DOCTRINES >> LAW & GRACE
SDAH 412
Look upon Jesus, sinless is He;
Father, impute His life unto me.
My life of scarlet, my sin and woe,
Cover with His life, whiter than snow.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: Cover With His Life
Written and composed by Franklin E. Belden in 1899, this hymn clearly expresses the gospel message of reconciliation, justification, sanctification, and glorification. Its simple harmony and key change in the refrain make it easy to sing, while its words reflect the Adventist hope of being clothed in Christ’s righteousness. As we lift this song, we rejoice that His perfect life covers our sins and prepares us for eternal glory.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
This gospel song was written and composed by Franklin Edson Belden (1858-1945) and appears in his Christ in Song, 1900, with copyright date of 1899. It is a simple, clear presentation of the doctrines of reconciliation, justification, sanctification, and glorification, summarized concisely in the last stanza.
The tune, unnamed, has very simple harmony, using chords based on the tonic and dominant, with a few on the subdominant. A modulation to a different key in the refrain adds interest.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
Look upon Jesus, sinless is He;
Father, impute His life unto me.
My life of scarlet, my sin and woe,
Cover with His life, whiter than snow.
Refrain
Cover with His life, whiter than snow;
Fullness of His life then shall I know;
My life of scarlet, my sin and woe,
Cover with His life, whither than snow.
2
Deep are the wounds transgression has made;
Red are the stains; my soul is afraid.
O to be covered, Jesus, with Thee,
Safe from the law that now judgeth me!
3
Longing the joy of pardon to know;
Jesus holds out a robe white as snow;
“Lord, I accept it! Leaving my own,
Gladly I wear Thy pure life alone.”
4
Reconciled by His death for my sin,
Justified by His life pure and clean,
Sanctified by obeying His word,
Glorified when returneth my Lord.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) 1 Pet 2:22; Isa 1:18 (b) Rom 2:12 (c) Rev 19:8 (d) Rom 5:10, 8:30; John 17:17 (r) Eph 3:19
Author
Franklin E. Belden (1858-1945)
Year Published
1899
Metrical Number
9.9.9.9.Ref.
Composer
F.E. Belden
Year Composed
1899
