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]
Ring The Bells Heaven Video
Ring The Bells Heaven Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Ring the Bells of Heaven: A Joyful Anthem of Redemption and Reconciliation
Introduction:
Ring the Bells of Heaven is a well-known Christian hymn that celebrates the joy of redemption and reconciliation through Christ. The song has been performed by various artists and choirs, including the talented singers of Fountainview Academy.
I. The Joy of a Soul Returning from the Wild:
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the joyous celebration that follows. "Ring the bells of heaven! There is joy today, For a soul returning from the wild!" These words convey the excitement and jubilation that accompanies the return of a lost soul to the Father's embrace. The imagery of bells ringing in heaven evokes a sense of triumph and victory.
II. The Father's Welcome:
The song continues with the image of the Father meeting the wandering soul on the way, eagerly welcoming his weary child. This highlights the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. It echoes the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:20, where the father runs to embrace his wayward son, celebrating his return rather than condemning him for his past mistakes.
III. The Ransomed Army:
The chorus of the song proclaims, "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." Here, the focus shifts from the individual soul to the collective praise and worship of all the redeemed. The imagery of a mighty sea and the pealing anthem emphasizes the magnitude and power of the celebration in heaven.
IV. Reconciliation and New Birth:
The second verse of the song emphasizes the reconciliation and new birth that occur through the redeeming work of Christ. "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." This verse speaks of the transformation that takes place when a soul accepts Christ as their Savior. It highlights the importance of sharing the good news of salvation with others.
V. The Meaning of the Song:
Ring the Bells of Heaven conveys a message of hope, joy, and redemption. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. The song encourages us to celebrate the reconciling work of Christ and to share the good news of salvation with others.
Inspiration and Song Story:
The hymn was written by W. O. Cushing, a minister and hymn writer from the United States, who lived from 1823 to 1903. Although there is limited information available about the specific inspiration behind the song, it is clear that Cushing drew from biblical themes of redemption, reconciliation, and the joy of the Lord.
Biblical Foundation:
To critically analyze the biblical foundation of the song, we can examine the key messages and themes presented and compare them to the teachings of Scripture.
1. The Joy of Redemption: The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the joy that accompanies the salvation and redemption of a soul. In Luke 15:7, Jesus says, "I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." This aligns with the message of the song, which celebrates the joy in heaven over the return of a lost soul.
2. The Father's Love and Forgiveness: The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 beautifully illustrates the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. The image of the father running to embrace his wayward son reflects the message of the song, which portrays the Father's welcome and acceptance of the repentant soul.
3. Reconciliation and New Birth: The concept of reconciliation and new birth through faith in Christ is central to Christian theology. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This aligns with the message of the second verse, which speaks of a precious soul being born again.
Overall, Ring the Bells of Heaven aligns with biblical teachings regarding redemption, reconciliation, and the joy of salvation. Its emphasis on the Father's love, the celebration in heaven, and the call to share the good news of salvation are all consistent with the teachings of Scripture.
Conclusion:
Ring the Bells of Heaven is a joyful anthem that celebrates the redemption and reconciliation found in Christ. Its messages of joy, forgiveness, and new birth resonate with believers worldwide. As we sing this song, we are reminded of the unending love and grace of our Heavenly Father and the joyous celebration that awaits us in heaven. May we continue to share the good news of salvation with others and ring the bells of heaven in our worship and praise.
