In most cases, the meaning of "before" is pretty straightforward, both as a way of assessing relative time, and in its use meaning "in someone's presence." It takes on a deeper significance, though, when used in connection with the Lord. To be "before" the Lord means not just in His presence, but also receiving the desire for good and the understanding of truth from Him, and living according to them. And when used as an assessment of time in connection with the Lord, "before" means "from eternity," and refers to a spiritual state rather than time as we experience it.

(Riferimenti: Apocalypse Revealed 366, 617; Arcana Coelestia 6983, 8439, 9888)

9888. 'Before the face of it' means to eternity. This is clear from the meaning of 'before the face' as to eternity; for 'the breastplate' means heaven and every good and truth that constitutes it, 9879. What is 'before the face' in heaven is in the Lord's everlasting sight, thus is preserved to eternity.