We Have This Hope

“We Have This Hope” is one of the most recognized modern hymns within Seventh-day Adventist worship, written and composed by Wayne Hooper in 1962. The hymn was created for the General Conference Session held in San Francisco and was intended to unite believers around the central Adventist confession of hope in the soon return of Jesus Christ. Since its introduction, it has become a defining hymn of Advent expectation and corporate faith.

The opening stanza centers on Christian hope and faith rooted in the promises of Scripture. Hope is described as something living and active, burning within the heart of the believer, not merely as a future wish but as a present assurance. This hope is firmly anchored in the Second Coming of Christ and reflects the New Testament emphasis on waiting with confidence and joy for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The refrain expands this personal hope into a global vision. The hymn looks forward to a time when nations across the world will awaken to the reality of Christ’s kingship. The language is celebratory and triumphant, anticipating universal praise and the public vindication of Christ as King. This eschatological focus aligns closely with biblical prophecies that describe the final proclamation of the gospel and the ultimate worship of Christ by all creation.

The second stanza emphasizes unity in Christ. Believers are portrayed as being bound together by faith and love, sharing both a common confession and a common mission. The hymn highlights responsibility toward a waiting world, reminding the church that hope in Christ’s return is inseparable from love-driven witness and service.

The final vision of the hymn is distinctly biblical and eschatological. Christ’s return is portrayed as the moment when heaven opens, the bride is claimed, and the universe joins in praise. “We Have This Hope” thus functions not only as a hymn of expectation, but also as a statement of identity, expressing faith, unity, mission, and joyful anticipation grounded in the sure promise of Christ’s coming.