Before the Throne of God Above

"Before the Throne of God Above" was penned by Charitie Lees Bancroft in 1863 while she was living in Ireland. Bancroft was a devoted Christian laywoman whose theology shone through her poetry — this hymn is a remarkable summary of the believer's security in Christ as heavenly Advocate and Mediator. The hymn fell into relative obscurity for over a century until Vikki Cook rediscovered it in 1997 and set it to a beautiful new melody that brought it back to life for modern congregations. Its rich doctrinal content, affirming that Christ's blood has pardoned every sin and that nothing can unfix the believer from God's love, resonated deeply with Reformed churches. The soaring bridge — "Because the sinless Saviour died, my sinful soul is counted free" — has become one of the most beloved theological declarations in contemporary worship. Today it is sung in churches around the world as a powerful anthem of assurance and grace.