The Meaning Behind The Song: Before the Throne of God Above by Selah
The song “Before the Throne of God Above” by Selah is a modern hymn that speaks of the power and depth of God’s love. Originally written in 1863, the song has been given new life through Selah’s heartfelt rendition. Through its lyrics, the song expresses the truth that Jesus Christ is our advocate before God, and that through His death and resurrection, we have been made righteous before Him.
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The Lyrics and Its Meaning
The lyrics of the song “Before the Throne of God Above” express the believer’s confidence in and dependence upon Christ as our advocate and high priest before God. The song begins by acknowledging our unworthiness and sinfulness, but then shifts to the truth of Christ’s redeeming work on our behalf. The chorus celebrates Christ’s accomplishments on our behalf and concludes with a call to trust in Him completely.
The first verse begins with the lyrics “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.” These lyrics express the believer’s confidence in Christ’s role as our advocate. The second line describes Christ as a “great High Priest,” who is characterized by love. The third line notes that Christ is constantly interceding on our behalf before God.
The second verse continues this theme, picking up the notion of Christ’s intercession and expanding upon it. The lyrics read, “When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see Him there who made an end to all my sin.” These lyrics not only acknowledge our own sinfulness, but also the power that sin has over us. However, the lyrics shift quickly from this despair to the hope that is found in Christ. The verse concludes with the words, “Because the sinless Saviour died, my sinful soul is counted free. For God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me.”
The third verse focuses on the idea of Christ’s substitutionary death on our behalf. The lyrics read, “Behold Him there, the risen Lamb, my perfect spotless Righteousness, the great unchangeable I AM, the King of glory and of grace.” These lyrics celebrate Christ’s resurrection and His role as our righteousness. The final line recalls Christ’s deity as the King of Glory and of Grace.
The final verses reiterates Christ’s role as our advocate before God, describing Him as the one who “ever lives and pleads for me.” This idea is not only comforting, but it is also empowering. The lyrics remind the believer that Christ is constantly working on our behalf, and that His love for us is unwavering.
The Significance of Christ as Our Advocate
The significance of the truth expressed in “Before the Throne of God Above” is that our salvation is not dependent on our ability to be good or to earn favor with God. Rather, our salvation is found in Christ alone. This truth can be incredibly liberating for believers who have struggled with feelings of guilt and shame in their walk with God. The song reminds us that, because of Christ’s completed work on our behalf, we have been made righteous in the sight of God.
Additionally, the notion of Christ as our advocate before God speaks to the intimacy and closeness of our relationship with Him. The fact that Christ is interceding on our behalf before God means that we have a direct line of communication with Him. This is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, but that we have a friend who is always with us and who always has our best interests at heart.
The Importance of Modern Hymns
“Before the Throne of God Above” is an example of a modern hymn that has resonated with believers of all ages. While many churches continue to use traditional hymns in their worship services, modern hymns like this one have become increasingly popular. They offer a fresh take on classic themes and provide a new way for believers to connect with God through music.
Moreover, modern hymns like “Before the Throne of God Above” provide a link between the older generation and younger generations. Many young people have grown up in a culture that values contemporary music, but they may not feel a connection to the hymns that are dear to their parents and grandparents. Modern hymns provide a way for both generations to connect with the timeless truths of Scripture through music.
FAQs about “Before the Throne of God Above”
1. Who wrote “Before the Throne of God Above”?
The original hymn was written in 1863 by Charitie Lees Bancroft. The lyrics were later reworked by Vikki Cook and were then made popular in Christian circles by Selah.
2. What is the inspiration behind the song?
The inspiration behind “Before the Throne of God Above” comes from the author’s own wrestling with feelings of guilt and shame. Charitie Lees Bancroft was able to find peace and comfort by meditating on the truth of Christ’s role as our advocate before God.
3. What makes this song unique?
“Before the Throne of God Above” is unique in that it has a timeless quality that speaks to believers of all ages. The song is a modern hymn that has been embraced by many contemporary churches, but it also has a classic feel that is reminiscent of traditional hymns.
4. What is the theological significance of Christ as our advocate?
Christ’s role as our advocate is significant because it provides a way for us to be reconciled to God despite our sinfulness. Christ intercedes on our behalf and presents us as righteous before God, allowing us to have a direct relationship with Him.
5. How can this song be used in worship services?
“Before the Throne of God Above” can be used in a variety of ways in worship services. It can be used as a call to worship, as a way to reinforce the theme of a sermon, or simply as a time of reflection and prayer.
6. What is the importance of hymns in worship services?
Hymns have historically played an important role in worship services because they help to reinforce the truth of Scripture in the hearts and minds of believers. They also have a way of connecting people across generations and can be a powerful tool for passing on the faith from one generation to the next.
7. What is the biblical basis for the concept of Christ as our advocate?
Christ’s role as our advocate is based on the truth that He intercedes on our behalf before God. This is supported by several passages in Scripture, including Romans 8:34, 1 John 2:1-2, and Hebrews 7:25.
8. What is the significance of the title, “Before the Throne of God Above?”
The title “Before the Throne of God Above” speaks to the idea that Christ is constantly interceding on our behalf before God. It reminds us that we have direct access to God through Christ and that we have an advocate who is always fighting for us.
9. Why is it important to meditate on the lyrics of this song?
Meditating on the lyrics of “Before the Throne of God Above” can be a powerful tool for connecting with God and deepening our understanding of His love for us. The lyrics provide a beautiful and poetic expression of the truth of Scripture, and meditating on them can help to reinforce these truths in our hearts and minds.
10. How has this song impacted the Christian community?
“Before the Throne of God Above” has become a beloved song in the Christian community. Its message of Christ’s intercession and advocacy on our behalf has brought comfort and hope to believers of all ages and has become an important part of many churches’ worship services.
