Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending
Hymn Information
- First Line
- Lo! he comes, with clouds descending
- Author
- Charles Wesley (1758)
- Tune Name
- HELMSLEY
- Composer (attributed to)
- Augustine Arne
- Adapter
- Thomas Olivers (1763)
- Topic
- Church Year: Christ the King · Jesus Christ: Majesty · Jesus Christ: Second Coming
Copyright Information
- Text Copyright
- Public Domain
- Tune Copyright
- Public Domain
- Reprint/Projection Information
- Words and Music: The Words and Music are in the Public Domain; you do not need permission to project or reprint the Words and Music.
Full Text
Scripture References
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Further Reflections on Scripture References
Like so many of Wesley's texts, "Lo! He Comes" abounds with biblical imagery. Stanzas 1, 2, and 4 are based on the rich language of John's apocalyptic visions recorded in Revelation 1:7 and 5:11-13. The third stanza reminds us that Christ's wounds and atoning death should lead us to greater faith and ultimately to our worship of Christ in glory (as Christ himself reminded the doubting Thomas). Stanza 4 is a majestic doxology to Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Bert Polman, Psalter Hymnal Handbook
Confessions and Statements of Faith References
Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References
Belgic Confession, Article 37, perhaps more than any, spells out what believers anticipate and how this fills us with hope and comfort:
“All human creatures will appear in person before the great judge…summoned there ‘with the archangel’s call and the sound of God’s trumpet’.”
“And as for those who are still alive, they will not die like the others but will be changed ‘in the twinkling of an eye’ from perishable to imperishable.”
“Therefore, with good reason the thought of this judgment is horrible and dreadful to wicked and evil people. But it is very pleasant and a great comfort to the righteous and elect, since their total redemption will then be accomplished...”
“The faithful and elect will be crowned with glory and honor. And as a gracious reward the Lord will make them possess a glory such as the human heart could never imagine.”
“So we look forward to that great day with longing in order to enjoy fully the promises of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending
Blessing/Benediction
Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending
Tune Information
- Name
- HELMSLEY
- Key
- G Major
- Meter
- 8.7.8.7.4.4.4.7