Words cannot describe the impact that MercyMe’s I Can Only Imagine has had on the world. Despite its blatant Christian message, it crossed over into mainstream media about 2 years after its initial release. As of this writing, I could still hear this song played on my local Christian radio station, demonstrating serious staying power!

As I was writing this review, I discovered recently that MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard released a book that describes the story behind this song. It speaks of “how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever.” As a shameless plug, I provide my affiliate link to purchase the book on Amazon at http://amzn.to/2GDfZPt.

I also discovered that there is also a movie based on the song. I would never have “imagined” that! Something to add to my Netflix DVD queue.

Enough with the detours. Let’s move onto the review!

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

It should not be surprising (given the title) that much of the song is speculative. Its lyrics speak of one who ponders what life will be like after physical death. Will we dance or stay put? Will we stand or bow? Will we sing or remain silent? These are great things to ponder upon, but still within the realm of speculation.

Score: 9/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

Given that much of the song is conjecture, it makes it more difficult to evaluate. Still, its lyrics are loaded with Scripture. Lyrics posted with permission.*

[Verse 1]

I can only imagine

What it will be like

When I walk

By Your side

I imagine that it will be a subservient position, rather than on his side. After all, that is what the 24 elders will do in Revelation 4:10-11. I see nowhere in Scripture that suggests Jesus would walk by our side; however, it’s certainly possible. Only time will tell!

I can only imagine

What my eyes will see

When Your face

Is before me

Found in Revelation 22:4, the context starts in Revelation 21:24, that is, the nations gathered together. Not only will we see His face, His name will be written on our foreheads.

I can only imagine

Repeated.

[Chorus]

Surrounded by Your glory

There are three sets of passages to support this. In Psalm 73:24, the Psalmist describes heaven as God’s glory. Naturally, entering into heaven to be with God would presume that we are surrounded in His glory.

Another set of passages is Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36, and 2 Peter 1:16–18. Peter, James, and John see the glory of Jesus, in His transfigured state, to which the Scripture describes a cloud that formed and begins to overshadow them. The Father speaks from within the cloud and says to them “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” It seems reasonable to think that when we see the Father and Jesus in their full glory, that we will also become enveloped within their glory.

Speaking of cloud, the final set of passages are in 2 Chronicles 5:14, 7:2; 1 Kings 8:11, and Ezekiel 43:1-5. These describe the glory of God filling the temple in Jerusalem. This glory appeared in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21) to guide Israel to the promised land. Given that this is but a mere shadow of the heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 8:5), we can’t imagine the strength and reach of the glory of God is the heavenly temple! It’s quite reasonable that it will surround us, as line 1 says.

What will my heart feel?

I don’t know what to make of this. Is this another way of saying “What do I feel like doing?” Perhaps I am taking this the wrong way, but that seems self-centered. We ought to do what God asks us to do.

Will I dance for You, Jesus

Nowhere in Scripture did I find explicitly or suggested that we will dance before Jesus; however, I also could not find any that would refute it either.

Or in awe of You be still?

Refers to Psalm 46:10.

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah

Will I be able to speak at all?

Comes from Revelation 4:4 and Revelation 4:9-10, which reference the 24 elders who lay down their crowns and worship God when the 4 living creatures (Revelation 4:7-8) do the same. The rest of the creatures, according to Revelation 5:13-14, will also join in worship. The elders fell down, indicating that they were once standing. It seems reasonable that we will have a similar experience.

I can only imagine

Another repeat.

[Verse 2]

I can only imagine

Another repeat.

When that day comes

And I find myself

Standing in the Son

That is, within the presence of the Son, before Him, in awe and in shock. See Matthew 12:33-37, Romans 8:1, Romans 14:12, and 2 Corinthians 5:10.

I can only imagine

Another repeat.

When all I will do

Is forever

Forever worship You

Just like the 24 elders and four living creatures, it seems reasonable that we will forever by saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. (Revelation 4:8). See Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:9-10, and Revelation 5:13-14.

I can only imagine

Another repeat.

Score: 9/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

Although most people are interested in what heaven will be like, the descriptions and imaginations within this song are specific to born-again believers. Still, it should be clear to anyone who is not a follower of Jesus that this song communicates to them a life of worship in His Kingdom. Many will be disgusted with this concept. Others will be curious.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It glorifies God in describing our constant worship of Him in His Heavenly Kingdom.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Despite the imagination of MercyMe, their song I Can Only Imagine has a powerful message of life with God after death. Highly biblical, it draws curiosity to those outside the camp of Christ and brings glory to God through its description of perpetual worship.

Final score: 9.5/10

Artist Info

Track: I Can Only Imagine (listen to the song) (buy the song)

Artist: MercyMe

Album: Almost There (buy the album)

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 2001

Duration: 4:08

Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

*Copyright © 2001 Simpleville Music (ASCAP) (admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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