To God Be The Glory

Jonathan Anderson • July 16, 2025

“To God Be the Glory” is a hymn that lifts the heart immediately. From the very first line, it points upward — celebrating the greatness of God and the finished work of Christ. It’s not about asking for help or comfort — it’s about giving praise. Pure, joyful, grateful praise for everything God has done.

The Story Behind the Hymn

This powerful hymn was written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1875, with music by her frequent collaborator William H. Doane. While Crosby is best known for more tender hymns of devotion, this one is full of celebration. It was originally published in the U.S. but became even more popular in Great Britain.

The hymn was later reintroduced to American churches during a crusade led by Ira Sankey and Dwight L. Moody, and it quickly became a favorite across denominations. Its timeless melody and gospel-rich lyrics continue to stir hearts around the world today.


What Makes It Powerful

The hymn is all about God’s glory — not ours. It celebrates salvation as a gift of grace, completely finished in Christ. Every line draws attention to God’s greatness, His love, and the joy we have because of what He’s done. And it leads to the natural response: praise.

A verse that reflects the spirit of this hymn is 1 Chronicles 16:28–29 (NIV):


Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

“To God Be the Glory” reminds us that worship is the right response to grace — not because we must, but because we can’t help it.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “To God Be the Glory” for violin, I wanted the melody to feel full and bright. The notes are naturally triumphant, so I leaned into that — playing with strength, joy, and just a little flourish to reflect the celebration in the lyrics.

With Violin Hymns, I always try to reflect the emotional tone of the song. This one called for confidence — a sound that lifts the spirit and points the heart toward heaven.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, take a moment to think about all God has done for you — not just in general, but personally. This hymn isn’t just about past events — it’s about praise that still belongs to God today. Great things He has done — so loved He the world that He gave us His Son.

Lyrics


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.


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!


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.

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