1 COME, let us ascend,
My companion and friend,
To a taste of the banquet above;
If thy heart be as mine,
If for Jesus it pine,
Come up into the chariot of love.
2 Who in Jesus confide,
We are bold to outride
The storms of affliction beneath;
With the prophet we soar
To the heavenly shore,
And outfly all the arrows of death.
3 By faith we are come
To our permanent home:
By hope we the rapture improve:
By love we still rise,
And look down on the skies,
For the heaven of heavens is love.
4 Who on earth can conceive
How happy we live,
In the palace of God, the great King?
What a concert of praise,
When our Jesus's grace
The whole heavenly company sing!
5 What a rapturous song,
When the glorified throng
In the spirit of harmony join:
Join all the glad choirs,
Hearts, voices, and lyres,
And the burden is, "Mercy divine!"
6 Hallelujah, they cry,
To the King of the sky,
To the great everlasting I AM;
To the Lamb that was slain,
And liveth again,
Hallelujah to God and the Lamb!
7 The Lamb on the throne,
Lo! he dwells with his own,
And to rivers of pleasure he leads;
With his mercy's full blaze,
With the sight of his face,
Our beatified spirits he feeds.
8 Our foreheads proclaim
His ineffable name;
Our bodies his glory display;
A day without night
We feast in his sight,
And eternity seems as a day!
Come, Let Us Ascend Video
Come, Let Us Ascend Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Come, Let Us Ascend: A Song of Exultation and Worship
Introduction:
In the rich tapestry of Christian hymnody, the song "Come, Let Us Ascend" by Charles Wesley stands as a beautiful expression of exultation and worship. With its vibrant imagery and passionate language, this hymn invites believers to rise above the challenges and storms of life and enter into the presence of God.
I. Rejoicing in the Kingship of Christ (Stanza 1)
The opening stanza of "Come, Let Us Ascend" sets the tone for the entire hymn, as it calls for rejoicing in the Lord's kingship. Wesley urges believers to lift up their hearts and voices in adoration and triumph. The repetition of the word "rejoice" emphasizes the overflowing joy that believers have in their Savior and King. This message is rooted in the biblical truth that the Lord reigns and deserves our adoration (Psalm 97:1).
II. Ascending with Faith and Hope (Stanza 2)
The second stanza of the hymn encourages believers to ascend with faith and hope. Wesley reminds us of the redemptive work of Christ, who purged our sins and now sits at the right hand of the Father. This imagery is derived from Hebrews 1:3, which speaks of Christ's exalted position after accomplishing salvation. By placing our trust in Jesus, we can rise above the challenges of life and find hope in His victory.
III. Triumphing over Death and Hell (Stanza 3)
Stanza 3 of "Come, Let Us Ascend" highlights the triumph of Christ over death and hell. Wesley proclaims that Jesus holds the keys to death and hell, referencing Revelation 1:18. This biblical truth reminds believers that through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and eternal separation from God. It is through Him that we can experience victory over the forces of darkness.
IV. The Heavenly Banquet of Love (Stanza 4)
The fourth stanza of the hymn paints a vivid picture of the heavenly banquet of love that awaits believers. Wesley describes the joyous worship and praise that resound in the presence of God. The reference to a chariot of love and the imagery of feasting in God's presence evoke a sense of awe and anticipation. This stanza reminds us of the eternal fellowship we will have with God and the joyous celebration that awaits us in heaven.
V. The Rapture and Glory of Heaven (Stanza 5)
In stanza 5, the hymn focuses on the rapture and glory of heaven. Wesley emphasizes the unending praise and worship that will fill the heavenly realm. The image of all creation joining in the chorus of hallelujahs echoes the biblical truth found in Revelation 5:13, where every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea proclaims the worthiness of the Lamb. This stanza invites believers to imagine the grandeur and beauty of the eternal kingdom that awaits them.
VI. The Anticipation of Christ's Return (Stanza 6)
The final stanza of "Come, Let Us Ascend" looks forward to the anticipated return of Christ. Wesley stirs the hearts of believers by highlighting the glorious hope they have in Jesus as the judge who will come. This expectation is rooted in the biblical promise of Christ's second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The stanza culminates in the triumphant proclamation that believers will soon hear the archangel's voice and the trumpet of God, signaling the ultimate victory of Christ.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The song "Come, Let Us Ascend" is a powerful proclamation of the believer's journey from earth to heaven, from the challenges of this life to the glorious presence of God. It calls believers to rejoice in the kingship of Christ, placing their faith and hope in Him. The song invites believers to triumph over the forces of darkness through the redeeming work of Jesus, who holds the keys to death and hell. It paints a vivid picture of the heavenly banquet of love and the eternal fellowship believers will enjoy with God. The song also instills a sense of anticipation for Christ's return, reminding believers of the hope and joy that await them in the eternal kingdom.
Critically Analyzing the Biblical Foundations:
The song "Come, Let Us Ascend" is deeply rooted in biblical truth and draws upon various passages of Scripture. It emphasizes the kingship of Christ (Psalm 97:1), His redemptive work (Hebrews 1:3), His triumph over death and hell (Revelation 1:18), and the anticipated return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The hymn aligns with the core teachings of Christianity and serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and victory believers have in Jesus.
Conclusion:
"Come, Let Us Ascend" by Charles Wesley is a hymn that stirs the hearts of believers, inviting them to rise above the challenges of life and enter into the presence of God. Its rich imagery, passionate language, and biblical foundations make it a powerful expression of exultation and worship. As believers sing this hymn, they are reminded of the kingship of Christ, the triumph of His redemptive work, and the joyous anticipation of His return. May this song continue to inspire and uplift the hearts of believers as they journey towards their heavenly home.
