when the roll is called up yonder

"When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" is a popular Christian hymn written in 1893 by James Milton Black. The phrase "when the roll is called up yonder" refers to the biblical concept of the Book of Life, where at the end of time, the names of those who are saved (believers in Christ) will be called for eternal life in heaven. The hymn's lyrics describe a future moment when the trumpet of the Lord will sound, time will end, and the saved will gather on the "other shore" (heaven). At this time, the roll call will be made, and those whose names are on the roll (the Book of Life) will be present—expressing the assurance of eternal salvation and being ready to meet God. The inspiration for the hymn came when Black, a Sunday school teacher, was troubled by the absence of a girl from his class when the attendance roll was called and wished that when God's roll call is made in heaven, he would be there to answer. The hymn was written to reflect a desire to be among the saved when eternal life is granted. Thus, "when the roll is called up yonder" is understood as the future day of judgment and resurrection when believers' names are called out in the Book of Life, symbolizing their salvation and eternal home in heaven.