When I stand before the throne of God Almighty,
I have only one defense.
It is a person; One who represents me before the judgment bench.  His name is Love itself.
He lives forever and will forever plead my case—
My name is ever before Him, on his hands and on his heart.
And I know this…that while He is in heaven, I am welcome there.

Sometimes Satan tempts me to hopelessness.
Although I can hide it from others, he accuses me of that which I am guilty.
In moments like that I turn my mind’s eye toward heaven and I remember my advocate there.
He has already dealt with my ugly inside.
In fact, it is because this sinless One willingly bore my punishment, that my sinful being is free from condemnation.
For the righteous and just God was satisfied to expend his wrath for sin on this, his dear Son.
Because of this there is no left-over wrath directed at me…and I am set free from my death sentence!

Look at Him there!  He was slain as a sacrifice on an altar; but now He is risen!
Because of Him, I am declared perfect, without one charge against me;
yes, because of Him—this unchanging One who calls himself “I AM,” this great grace-giving, glorious king!
With my life joined to his, I cannot die the second death.
Why? because He alone purchased life for me.  How? by shedding his blood when mine was required.
Now there is no longer me and Him.  There is only Him…in me.
He is the long-awaited deliverer, He is the One who saved me, and He is my God!

_____     _____     _____

Before the Throne of God Above
by Charitie Lees Smith (1841–1923)
[One of my favorites]

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,
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!