s power and love. The key phrases in these verses hold profound meanings that resonate with believers today. “He reached down from on high and took hold of me” illustrates God’s active involvement in our lives, showing His willingness to personally intervene to rescue us from harm.

Verse Four

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design,

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”

1 Peter 1:7

“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Enduringword.com: Our faith isn’t tested because God doesn’t know how much or what kind of faith we have. It is tested because we often are ignorant of how much or what kind of faith we have. God’s purpose in testing is to display the enduring quality of our faith . . . If gold is fit to be tested and purified by fire, then how much more our faith, which is far more precious than gold? God has a great and important purpose in testing our faith . . . Faith is tested to show that it is sincere faith or true faith. Faith is tested to show the strength of faith. Faith is tested to purify it, to burn away the dross from the gold. Gold is one of the most durable of all materials. Yet it too will one day perish, but our faith will not . . . The end of your faith is the return of Jesus and the ultimate salvation of your souls. Testing and trials are inevitable as long as we are on this side of the end of your faith. As long as we do not see the God we serve we must endure through trials and face them with faith and joy.

Verse Five

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to His foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”

Hebrews 13:5

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

Biblerepository.com: We are met with the promise of God’s presence: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” This is a central theme that resonates throughout scripture. Whether it’s in moments of joy or sorrow, God reassures us of His faithful companionship. We can be confident that He guides us through our uncertainties, wrapping us in His love. This steadfastness gives us peace, especially in dark times, sparking hope within our hearts.

Our God will never forsake us. Let us never forsake Him.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

hymncharts.com

umcdiscipleship.com

reasonabletheology.org

lukepowellministries.com

hymnsforworship.org

By His Grace . . . 

 

On Jordan's Stormy Banks

  

Samuel Stennett, writer of this hymn, was born in England in 1727. He came from a heritage of Baptist pastors; his father and grandfather were both in the ministry. As Baptists, they did not conform to the Church of England, so he was not allowed into normal universities. Nonconformists were seen as rebels against the Crown and against God.

But Stennett was friends with King George the Third. He used his friendship as best he could to influence the King so that dissenters didn’t get looked down upon as much as they had been.

Stennett had many political opportunities because of his friendship with the King, but instead decided to focus on the ministry, and he wrote many hymns.

At the age of ten he moved to London. His father had become the minister of the Seventh Day Baptist Church over there. He went on to study at the Academy of Mile End, which was a nonconformist school. He received a Doctor of Divinity at King’s College.

Stennett served as an assistant to his father in his congregation in 1747 and assumed the position of pastor upon his father’s death in 1758. He was called as pastor of the Sabbatarian Baptist Church in 1767, a congregation that had been served by his grandfather, but declined the call. While continuing his other position, he preached to the Sabbatarian congregation every Saturday for 20 years. His published works include sermons, pamphlets, and 38 hymns in John Rippon's book: “Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors.” In 1763 he was honored with a D. D. degree by the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He died in London August 25, 1795.

Rigdon M McIntosh, a Southern musician, added the refrain to this hymn. The refrain rouses joy when sung as we look forward to the Promised Land.

Biblehub.com: The term “Promised Land” generally refers to the specific territory that was pledged by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. According to the historical narratives and covenants recorded in Scripture, it was a physical region in the ancient Near East intended for the nation of Israel. This covenantal promise appears early in the Hebrew Scriptures, illustrating an enduring pledge made between God and His people.

What does the Promised Land mean for Christians?

Christianitytoday.com: This promised land that God gives to all, however, is not a country or land that is temporal, but a land that will last for eternity; a place we can call our eternal home. Consider what the faithful men and women of God believed in: a promised land that is far better than any land in this world . . . Our Promised Land is God's heavenly dwelling place, a place where we will dwell with God . . . This is the promised land for all who believe. Christians from all nations are promised a heavenly home where God dwells with us, and the way for us to enter in is only through Jesus Christ.

When you sing this refrain, sing it loud and clear! We are going!

Verse One

“On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,

And cast a wishful eye,

To Canaan's fair and happy land,

Where my possessions lie.”

Hebrews 4:8-9

"For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God."

Bibledictionarytoday.com: In Christian theology, Canaan is viewed as a foreshadowing of eternal life and the ultimate promise of salvation. Hebrews 4:8-9 discusses a "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God, indicating that the promise of Canaan extends beyond earthly boundaries to a heavenly reality. This connection emphasizes the hope of believers in achieving ultimate rest and communion with God . . . Canaan is much more than a historical region; it encapsulates the essence of God's promises and the spiritual journey of His people. From its biblical origins to its modern-day implications, Canaan serves as a symbol of hope, fulfillment, and divine promise. Through the exploration of Canaan, believers are reminded of the importance of faith, obedience, and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, making it a pivotal element in the landscape of spirituality and everyday life.

Verse Two

“O’er all those wide extended plains,

Shines one eternal day;

There God the Son forever reigns,

And scatters night away.”

Romans 6:22

“But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse offers profound hope and direction, speaking to the transformative power of Christ, the new life of holiness, and the ultimate reward of eternal life. For anyone feeling trapped or hopeless, this verse serves as a reminder that true freedom and eternal life are found in Christ. It calls us to embrace the freedom from sin, the servitude to God, the pursuit of holiness, and the hope of eternal life that Christ offers

Biblerepository.com: One of the most powerful aspects of this verse is the promise of eternal life. It’s not just about how we live now, but it is also about what awaits us in the future. If we devote ourselves to God, the end result is a heavenly reward that lasts forever. This provides us with hope and encouragement during difficult times.

Revelation 19:6

“Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.'”

Biblerepository.com: The voice of the multitude in Revelation 19:6 is the response to God’s reign being established. This moment marks the fulfillment of promises God has made throughout Scripture, bringing closure to a tumultuous history of conflict between good and evil. In Christ, we find hope and are reminded that despite the chaos we may experience, God’s ultimate plan is victory. His reign assures us that we can strive for holiness and joy, even in difficult circumstances.

Revelation 22:5

“And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.”

Enduringword.com: Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. The light is not artificial, even from the sun – God Himself is the light.

Godsbless.ing: The declaration that 'there will be no more night' signifies the cessation of darkness in all its forms, whether physical or spiritual. Night, often symbolizing sin, fear, and separation from God in biblical imagery, will be banished forever in the eternal light of God’s kingdom. The assurance that believers will not require the light of lamps or the sun underscores the sufficiency of God’s presence as the sole source of illumination, surpassing all other lights in its brilliance and permanence.

Verse Three

“No chilling winds or poisonous breath,

Can reach that healthful shore;

Sickness and sorrow, pain and death,

Are felt and feared no more.”

Isaiah 51:11

“So the ransomed of the Lord will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, And everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Biblehub.com: Isaiah 51:11 speaks of the redeemed of the Lord returning to Zion with joy and everlasting happiness. This verse emphasizes that those who have been rescued from suffering and oppression will experience a profound sense of joy and relief. The imagery of singing and joy signifies a return to a place of safety and celebration, contrasting with the sorrow and sighing of the past. This promise is rooted in God’s faithfulness and His ability to restore and bring hope to His people, even in the midst of trials.

Verse Four

“When I shall reach that happy place,

I'll be forever blest,

For I shall see my Father's face,

And in his bosom rest.”

Revelation 22:4 

“They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.”

Godsbless.ing: We are reminded of the promise that the redeemed will see God’s face and bear His name on their foreheads. It is a picture of ultimate fulfillment and joy, where the faithful are in the presence of their Creator, experiencing His love and glory in all its fullness . . . This verse speaks to the intimacy and connection believers will have with God in the afterlife. The phrase “They will see His face” symbolizes the profound experience of being in the presence of God, seeing Him directly and experiencing His full glory. This vision represents a deep spiritual connection and understanding of God that transcends our earthly limitations. It speaks to a sense of closeness, knowledge, and communion with the divine that is beyond human comprehension.

Refrain

“I am bound for the promised land,

I am bound for the promised land;

Oh, who will come and go with me?

I am bound for the promised land.”

Who will go with you? God’s invitation is to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Biblerepository.com: “To everyone that believeth” opens the door for inclusivity. It emphasizes that the gospel is available to all who believe, irrespective of their past or identity. Think of this as a loving invitation, extending grace to every heart that is eager and willing to respond. As followers of Christ, we can help create an unbroken circle of believers who reflect this grace and hope.

Again, who will go with you?

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

LukePowellMinistries.com

Umcdiscipleship.org

En.wikipedia.org

pioneergirl.com

thescottspot.wordpress.com

whiteestate.org

"Now I Belong to Jesus"

 

Norman John Clayton was born in Brooklyn, NY, the 9th of 10 children. He gave his heart to Jesus at age six at the South Brooklyn Gospel Church. He was musically inclined, and became church organist at age 12, and also played trumpet. He remained an organist for the rest of his life.

When young he first worked on a dairy farm, then held an office job in NYC. Clayton entered the building trades industry, working for his father’s construction business, and during the depression, with a commercial bakery. He married Martha Adaline Wistendahl, and they had two children.

In the early 1940s, Jack Wyrtzen invited him to be an organist with NYC “Word of Life” rallies. For 15 years he provided music, was organist, vibraphonist, director of the inquiry room, and radio evangelist. He created his own publishing house, and from 1945-1959 he published 30 of his own songbooks. His company was eventually purchased by the Rodeheaver Company, and he joined them as a writer/editor, providing other songs during that period. He died at Carmel, NY.

Clayton stated: “I feel it is vitally important that every song I write be biblically based.” He had the habit of writing the music before the words. He made it a lifelong practice to memorize Scripture and tried, each time he wrote the words of a song, to be sure that its message was clearly biblical.

In 1942 he was working with Jack Wyrtzen's Word of Life organization, providing music for both the radio broadcasts and crusade meetings.  He composed the tune Ellsworth that year and wrote the words for this fine gospel song about a year later. 

Clayton wrote hundreds of hymns and they were singable, musically sweet and tender of sentiment.  They reflected his evangelical emphasis, focused on the saving work of Christ and the relationship with God through Him

This hymn emphasizes the believer's assurance of salvation and eternal belonging to Christ. It reflects his commitment to writing music that is both theologically sound and accessible for congregational singing.  

Lindsay Terry, in his book “Stories Behind Popular Songs and Hymns” (Baker Book House, 1990) recounts the following story: “A missionary named Roy Gustatson was invited to minister at a notorious prison in Jamaica. He sang and preached the gospel that day to a thousand men. But then, a guard asked if he’d meet with a small group of condemned prisoners who were to go to the gallows in a couple of days. The consciousness that this would be the last time these men would hear the gospel gripped him.

"To these men, starkly facing a Christless eternity, Roy gave his personal testimony, and sang Norman Clayton’s song, 'Now I Belong to Jesus.' One man was a condemned killer. He said, 'I’m going to die on Tuesday morning, sir. Can I be saved?' Adding sadly, 'I can’t read.'

"When Gustatson read him some salvation verses from the Word of God, the man bowed his face to the dirt floor sobbing, and called on the Lord to save him. Then, smiling through his tears, he asked for Clayton’s song to be sung again and, with some help, he sang along. As the guard let the evangelist out of the prison, he looked back and saw the man, waving his arms through the bars, still singing, 'Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me, / Not for the years of time alone, / But for eternity.'”

Verse One

“Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,

From Him no pow’r of evil can sever,

He gave His life to ransom my soul;

Now I belong to Him.”

Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Biblerepository.com: The phrase “to give His life a ransom for many” is also crucial. It points to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where He willingly gave up His life to pay for our sins. This act of love paid the price so we could be free from guilt and shame . . . Furthermore, the word “ransom” implies that Jesus paid a hefty price. His sacrifice was not trivial; it was a life laid down so that we could be free from the consequences of our own mistakes.

Verse Two

“Once I was lost in sin’s degradation,

Jesus came down to bring me salvation,

Lifted me up from sorrow and shame,

Now I belong to Him.”

Luke 19:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Biblerepository.com: The phrase “once I was lost” encompasses every person. It serves as an invitation for us to come out of hiding and into the light of Christ’s love. No one is excluded from His call; regardless of our life choices, Jesus is calling us to Himself. Every lost person has value, and this truth should resonate deeply in our hearts.

Godsbless.ing: This verse from the gospel of Luke captures the heart and mission of Jesus Christ as He walked the earth. Jesus’s mission to seek and save the lost speaks to the very essence of who He is and what He stands for . . . It reflects His compassion, love, and unwavering dedication to bringing back those who have strayed away.

Verse Three

“Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,

Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me

His precious blood, He came to redeem,

Now I belong to Him.”

Titus 3:5

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

Enduringword.com: This is the essence and distinctive of the gospel. We can notice the emphasis: of God . . . not by works . . . His mercy . . . He saved us . . . of the Holy Spirit . . . He poured . . . through Jesus . . .  by His grace . . . heirs. God is always the initiator, and we receive from Him before we give anything back.

Studylight.org, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: God's unmerited grace is the source of all salvation, and all the good works of a hundred lifetimes could never earn or merit the saving grace of God.

Refrain

“Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: God has deeply rooted the idea of eternity in every human heart; and every considerate man sees that all the operations of God refer to that endless duration . . . And it is only in eternity that man will be able to discover what God has designed by the various works He has formed.

Godsbless.ing: The phrase “He has also set eternity in the human heart” delves deeper into the idea of our innate longing for something beyond the earthly realm. It speaks to the human desire for eternity, for something greater and more meaningful than what we experience in this life . . . This verse serves as a comforting reminder that despite the temporal nature of this world, our souls are aligned with eternity and are meant for a deeper spiritual connection with God.

Psalm 93:2

“Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity.”

 “There never was a time in which God did not reign, in which He was not a supreme and absolute Monarch; for He is from everlasting. There never was a time in which He was not; there never can be a period in which He shall cease to exist.” (Clarke)

You who are saved. You will always belong to Jesus!

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

DianaLeaghMatthews.com

Hymnoftheweek.net, Jeff Mowery

Barryshymns.blogspot.com

Hymnary.org

By His Grace . . .