I have read of a beautiful city,
Far away in the kingdom of God;
I have read how its walls are of jasper,
How its streets are all golden and broad;
In the midst of the street is life’s river,
Clear as crystal and pure to behold;
But not half of that city’s bright glory
To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of bright mansions in Heaven,
Which the Savior has gone to prepare;
And the saints who on earth have been faithful,
Rest forever with Christ over there;
There no sin ever enters, nor sorrow,
The inhabitants never grow old;
But not half of the wonderful story
To mortals has ever been told. [Refrain]
I have read of white robes for the righteous,
Of bright crowns which the glorified wear,
When our Father shall bid them, Come, enter,
And My glory eternally share;
How the righteous are evermore blessèd
As they walk through the streets of pure gold;
But not half of the wonderful story
To mortals has ever been told. [Refrain]
I have read of a Christ so forgiving,
That vile sinners may ask and receive
Peace and pardon for every transgression,
If when asking they only believe.
I have read how He’ll guide and protect us,
If for safety we enter His fold;
But not half of His goodness and mercy
To mortals has ever been told. [Refrain]
Refrain
Not half has ever been told;
Not half has ever been told;
Not half of that city’s bright glory
To mortals has ever been told.
J.B. Atchinson, 1875
Read 1 Corinthians 2:9
Artists have tried to draw or paint what they think heaven will be like. Writers have exhausted their vocabulary trying to describe the way it must be. But the truth is, our imaginations don’t do heaven justice. I think the hymn has it right, though. The glories of heaven do not compare to the wonder of salvation. In the ages to come, I doubt we’ll be discussing the streets and the gates, but we will be worshiping the Savior who gave His life so that we could be there. Yes, when it comes to His goodness and mercy, the half has not been told.
