Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled my Soul

By John W. Peterson

Lyrics

1. O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;
After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.

Chorus
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)
When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)
My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

2. Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer, He saved me, O praise His dear name!

3. Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;
I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime.
And it’s because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal, from His precious hand I received.

Bible Reference

Titus 3:5–6

About This Hymn

“Heaven Came Down” is a joyful gospel hymn composed in 1961 by prolific hymn writer John W. Peterson, who was known for his contributions to 20th-century evangelical music. The hymn vividly describes the experience of salvation in Christ, using imagery that captures the transformative moment when a soul is born again. With its upbeat melody and clear doctrinal message, the song remains a favorite in many churches and evangelistic gatherings.

John W. Peterson wrote both the words and the music for “Heaven Came Down,” and like many of his songs, it was born from a deep desire to present the gospel in a personal and relatable way. Peterson once said the hymn was inspired by a testimony he heard, in which a man said, “It seemed like heaven came down and glory filled my soul.” This vivid phrase became the title and theme of the song.

The hymn opens by recounting the moment of spiritual rebirth: “O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget.” It celebrates the certainty and joy that come when Christ enters a believer’s life. The reference to being “born of the Spirit with life from above” points clearly to the biblical teaching of regeneration, particularly in Titus 3:5 and John 3:3–6. Peterson communicates that salvation is not based on human merit but is a gracious act of God.

In the chorus, the repeated line “Heaven came down and glory filled my soul” captures the emotional and spiritual awe of salvation. It communicates the personal nature of God’s grace, emphasizing that the believer's heart is transformed by Christ’s indwelling presence. The phrase is more than poetic—it reflects a deep theological truth: that through Christ, heaven touches earth, and the believer experiences a taste of divine glory.

The second verse continues by focusing on the peace and hope that follow salvation. It contrasts the past condition of separation with the newfound joy of being reconciled to God. The believer is no longer condemned, but “justified fully” through faith in Jesus. The verse reflects Paul’s teaching in Romans 5:1, where justification brings peace with God.

The final verse looks ahead to the believer’s eternal future. Now that salvation has been received, there is an assurance of a “future in heaven for sure,” grounded not in earthly hope, but in “wondrous grace.” The believer lives in joy because of this secure promise.

“Heaven Came Down” combines simple language with strong biblical theology, making it both accessible and meaningful. Its energetic tune, bright tone, and triumphant message have ensured its enduring popularity in gospel songbooks and congregational singing. The hymn invites believers to remember the joy of their salvation and to give thanks for the moment when, by grace, heaven truly did come down to their souls.