The great hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, attended a Bible conference in the 1890s, where she was asked about recognizing friends in heaven. Fanny, blind from infancy, quickly turned the importance of the question toward recognizing the Lord Jesus, and said that she would look for the One with nail prints in His hands (cf. Rev. 5:6; Jn. 20:27). The next morning Fanny dictated the words to the hymn:
“I Shall Know Him.”
(1) When my life work is ended, and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see,
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
(Refrain)
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him
By the print of the nails in His hand.
(4) Thro’ the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight,
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.