The Hope of Day (I Shall Be Like Thy Son)

“I Shall Be Like Thy Son” was written by John Nelson Darby, a 19th-century Bible teacher, hymn writer, and one of the key figures in the early Brethren movement. This hymn beautifully expresses the Christian’s hope of ultimate conformity to Christ, echoing the promise found in 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

The hymn reflects Darby’s deep longing for the day when believers will see Christ face to face and be transformed into His likeness. Each stanza develops the theme of anticipation for glory, looking forward to the resurrection and the final redemption when sin and sorrow will be no more. Darby emphasizes the believer’s personal connection to Christ, who not only redeems but also makes His people sharers in His glory.

Darby’s words are marked by reverence, intimacy, and hope. He leads the singer from present struggles and imperfections into the glorious assurance of eternal fellowship with the Savior. The hymn becomes both a confession of faith and a meditation on the believer’s destiny, one that is rooted in Christ’s death and resurrection.

This hymn has been treasured especially among Brethren assemblies, where Darby’s hymns often carried themes of separation from the world, the heavenly calling of believers, and the joy of Christ’s imminent return. The text resonates with a forward-looking faith that lifts the eyes from earthly trials to the blessed hope of being conformed to Christ in glory.

“I Shall Be Like Thy Son” continues to remind Christians of the transforming power of Christ’s work and the assurance that, beyond this life, believers will fully reflect the image of the Son of God. It is not merely about future glory but also about present comfort, as the certainty of that promise strengthens the heart to endure the hardships of today.

In this hymn, Darby captures one of the most precious promises in all of Scripture: that the redeemed will not only be with Christ but also like Him, forever changed by His presence and love.