Before the Throne of God Above

Before the Throne of God Above is an old hymn written by Charitie L. Bancroft in 1863.

The words to this hymn can be a bit difficult to understand at first; but, if you really look at them, you can see the Biblical truth that lies behind them, and really recognize the depth of our Savior's love for us. Its a truly great hymn to focus on as we enter the Easter season and remember the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord... 

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.

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.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,

My perfect spotless righteousness,

The great unchangeable I AM,

The King of glory and of grace,

One in 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!

Several different tunes have been used for this hymn, one of which is the same tune as “Sweet Hour of Prayer” composed by William Bradbury. But, a more modern tune was written by Vikki Cook to be used in worship services everywhere. The hymn has been recorded with this new tune by numerous artists, including GLAD, Selah, and Go Fish. Here is the Go Fish version....

Beautiful song, isn't it? I wanted to know more about the meaning behind this hymn, so as I was searching online, I found a blog by Charles Bumgardner, a professor at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, MN. He has written an extensive article around the Biblical meanings of this hymn, and you can read it for yourself by clicking on this link here: ORCHARD KEEPER
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