Charles Wesley - Blessing, Honour, Thanks, And Praise Lyrics

Blessing and Honor (Live)

Blessing, Honour, Thanks, And Praise Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Blessing, Honour, Thanks, And Praise" is a profound hymn by Charles Wesley, reflecting deep Christian faith and hope. Typically associated with moments of transition, particularly concerning death and the believer's triumph, the hymn moves from general adoration of God to a specific focus on the ultimate victory granted through Jesus Christ. It encapsulates the core message of redemption and the assurance of salvation for those who believe, framing life's struggles and death itself within the context of divine grace and Christ's completed work.

Charles Wesley, a prolific hymn writer of the Methodist revival, penned thousands of hymns that expressed the full spectrum of Christian experience, from conversion and assurance to sanctification and eschatological hope. His hymns are renowned for their theological depth, scriptural foundation, and poetic power. This particular hymn is a classic example of his ability to articulate complex theological concepts, such as the victory over death and the believer's entrance into glory, in language that is both accessible and moving for congregational singing. It is often sung at funerals or memorial services, serving as a powerful statement of faith and comfort.

The opening stanza sets the tone by directing all praise and honour to God. It acknowledges God's abundant grace as the source of victory. This victory is explicitly attributed to Jesus Christ, described as "our dying Lord," who "for us the fight hath won." This establishes the central theme: Christian triumph, even over death, is not earned but is a gift received through Christ's sacrificial work on the cross. The hymn immediately grounds its message in the finished work of Christ, highlighting God's faithfulness to His word in glorifying His Son.

The hymn transitions in the second and third stanzas to portray the state of a deceased Christian. It uses powerful imagery of release – the "prisoner is released," "lightened of his fleshly load." Death is depicted not as an end but as a gathering into God's presence, a rest where the weary find peace. The language emphasizes the cessation of earthly suffering and conflict: "the pain of life is past," "all his warfare now is o'er," and the ultimate triumph over "death and hell." The spirit is described as being borne by angels to Paradise, finding God, and joining in triumphant song, signifying immediate joy and presence with the Lord upon leaving the body.

The focus shifts in the later stanzas to the perspective of the living believers. The hymn calls for unity ("Join we then, with one accord") in celebrating this victory through a "new, the joyful song." It expresses the hope and certainty of future reunion, acknowledging that separation from their "loving Lord" and the departed brother will not be permanent. The "house of clay" (the earthly body) will be shed, leading to a "better lot" in the "realms of day," where they will "Meet our happy brother there." This reinforces the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life in God's presence.

The final stanza starkly contrasts the world's reaction to death with the Christian response. While the world may "bewail their dead" and "fondly of their loss complain," for the believer, the death of a Christian brother or friend is viewed as gain for the departed soul, who has been freed by Jesus and "entered into joy." This perspective allows believers to respond with songs of faith rather than despair, committing their lives to God's service "Till we all to God return." The hymn concludes with a powerful affirmation of eternal hope and the temporary nature of earthly separation.

The themes expressed throughout the hymn are deeply rooted in various parts of scripture. The victory over death and sin through Christ resonates with passages like 1 Corinthians 15, which speaks of death being swallowed up in victory, and Romans 8, affirming that nothing can separate believers from God's love. The idea of the departed believer being "gathered into God" and present with the Lord aligns with the hope expressed in Philippians 1:21-23, where Paul considers death as gain because it means being with Christ. The imagery of rest and the end of suffering echoes the promise of Revelation 21:4, where God will wipe away tears and death, sorrow, crying, and pain will be no more. The contrast between worldly mourning and Christian hope is consistent with biblical admonitions for believers not to grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

The enduring legacy of "Blessing, Honour, Thanks, And Praise" is evident in its continued use in Christian worship. Performances like the "Blessing and Honor (Live)" video released in 2018 demonstrate how this timeless hymn, with its powerful message of triumph over death through Christ, continues to inspire and comfort believers, reaffirming their hope in God's grace and the promise of eternal life. It serves as a reminder that ultimate victory belongs to God, granted to believers through the finished work of Jesus Christ.