In the year 1863 a young 22 year old minister’s daughter in Ireland wrote what is without question one of the best Christian songs ever written. Her name was Charitie L. (Smith) Bancroft. Her father was the Rector (overseer) of a county where they lived.
The theology of the song this young lady penned gives a glimpse into the sort of preaching and teaching she was exposed to. I don’t know the name or denomination of the church she attended but I do know this, they preached the word of God and comprehended the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
This great song has become one of my very favorite songs. Unlike much of our contemporary praise songs, this one is packed full of Biblical truth. Last Wednesday this song was the last one before the lesson at my church. My heart was stirred as I sung those words and thought of what Christ has done for a sinful man like me.
Please read the words of this great song and let them soak in. I am convinced that if all of us understood and believed the message of this wonderful song there would be far less focus on the trivial things that seperate us as believers. This is the basis of Biblical unity.
“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 Savior 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 Savior and my God!”
Grace to you,
Royce Ogle
Grace Digest 
Royce I don’t recall ever hearing this song, but there is a great lesson to be learned here. If we keep our eyes and heart elevated high enough to see God we will over look all the petty stuff.
Hi Laymond,
The song is wonderful, as is truth, which is not petty stuff! Compromise truth and you believe lies! Jesus did not come to unite but to divide. Thanks for stirring me up 🙂
What a wonderful song! Thanks for sharing it. I don’t think I have ever heard it before.
Royce,
I want to thank you for this post and for your wisdom.
Thank you so much for sharing this post with us.
I want to thank you for sharing your wisdom on my blog as well. God has given you a talent brother. Keep up the great blogging and I hope you have a blessed week. I pray that God will help His church be one and over look all the petty stuffy. Again, wonderful blog brother, wonderful blog.
Thank you for sharing that 🙂
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So surprised so many have not heard this beautiful song. This is the kind we’ll call for as we are dying, about to see Him. Not the garbage we call music today. Hallelujah for the cross.