Before the Throne of God Above
Before the throne of God above
Before the Throne of God Above is a hymn text by Charitie Lees Bancroft (1863) in 8.8.8.8.8.8 meter. Found in CW21 561, elw 313, lsb 574, luyh 839. Sung to SURSUM CORDA.
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on Christ's justifying work and continual intercession, grounding assurance not in personal performance but in Christ's completed sacrifice. The text reflects the Reformation doctrine of Christ as our advocate before God and the comfort of His perpetual mediation.
History & Background
Charitie Lees Bancroft wrote this hymn in 1863 as a reflection on Christ's ongoing intercession. The text was first published in hymnal collections during the late nineteenth century and has become a staple in evangelical and Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship: Hymnal — 561
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 313
- Lutheran Service Book — 574
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 839
- Voices Together — 552
Bulletin Note
Written by Charitie Lees Bancroft in 1863, this hymn expresses the Reformation's central truth: justification rests entirely on Christ's finished work, not human effort. His intercession is our perpetual plea.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the doctrine of Christ's perpetual intercession, transforming the terrifying image of God's judgment seat into a place of Gospel refuge where sinners find acceptance through their crucified and risen Mediator.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Lent 5 (3×)
- Trinity 6 (2×)
- Easter 7 (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Ash Wednesday (4×)
- Reformation (4×)
- Maundy Thursday (3×)
- Lent 1 (1×)
- Lent 3 (1×)
- Proper 12 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Justification by faith Christ's intercession Assurance of salvation Substitutionary atonement