In righteous glory reigning, our God sits high enthroned,
His right and truth maintaining, His justice making known.
He stands above Time’s river, the worlds within His view,
His right hand will deliver to every man his due.

Before His bar no pleading excuses any flaw;
But wickedness exceeding ignites the flames of Law.
’Mid Sinai’s sounding thunder the verdict has been read:
All men, in awestruck wonder, fall down before Him, dead.

Such wrath, beyond all telling! Can it be turned aside?
Is there a strong, safe dwelling where Hell can be denied?
Can holy, perfect righteousness forgive and reconcile?
Can God, though angered, still bless the wicked and the vile?

Yes, yes, my soul has found out! There is a mercy sure!
A sovereign grace to sound out—a love both true and pure!
The flesh of God is given to meet the Law’s demands,
And now I am forgiven, while Christ in Heaven stands!

With that propitiation, God and His saints embrace!
That perfect expiation has saved His chosen race!
Now mercy kisses justice; now Truth and Love join hands,
Now Him in Whom our trust is: The Christ, our surety stands!

 

IN RIGHTEOUS GLORY REIGNING © 2005 Neil Barham.