Whiter than Snow

By James Nicholson

Lyrics

1. Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul,
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Refrain:
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

2. Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies,
And help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself, and whatever I know,
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

3. Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat,
I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet;
By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow,
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

4. Lord Jesus, Thou seeest I patiently wait,
Come now, and within me a new heart create;
To those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst "No,"
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Bible Reference

Psalm 51:7

About This Hymn

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul. These opening lines express a deep yearning for spiritual purity and a permanent union with Christ. The hymn continues with a plea for the removal of idols and foes, emphasizing the desire for complete sanctification. The refrain, "Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow," underscores the theme of cleansing and renewal.

As the hymn progresses, it reflects on the believer's submission to Christ's will. The lyrics speak of making a complete sacrifice and surrendering oneself entirely to God's service. The imagery of waiting at the crucified feet of Jesus conveys humility and devotion. The refrain repeats, reinforcing the longing for purity and the assurance of divine cleansing.

The final stanzas highlight the transformative power of God's grace. The believer patiently waits for a new heart to be created within, trusting in God's promise to never turn away those who seek Him. The hymn concludes with a declaration of faith, affirming that through Christ's sacrifice, the believer is made whiter than snow.