Fountainview Academy - Ring The Bells Heaven Lyrics
Lyrics
Ring the bells of heaven! There is joy today,
For a soul, returning from the wild!
See the Father meets him out upon the way,
Welcoming His weary, wand'ring child.
Chorus:
Glory! Glory! How the angels sing;
Glory! Glory! How the loud harps ring!
'Tis the ransomed army, like a mighty sea,
Pealing forth the anthem of the free.
Ring the bells of heaven! There is joy today,
For the wand'rer now is reconciled;
Yes, a soul is rescued from his sinful way!
And is born anew a ransomed child.
[Chorus]
Ring the bells of heaven! Spread the feast today!
Angels, swell the glad triumphant strain!
Tell the joyful tidings, bear it far away!
For a precious soul is born again.
[Chorus]
Video
Ring the Bells of Heaven | God so Loved the World | Fountainview Academy
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on October 4, 2019, Fountainview Academy's rendition of "Ring The Bells Heaven" arrives as a vibrant and potent affirmation of divine joy and the profound narrative of redemption. This song is not merely a collection of verses; it is a spiritual celebration, a powerful proclamation echoing the boundless jubilation in the heavens whenever a soul turns back to its Creator. It masterfully encapsulates the core Christian message of forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life, presenting it with an engaging simplicity that resonates deeply.
The heart of "Ring The Bells Heaven" draws its inspiration from the cherished biblical parables of lost things found, most notably the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32. The song paints a vivid picture of a "soul, returning from the wild," a poignant image of humanity's departure from God's path and the subsequent yearning for restoration. It beautifully portrays the divine eagerness to welcome home the wandering child, emphasizing God's relentless love that seeks and embraces even the most wayward among us. This narrative of return is central to the Christian faith, where a lost soul finds its way back to the loving embrace of a Father who has been patiently waiting.
The first verse immediately sets this scene, describing the "Father meets him out upon the way, Welcoming His weary, wand'ring child." This imagery is deeply rooted in Scripture, mirroring Luke 15:20 where the father sees his son from a distance and runs to him, embracing him before a single word of apology is uttered. It powerfully illustrates God’s initiating love and His active pursuit of those who have strayed, reminding us that He does not wait for us to fully recover ourselves but reaches out to us in our weariness. This grace-filled encounter underscores that our reconciliation is not based on our perfect return, but on God's unwavering compassion. As Isaiah 53:6 declares, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way," yet God in His mercy makes a way back for us.
The chorus, a magnificent crescendo of praise, proclaims, "Glory! Glory! How the angels sing; Glory! Glory! How the loud harps ring!" This celestial anthem vividly portrays the exultation in heaven over a sinner who repents, aligning perfectly with Luke 15:7 and 15:10, where Jesus explicitly states there is "joy in heaven over one sinner who repents." The powerful image of a "ransomed army, like a mighty sea, Pealing forth the anthem of the free" speaks to the collective voice of the redeemed, those set free from the bondage of sin through the sacrifice of Christ. This "ransom" is a direct reference to the price paid for our salvation, as echoed in 1 Peter 1:18-19, "you were redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ." Their "anthem of the free" is a testament to the liberty found in Christ, for "if the Son sets you free, you are truly free" (John 8:36).
Further deepening the narrative, the second verse rejoices that "the wand'rer now is reconciled; Yes, a soul is rescued from his sinful way! And is born anew a ransomed child." The term "reconciled" is profoundly significant, pointing to the mending of a broken relationship with God, as illuminated in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ." Being "rescued from his sinful way" highlights salvation not just from the penalty of sin, but from its power and dominion, echoing Romans 6:1-2. The glorious pronouncement of being "born anew" speaks to the spiritual regeneration that occurs when one truly embraces Christ, fulfilling Jesus’s words in John 3:3, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God," and Titus 3:5, "He saved us... by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." This transformation marks a new beginning, a complete spiritual rebirth.
The song culminates in the third verse by inviting a broader celebration: "Ring the bells of heaven! Spread the feast today! Angels, swell the glad triumphant strain! Tell the joyful tidings, bear it far away! For a precious soul is born again." The command to "spread the feast" directly recalls the fatted calf prepared for the Prodigal Son's return (Luke 15:23-24), a symbol of God's abundant provision and joyful celebration. It also subtly hints at the ultimate feast, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). The instruction to "Tell the joyful tidings, bear it far away!" transforms the heavenly rejoicing into an earthly imperative, reflecting the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the urgency of spreading the Gospel. This emphasizes that the good news of a soul being "born again" is too wonderful to keep secret, affirming the incredible worth of each individual soul in God's eyes, a truth profoundly stated in Matthew 16:26, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?"
"Ring The Bells Heaven" by Fountainview Academy stands as a timeless anthem of hope, an encouraging reminder of God's unwavering love and the glorious celebration that erupts in the spiritual realm each time a heart turns to Him. It inspires not only those returning to faith but also those who witness and pray for such transformations, reinforcing the profound truth that every soul matters immensely to God. Its message is a powerful call to embrace the joy of salvation and to partake in the mission of sharing this life-changing good news, making it a truly impactful and inspiring piece for anyone seeking encouragement in their faith journey.