The Thirty-fifth Sabbath

In honor of today, August 26, 2012, the day of our dear friend's ordination, a song we sang during his service.  It was a privilege and an honor to be part of the worship team at today's service, and this may be one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.  We sang it to the tune in the Kingsway version you can hear on YouTube.

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.
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.

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!

"Before the Throne of God Above," by Charitie Bancroft

There's also a YouTube video that pairs this song with a reenactment of a sermon by Martin Luther.  I love the quote they included:

So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: "I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!”  Martin Luther