When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
and the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
when the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
Refrain:
When the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
and the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. Refrain
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;
let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. Refrain
When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder Video
When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder Song Meaning
When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder by The Celebration Choir is a beloved hymn that has been sung and cherished by Christians for many years. This hymn, written by James Milton Black in 1893, is filled with powerful messages about salvation, the resurrection of Christ, and the anticipation of being called to heaven.
I. The Anticipation of the Final Day
The song begins with the line, “When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more.” This sets the stage for the song’s main theme of anticipating the final day when Christ will return and gather His people. It speaks of a future morning that is eternal, bright, and fair, where the saved of the earth will gather on the other shore.
The lyrics convey a sense of excitement and joy in the anticipation of this glorious day. It paints a picture of believers eagerly waiting for the trumpet sound, signaling the end of time and the beginning of eternity. This theme of eagerly awaiting the return of Christ is consistent with the teachings of the Bible.
II. The Resurrection of the Saints
The second verse of the song focuses on the resurrection of the saints. It speaks of a bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise and share in the glory of His resurrection. This verse emphasizes the hope and assurance that believers have in the resurrection of the body.
The concept of the resurrection is a fundamental belief in Christianity. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”
The lyrics of the song beautifully capture this belief, reminding believers that they will be partakers in the resurrection of Christ and will join Him in their heavenly home.
III. Laboring for the Master
The third verse of the song takes a slightly different tone, focusing on the importance of laboring for the Master while on earth. It encourages believers to work diligently for God from dawn till setting sun and to talk about His wondrous love and care.
This verse reminds Christians of their responsibility to share the gospel and live out their faith in a way that brings glory to God. It echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The lyrics serve as a reminder that our time on earth is limited and that we should make the most of it by serving God and spreading His love to others. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and fulfilling the purpose He has for each believer.
IV. The Roll Call in Heaven
The refrain of the song, which is repeated throughout, speaks of the roll call in heaven. It declares, “When the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, when the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”
This line carries a profound message of assurance and hope for believers. It signifies the belief that when the time comes for the roll call in heaven, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ will be present. It speaks of the eternal security and salvation that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus.
The idea of a roll call in heaven is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the concept of believers being called by name and known by God is found throughout Scripture. In Isaiah 43:1, God says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”
V. Biblical Foundation of the Song
When analyzing the Biblical foundation of a song, it is important to consider the overall message, alignment with biblical teachings, and theological accuracy. In the case of “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” the song conveys several key messages that align with the teachings of the Bible.
Firstly, the song emphasizes the anticipation of the return of Christ and the gathering of believers. This hope is deeply rooted in the New Testament, particularly in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which speaks of the trumpet call of God and the resurrection of believers.
Secondly, the song affirms the belief in the resurrection of the saints. This doctrine is central to Christianity and is supported by numerous passages in the Bible, including 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
Thirdly, the song encourages believers to labor for the Master and live out their faith in a way that brings glory to God. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, where He emphasizes the importance of serving others and spreading the good news of the kingdom.
While the concept of a roll call in heaven is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the overall message of the song is consistent with biblical teachings on salvation, resurrection, and living a life devoted to God.
Conclusion
“When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” by The Celebration Choir is a timeless hymn that speaks to the anticipation of Christ’s return, the resurrection of believers, and the importance of living a life devoted to God. Its lyrics convey messages of hope, assurance, and the longing for eternal life in heaven.
The song is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and aligns with key doctrines of the Christian faith. While some elements, such as the roll call in heaven, may not have explicit scriptural references, the overall message of the song remains consistent with the teachings of the Bible.
As believers, we can find encouragement and inspiration in the lyrics of this hymn, reminding us of the blessed hope we have in Christ and the eternal life that awaits us.
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