Down the Narrow Path

I love hymns.

I strongly believe that we need to bring them back into our church worship services. They are so theologically rich, speaking straight to the heart and soul of a Christian. Hymns articulate the weighty doctrines of the Christian faith while inspire hearts and hands to be lifted in worship and adoration to Jesus. I love them and respect those who wrote them; I want a deep reality in God that overflows into theologically rich worship. (Lest I ruin the moment by talking about how I feel about today's worship music, I'll save that for another post.)

The hymn I've had stuck in my head this afternoon is called "Before the Throne of God Above" by Charitie L. Bancroft, written in 1863. (Might I add that most of the hymns I was thinking of when talking above were written in this time period.) I think over time the original melody has been lost by every generation's "hip new sound", but at the bottom of this post I've included the lyrics and a music video of this song so that you can hear it. This particular version is done by Shane & Shane, two guys that you should really invest your money into getting their CDs; they're brilliant!

Why do you love this hymn, Jessica?

Well, since you asked, I'll tell you.  This song is a comfort to me. It talks about how the born again believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit; that there is nothing that can separate them from the love of Christ.

"Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." Romans 8:34

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38,39

Even when we are weak and tempted, Jesus calls us His beloved and friend, and assures us that there is no sin; no mess-up that His blood does not cover. He Himself was the propitiation for our sins, and He is in heaven making intercession to the Father on our behalves. He's for us.

Anyway, there are things I need to get up to today, I know you're itchin' to get to that youtube video.

Love, Jess

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a 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,

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.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,

Risen Son of God!

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

With Christ, my Savior and my God