“Before the Throne of God Above”
1) 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 heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
2) When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of 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
3) 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
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
With Christ my Savior and my God
Story Behind:
“Before the Throne of God Above”
“Before the Throne of God Above” is a beloved Christian hymn written in 1863 by Irish poet Charitie Lees Smith (later Bancroft). It focuses on Christ’s role as our advocate, emphasizing that believers are secure in God’s grace through the finished work of Jesus.
Here is an overview of the hymn’s history and meaning:
History
Original Publication: The text first appeared as a 6-stanza poem titled “The Advocate” in 1863, published in a collection called The Praise of Jesus.
Historical Adoption: Esteemed preacher Charles Spurgeon included it in his Our Own Hymn Book in 1866.
Modern Arrangement: For over a century, the text was sung to various, sometimes mournful, tunes. Its modern renaissance occurred in 1997 when American musician Vikki Cook composed a joyous, folk-style melody for Sovereign Grace Music, cementing it as a staple in modern worship.
Core Lyrics & Themes
The hymn draws heavily on biblical imagery (such as the High Priest and graven names) to offer believers assurance of pardon:
The Advocate: Jesus is described as a “great High Priest whose name is ‘Love’” who constantly intercedes for the believer.
Perfect Standing: The lyrics state that the believer’s name is “graven on His hands” and “written on His heart,” offering complete security.
Justification: Because Christ paid for sin, God the Just is “satisfied to look on him and pardon me”.
-Debra
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