WELCOME HOME[1]
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.[2]
This song embraces the true assurance of the Christian: we hope confidently for our welcome home because of Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
I know for sure true life is mine, for Jesus lives, the first to rise, the first to hear these words in hope: “Well done, good servant, and welcome home.”
By looking back to his resurrection, as have the many saints who have gone before, we too can look forward to hearing the words of hope: “Well done, good servant, and welcome home.”
How many saints have gone before? Their work is done; they weep no more. They heard those words before his throne: “Well done, good servant, and welcome home.”
For now, we sing as strangers longing for a better country, imagined by C. S. Lewis as “Chapter One of the great Story . . . which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”[3]
And when my time on earth is done, and I am called into his love, then he shall say by grace alone: “Well done, good servant, and welcome home.”
All that are by faith united to Christ, are by his resurrection assured of their own. As through the sin of the first Adam, all men became mortal, because all had from him the same sinful nature, so, through the resurrection of Christ, shall all who are made to partake of the Spirit, and the spiritual nature, revive, and live forever. There will be an order in the resurrection. Christ himself has been the first fruits; at his coming, his redeemed people will be raised before others; at the last the wicked will rise also. Then will be the end of this present state of things. Would we triumph in that solemn and important season, we must now submit to his rule, accept his salvation, and live to his glory. Then shall we rejoice in the completion of his undertaking, that God may receive the whole glory of our salvation, that we may forever serve him, and enjoy his favour.[4]
I know for sure true life is mine, for Jesus lives, the first to rise; he bought for me these words of hope: “Well done, good servant, and welcome home.”
Welcome Home
[1] Words and Music: Sandra McCracken, Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson. The Sing! Hymnal, 2025, #706.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:20.
[3] The Sing! Hymnal, 2025, p. 946.
[4] Matthew Henry and Thomas Scott, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1997), 1 Co 15:20.
