Nothing But the Blood of Jesus focuses on the central Christian truth that salvation is found only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The song explores themes of atonement and the total forgiveness of sins through the redemptive power of His shed blood. It emphasizes that human efforts and good works are insufficient to make a person whole or right before God. What can truly wash away the stains of the past? How can a person find lasting hope and peace? These questions find their answer in the following lyrics.
VERSE 1
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
REFRAIN
Oh! Precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
VERSE 2
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
VERSE 3
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
VERSE 4
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
VERSE 5
Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
VERSE 6
Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the song Nothing But the Blood of Jesus? Robert Lowry wrote and composed the worship song Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.
When was Nothing But the Blood of Jesus released? The original version was written by Robert Lowry in 1876 and first popularized at a camp meeting in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. It was first published in the collection Gospel Music in late 1876 or early 1877. Notable later versions or covers that gained recognition include recordings by Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis, as well as a modernized remix by Forrest Frank.
What worship themes fit Nothing But the Blood of Jesus? The hymn centers on strong biblical themes of atonement, redemption, the sufficiency of grace, and the forgiveness of sins. By emphasizing that no human works can satisfy the debt of sin, the song encourages a response of total surrender and trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross. It is particularly suitable for Communion services, Easter celebrations, or any setting focused on the Gospel and personal testimony. The repetitive call-and-response structure helps believers collectively confess their faith and find spiritual peace in the cleansing power of God’s grace.
What Is the Message of Nothing But the Blood of Jesus?
Many people feel a heavy weight of guilt that good deeds or modern distractions simply cannot lift. This hymn addresses the universal longing for spiritual wholeness by pointing directly to the cross of Christ. While humans often try to earn favor through morality, God provides a resolution through the gift of grace. The blood of Jesus is the exclusive source capable of washing away human sin. Scripture confirms this truth in 1 John 1:7, stating that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin”. Can anything else truly remove the stain of our mistakes and restore our brokenness? The answer is found only in the redemptive work of Jesus, requiring us to respond with humble faith. Why is the blood of Jesus considered the only precious and sufficient fount?
The song describes a “precious… flow” that creates a miraculous transformation by making the sinner “white as snow”. This imagery represents the total removal of every spiritual stain through the power of the cross. Isaiah 1:18 supports this concept, promising that “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”. This specific flow represents the very life of Christ poured out to cleanse and renew the heart. Consequently, believers find total restoration because this unique fountain possesses the power to make them whole again. Why is the blood of Jesus considered the only precious and sufficient fount?
If humanity cannot earn righteousness, then why is the blood of Jesus considered the only precious and sufficient fount? This redemptive work allows God to cover believers with the “garments of salvation” and the “robe of righteousness”. Sinners often feel naked and ashamed, yet Christ provides a beautiful covering that grants them right standing. Isaiah 61:10 celebrates this truth, saying, “He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness”. The message identifies this covering as “all my righteousness,” emphasizing that no human merit could replace it. We stand justified because the Savior’s blood satisfies the holy requirements that we could never meet alone. Why is the blood of Jesus considered the only precious and sufficient fount?
When considering the ultimate cost of sin, why is the blood of Jesus considered the only precious and sufficient fount? Jesus offered the “only perfect sacrifice” because no other substance has the authority to wash away soul-stains. Ancient animal offerings only foreshadowed this final act, as “without shedding of blood there is no remission”. Hebrews 9:22 declares that “according to the law almost all things are purified with blood”. This unblemished offering fulfills the debt of sin and provides a legal pardon for every soul. Therefore, the matchless value of this sacrifice secures an eternal redemption that human efforts can never achieve. Why is the blood of Jesus considered the only precious and sufficient fount?
Issues, Criticism, and Controversies of Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
Modern theologians have expressed mixed feelings about the song’s narrow focus on legal atonement. For example, an Episcopal priest noted that the lyrics lack a sacramental or Eucharistic perspective. Despite these theological discussions, the public has overwhelmingly accepted and embraced this simple worship hymn.
Famous musicians like Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis have recently performed popular versions of the song. Robert Lowry remained a faithful Baptist minister and university professor until his death in late 1899. Interestingly, he lived with great humility and prioritized his preaching ministry over his fame as a songwriter. Furthermore, the song appears on current CCLI Top 100 lists, showing its continued relevance in modern churches.
Story Behind Nothing But the Blood
Methodist ministers founded Ocean Grove in 1869 to provide a cool retreat for spiritual study and prayer. They loved the shaded land by the sea and returned to the campsite summer after summer. Robert Lowry visited this religious resort in 1876 to preach and share his new musical compositions.
He introduced Nothing But the Blood during a camp meeting, and it immediately took possession of the people. The hymn likely originated while Lowry served as the pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church in New Jersey. He based the lyrics on Hebrews 9:22, which emphasizes that there is no remission without shedding blood.
Nothing But the Blood Relevant Bible Verses
And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Hebrews 9:22 NJKV
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NJKV
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9 NJKV
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7 NJKV
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11 NJKV
Come now, and let us reason together, Says the Lord, Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow. Isaiah 1:18 NJKV
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Nothing But the Blood of Jesus Lyrics and Music by Robert Lowry. Released in 1876. This hymn is in the Public Domain.