Theology of a Song – Before the Throne of God Above
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” ~ Hebrews 10:19-23
To come before the throne of God is terrifying. Revelation 20:15 tells us that … ”if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire,” along with Death and Hades. All people will stand before this throne, where God the just will judge. Faced with God’s justice at the throne of God, as the beloved Charitie Lee Smith hymn states, you, Christian, “… have a strong and perfect plea, a great High Priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for you.”
Confidence Before the Throne
Before the Throne of God Above reminds us that we are not to fear the righteous judgement of God any longer. As Paul states in Romans 6:6, “… Because of [Christ’s death and resurrection] we are no longer slaves to sin.” Although we are tempted by Satan to measure our good vs. our bad, and to be chained and burdened with the guilt of our sins, Christ has set our souls free. God is satisfied to look on the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice, once for all, and pardon us of our guilt, shame and the punishment that we deserve.
As Hebrews 10:19 states, it is by the blood of Jesus that we now have confidence to enter into God’s presence.
Unceasing Intercession
The role of the high priest in the Israelite camp, and at the Lord’s temple was to intercede for the people. They were to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people, pleading with God to pour out His mercy (as we see Moses do in Exodus 32:11-14). In this very same way, Jesus is our high priest who prays for us! Hebrews 7:25 tells us, “… he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
Jesus ever lives at the right hand of God’s throne, praying for us, interceding for us on behalf of our sin. For genuine Christians, we shall not and cannot lose our faith! He is able to save, and ensures that our faith will not be extinguished! No tongue can bid us to depart, friends. We have a high priest who grants us access to the throne of God’s grace!
The throne of God, terrifying as it may be, is not where you will be condemned and punished for your sin. The throne of God above, rather, is where you will be found blameless, perfectly righteous, and worthy to dwell in God’s presence for eternity. What an advocate we have with the Father in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I encourage you to listen to this recording of Before the Throne of God Above. Through song we find an outlet for expression of the great truths of the gospel. Take a moment to listen, to sing, and to Praise the one, risen Son of God today.
In love,
Pastor Ryan
Categories: Evergreen Connection