GOSPEL >> Salvation & Redemption
SDAH 341
To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the lifegate that all may go in.
This hymn appears in:
For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: To God Be the Glory
Though written by Fanny Crosby (1820–1915; see Biographies) in the U.S., To God Be the Glory first gained popularity in Great Britain through the evangelistic efforts of Moody and Sankey in the 1870s. It was later published in Brightest and Best (1875) under the title “Praise for Redemption.” The triumphant tune by William Howard Doane (1832–1915), a frequent collaborator of Crosby’s, matches the hymn’s joyful message of salvation and glory given entirely to God. Together, text and tune form one of the most beloved gospel songs in Adventist worship today.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
This hymn by Frances Jane Crosby (1820-1915; see Biographies) became popular in Great Britain before it was well known in its country of origin, for Ira Sankey introduced it in 1873-1874 during Moody’s evangelistic campaigns. However, it was printed in 1875, in Lowry and Doane’s Brightest and Best in the United States, under the title, “Praise for Redemption,” and was soon a favorite.
The tune was composed by William Howard Doane (1832-1915; see Biographies), a friend of the author, who wrote many tunes for her words. This gospel song is one of 10 of his in SDAH.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the lifegate that all may go in.
Refrain
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he hath done!
2
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
to every believer the promise of God;
the vilest offender who truly believes,
that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
3
Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,
and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son;
but purer, and higher, and greater will be
our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Ps 96:8; John 3:16; Rom 5:16 (b) Rev 5:19 (c) Ps 126:3 (r) Ps 85:6
Author
Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915)
Year Published
1875
Metrical Number
11.11.11.11.Ref.
Composer
William H. Doane (1832-1915)
