Before the Throne

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 Saviour 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 Saviour and my God!

This beautiful hymn was written by Charitie Lees Smith (1841-1923), whose father Rev Sidney Smith, an Ulster-Scot, was rector of Drumragh in county Tyrone. she composed it in 1863, just four years after the great Ulster Revival of 1859. 

There is fine version of this hymn sung by Kristyn Getty, who is accompanied by her husband Keith Getty, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLy8ksqGf9w