To God Be the Glory proclaims the greatness of God’s works, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the call to worship. The song highlights God’s love in giving His Son, Jesus’ atonement for sin, and the joy of redemption. It invites all believers to glorify God and rejoice in His mighty deeds.
VERSE 1
To God be the glory, great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
CHORUS
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 through Jesus the Son
And give him the glory, great things he has done!
VERSE 3
Great things he has taught us, great things he has done,
and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
but purer and higher and greater will be
our joy and our wonder, when Jesus we see.
Story Behind the Hymn
“To God Be the Glory” is a cherished hymn penned by Fanny Crosby in the 1870s, with music composed by William Howard Doane. Despite Crosby’s prolific hymn writing, this particular piece did not gain immediate popularity in the United States. However, it found a receptive audience in Great Britain, largely due to its introduction during Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey’s evangelistic campaigns between 1873 and 1874.[1]
The hymn remained relatively obscure in America until 1954, when it was reintroduced during Billy Graham’s London Crusade. Cliff Barrows, Graham’s song leader, incorporated the hymn into the worship services, leading to its widespread adoption and enduring popularity among congregations. [2]
Today, “To God Be the Glory” is celebrated for its uplifting melody and profound message, encouraging believers to praise God for His wondrous works and the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ.[3]
The Glory Belongs to God Alone
“To God be the glory” declares that all honor and praise belong to God alone, recognizing His greatness and the wonderful things He has done. Scripture supports this in Psalm 115:1, which states, “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth” (NASB). This reinforces the biblical truth that God alone is worthy of worship and all recognition.
“So loved He the world that He gave us His Son” reflects John 3:16, which affirms God’s immense love in sending Jesus as the Savior. This love is sacrificial, demonstrating God’s desire for salvation to be available to all who believe. The phrase emphasizes the gospel message that redemption is a gift of grace, not earned by human effort.
“Who yielded His life an atonement for sin” points to Christ’s sacrificial death, aligning with Isaiah 53:5, which describes Jesus as “pierced for our offenses” and “crushed for our wrongdoings.” His atoning work provides forgiveness and reconciliation with God, fulfilling the requirement of justice while extending mercy.
“O come to the Father through Jesus the Son” upholds John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” This confirms the exclusivity of Christ as the only means of salvation, consistent with biblical teaching.
The song carries strong theological depth, emphasizing God’s glory, Christ’s atonement, and salvation by grace through faith. It remains biblically sound, centering on themes of worship, redemption, and future hope. There are no unbiblical or misleading elements, as all lyrics align with Scripture’s teachings on salvation and giving God the glory He deserves.
Relevant Bible Verses about To God Be the Glory Hymn
Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth. Psalm 115:1 NASB
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB
But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NASB
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NASB
Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2 NASB
To God Be the Glory lyrics and music by Fanny Crosby (1875), Public Domain