Only Trust Him is a timeless Christian hymn that calls sinners to trust in Jesus for salvation, rest, and eternal life. With its message of faith, mercy, and redemption, this song invites all to come to Christ, believe in His Word, and receive the cleansing power of His blood.
VERSE 1
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
there’s mercy with the Lord,
And He will surely give you rest
by trusting in His word.
CHORUS
Only trust Him, only trust Him,
only trust Him now;
He will save you, He will save you,
He will save you now.
VERSE 2
For Jesus shed His precious blood
rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
that washes white as snow.
VERSE 3
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
that leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
and you are fully blest.
VERSE 4
Come, then, and join this holy band,
and on to glory go,
To dwell in that celestial land
where joys immortal flow.
Story Behind Only Trust Him Hymn
John H. Stockton, a Methodist Episcopal minister from New Jersey, composed the hymn Only Trust Him in 1869. Originally, the hymn’s refrain began with the words, “Come to Jesus, come to Jesus.”
However, during a voyage to England in 1873, Ira D. Sankey, the music director for evangelist Dwight L. Moody, revised the chorus to “Only trust Him, only trust Him now,” believing this alteration provided clearer guidance on approaching Jesus. This version was first published in London in Sacred Songs and Solos in 1875.[1]
The hymn gained prominence during the revival meetings led by Moody and Sankey, where it was used as an invitation hymn to encourage individuals to commit their lives to Christ.
Its straightforward message and melody resonated with many, leading to its inclusion in various hymnals and continued use in worship services.[2]
Stockton’s collaboration with prominent evangelists of his time and the subsequent adaptations of his hymn highlight the dynamic nature of hymnody and its role in evangelical outreach.
Only Trust Him remains a testament to the enduring power of simple, faith-filled lyrics to inspire and invite believers into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Trust in Jesus for Redemption
Only Trust Him is a call to salvation, urging every sinner to place their faith in Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life. Come, every soul by sin oppressed, there’s mercy with the Lord speaks directly to the human condition of sin, echoing Romans 3:23, which declares that all have sinned.
Yet, God’s mercy is always available, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23, where His compassion never fails. Those who respond in faith will find true rest in Christ, as He promises in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Only trust Him, He will save you now emphasizes salvation through faith alone. This truth is at the heart of the gospel, affirmed in Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”
Trust in Christ is not a delayed process but an immediate decision that leads to redemption. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works. The song reflects this biblical foundation by urging sinners to come without hesitation.
Plunge now into the crimson flood that washes white as snow paints a vivid picture of the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. Revelation 1:5 affirms that Christ has “washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Isaiah 1:18 speaks of sins being made white as snow, pointing to the complete forgiveness found in Jesus. The song rightly teaches that salvation is through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, not human effort.
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way, that leads you into rest aligns with John 14:6, where Jesus declares that He is the only way to the Father. Hebrews 4:3 confirms that those who believe enter into God’s rest. Faith in Christ not only secures eternal life but also brings peace in the present.
Come, then, and join this holy band, and on to glory go reflects the biblical call to follow Christ alongside fellow believers. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of the great cloud of witnesses, encouraging endurance in the faith.
The promise of dwelling in that celestial land where joys immortal flow aligns with Revelation 21:4, where God wipes away every tear and death is no more.
Salvation is found in Christ alone. Trusting Him leads to forgiveness, rest, and eternal joy. The call remains urgent—there is mercy with the Lord, but one must respond in faith.
Only Trust Him lyrics and music by John H. Stockton, (1869) Public Domain
