God at the Gates

“The LORD loveth the gates of Zion… Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God… And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the Highest Himself shall establish her.  The LORD shall count, when He writeth up the people, that this man was born there… As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee” (Psalm 87:2-7).  “Turn you at My reproof… for the turning away of the simple… shall destroy them” (Proverbs 1:23,32).  “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction” (Matthew 7:13).

The Lord delights in Zion’s gates

Where all who enter have salvation. 
It’s no surprise, then, that He hates
The gates of hell and condemnation. 

Our God has spoken glorious things

Of heaven’s bright and happy city
Wherein our joy forever springs
From Christ, who looked on us with pity. 

The Lord has written down each name

Of those for whom He holds a place
Where heaven’s citizens proclaim
Their birthright is by saving grace!

We hear the praise of heaven’s chorus,

Which citizens of heaven learn,
That fills our hearts with hope that’s glorious
And calls for sinners now to turn.

God’s Spirit thus reproves the world

Of sin, of righteousness, and wrath,
And warns of hell where souls are hurled
Who have refused salvation’s path.

Destruction’s gate is surely wide;

The way that leads there must be broad,
For those rejecting Christ who died
Have thus refused the grace of God.

O Lord, You’ve shown us very well

The reason that You came to earth:
You came to rescue us from hell
And grant to us a second birth.   

We thank You, Lord, for wondrous love

For us who once were lost in sin:
You opened heaven’s gates above
And made us fit to enter in!