Nathaniel Carlson Grave

Hymn History: He the Pearly Gates Will Open & Translator: Nathaniel Carlson

The Origin of the Hymn “He the Pearly Gates Will Open”

Few gospel hymns express the transforming power of divine grace as movingly as “He the Pearly Gates Will Open.” Written in 1917 by Fredrick Arvid Blom, a Swedish immigrant to America, the hymn tells the story of a soul redeemed from failure and despair. Beneath its gentle melody lies a deeply personal confession of faith — one that emerged from the dark valley of sin and shame into the radiant hope of forgiveness and eternal life.

The Man Behind the Hymn

Fredrick Arvid Blom was born on May 21, 1867, near Enköping, Sweden. In his early years, Blom worked as a sailor and eventually earned certification as a “chief mate.” In the 1890s, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago, Illinois, a city that attracted thousands of Swedish immigrants at the time. Blom became associated with the Salvation Army, where he began to write songs and poems expressing his newfound Christian faith.

Later, he attended North Park College and Seminary and became a minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church. He was respected for his eloquence and his zeal for the Gospel. Yet, despite his outward success, Blom struggled inwardly. Life’s pressures and personal weaknesses led him to drift away from his calling. Around 1915, he resigned from the ministry and, in a period of rebellion and hardship, fell into alcoholism and despair.

For a time, Blom’s life spiraled downward. He was even imprisoned briefly — a humiliating experience that marked the lowest point of his existence. Those who knew him later recalled that he had lost nearly everything: his reputation, his peace, and his sense of God’s presence. But it was in that broken state that redemption found him again.

A Song Born Out of Restoration

Blom’s return to faith was as dramatic as his fall from grace. In the quietness of repentance, he rediscovered the mercy of God. His heart, once cold and bitter, was warmed by the assurance of forgiveness. Out of this renewal came “He the Pearly Gates Will Open,” a hymn of gratitude for divine love that refuses to let go.

The hymn’s opening lines, “Love divine, so great and wondrous, deep and mighty, pure, sublime,” declare a deep awe for the love that saved him. The words move from reflection to personal testimony — “He the pearly gates will open, so that I may enter in.” The phrase evokes the image of heaven’s gates opening to the repentant sinner, not by merit, but by the Savior’s grace.

It is believed that Blom wrote the hymn sometime around 1917, a few years after his spiritual restoration. The words capture both his personal gratitude and a universal message of hope: that no matter how far one strays, God’s love remains steadfast.

The Music That Carried the Message

The tune for “He the Pearly Gates Will Open” was composed by Alfred O. Duhlin (1894–1960), another Swedish-American associated with the Salvation Army. Duhlin’s melody perfectly complemented Blom’s lyrics — tender, hopeful, and filled with quiet assurance.

Originally written in Swedish, the hymn was later translated into English by Nathaniel Carlson, another member of the Swedish Covenant community. His translation, completed around 1935, retained the poetic spirit and depth of Blom’s original words.

In English-speaking churches, the hymn found a lasting place in hymnals and revival meetings. Its gentle melody and words of comfort made it a favorite for both congregational singing and solo performances.

The Hymn’s Wider Influence

The hymn gained international recognition in the mid-20th century when it was featured in the Billy Graham Crusades. Gospel singer George Beverly Shea often sang “He the Pearly Gates Will Open,” introducing it to millions around the world. Shea’s rich baritone voice brought new life to Blom’s testimony, and audiences were deeply moved by the hymn’s message of mercy and hope.

In Sweden and among Scandinavian immigrants in North America, the hymn became a cherished part of the Evangelical Covenant and Lutheran traditions. It was sung at funerals, revival services, and gatherings where believers rejoiced in the assurance of heaven.

A Testament of Grace

Fredrick Blom’s life stands as a powerful reminder that failure is never final in the eyes of God. His story mirrors the parable of the prodigal son — a man who lost everything, only to be welcomed home by the Father’s unchanging love. His hymn continues to speak to all who feel unworthy of grace, assuring them that Christ “opened the pearly gates” for every repentant soul.

Blom lived out his later years quietly, continuing to write hymns and serve the church. He passed away on May 24, 1927, but his testimony lives on through the words of this beloved hymn.

Conclusion

“He the Pearly Gates Will Open” is more than a gospel song — it is a confession, a prayer, and a proclamation of hope. Born from the ashes of a fallen life, it celebrates the boundless mercy of God who never stops seeking His children. Its message remains timeless: that love divine, so great and wondrous, can open even the gates of heaven to the humblest believer.

Through its simple yet profound verses, Fredrick Blom’s hymn continues to assure generations that no matter how far we wander, there is forgiveness, there is restoration — and there is a Savior waiting to open the pearly gates.