Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect Plea
A great High Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upwards I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I Am
The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
"Before The Throne Of God Above" is a powerful and timeless hymn that has touched the hearts of many believers around the world. The song, originally written by Charitie Lees Bancroft in 1863, has been beautifully reimagined and recorded by the Christian music group Selah. Their rendition of the song has become one of the most beloved versions, capturing the essence and depth of the lyrics.
The lyrics of "Before The Throne Of God Above" speak of the believer's confidence and assurance in Christ's finished work on the cross. It reminds us that we have a great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us before the throne of God. The song paints a vivid picture of our standing before God, as we approach His throne with boldness and confidence because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.
One of the most striking aspects of this song is the imagery it creates. It speaks of our names being graven on Jesus' hands and written on His heart. This imagery is deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly in Isaiah 49:16, where God says, "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." This verse reminds us of the intimate and personal love that God has for His people. It is a powerful reminder that our identity and worth are found in Christ alone.
The song also addresses the reality of temptation and the guilt of sin. It acknowledges that Satan tempts us to despair and reminds us of the guilt within us. However, the song points us to look upwards and see Jesus, who made an end to all our sin. This theme echoes Hebrews 4:15-16, which says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This passage encourages us to approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands our struggles and offers us His mercy and grace.
The chorus of the song beautifully proclaims the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. It declares that our sinful souls are counted free because the sinless Savior died for us. This echoes Romans 8:1, which says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." It reminds us that God, the Just, is satisfied to look on Jesus and pardon us. We can stand before the throne of God, not because of our own righteousness, but because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us.
The bridge of the song exalts Jesus as the risen Lamb, our perfect spotless Righteousness. It reminds us that our lives are hidden with Christ on high, secure in His finished work. This concept is rooted in Colossians 3:3, which says, "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
"Before The Throne Of God Above" is a powerful hymn that reminds us of our standing before God because of Jesus' sacrifice. It encourages us to approach His throne with boldness and confidence, knowing that we are loved, forgiven, and accepted. This song continues to inspire and uplift believers, reminding us of the unchanging truth of the gospel and our eternal security in Christ.
