What sinners value, I resign

What Sinners Value, I Resign is a hymn by Isaac Watts concerning the believer's heavenly hope and the surpassing value of belonging to God. First published in 1719 as part of Watts's treatment of Psalm 17, the hymn contrasts the temporary possessions and pleasures valued by the world with the eternal inheritance promised to God's people. Its opening declaration expresses the believer's willingness to surrender earthly advantages because having the Lord is a greater treasure than anything this present life can offer.

The hymn develops this contrast by describing earthly life as temporary and insubstantial when compared with the everlasting joys of heaven. The believer looks beyond the visible world toward a future existence characterized by fellowship with God. This hope is not founded upon earthly prosperity or human achievement, but upon the assurance of belonging to the Lord and being made complete in righteousness. The hymn therefore encourages Christians to measure the value of life by eternal realities rather than temporary possessions.

One of its central themes is the hope of seeing God. Watts describes the glorious prospect of being near to God and becoming like Him. This expectation reflects the biblical promise that believers shall see Christ and be transformed into His likeness. The hymn also looks forward to the final resurrection, when the body will be raised at the sound of the last trumpet and believers will bear the image of their Saviour.

The final emphasis is on freedom from sin and the limitations of earthly life. The believer anticipates a state in which sin no longer controls the soul and fellowship with God is enjoyed without interruption. This is not merely a hope of escaping present difficulties, but the expectation of complete redemption through Christ.

The hymn encourages Christians to hold earthly possessions loosely, remain steadfast in faith, and treasure the inheritance that God has promised. Its message is particularly suitable for worship services concerning heaven, resurrection, Christian hope, and the eternal value of belonging to Jesus Christ.