Lyrics
When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o'er life's finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then-how much I owe.
When I hear the wicked call,
On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then-how much I owe.
When I stand before the Throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then-how much I owe.
When the praise of Heav'n I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters' noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then-how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: Robert Murray McCheyne
Looking forward to eternity with Christ helps us realize the incredible depth of God's grace and salvation. While we can only partially grasp the magnitude of His love now, standing in His presence will open our eyes to the full measure of what He rescued us from and saved us for. Let this hymn stir a quiet, profound gratitude in your heart today as you rest in His eternal mercy.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
- 1 John 3:2: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him even as he is.”
- Revelation 6:16: “and they told the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,”