Christ the Lord, All Power Possessing

“Christ the Lord, All Power Possessing” is a hymn that lifts the mind to the risen and ascended Savior, who now reigns in heavenly authority. Maxwell wrote this text to help worshippers reflect on the majesty of Christ as He rose from the earth and returned to the glory of the Father. The hymn begins by pointing to the moment of the ascension, when Christ blessed His disciples, rose into the clouds, and entered the presence of God. This scene forms the foundation of the hymn, reminding believers that the Lord who died and rose again now possesses all power in heaven and on earth. His ascension is presented as a triumph that confirms His victory over sin and death.

The second stanza turns the attention toward the promise of His return. Drawing on prophetic passages, the hymn speaks of the Son of Man coming before the Ancient of Days, and of the angelic host that surrounds the throne of God. This language creates a sense of holy expectation. It teaches that Christ who ascended will certainly return, and that history is moving toward the moment when He will appear in glory.

The final stanza focuses on the Second Coming itself. The hymn describes the trumpet call, the voice that reaches across the earth, and the universal sight of Christ coming in the clouds. Every eye will see Him, both those who love Him and those who rejected Him. The hymn invites the singer to look forward with confidence and hope, knowing that Christ will gather His people and bring final justice. This message, combined with the grandeur of the tune often used with the text, stirs the heart toward worship, readiness, and steadfast faith.