Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
Lowry's hymn declaring that no other cleansing exists for sin but the blood of Christ.
Download PDFLowry's hymn declaring that no other cleansing exists for sin but the blood of Christ. Written by Robert Lowry (1876), set to the tune "Plainfield" by Robert Lowry.
Suggested pairing scripture
1 John 1:7
"The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
Read 1 John 1:7 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing on Good Friday, during Holy Week reflections, and at the Lord's Supper as the congregation contemplates the cross.
Lyrics
Stanza 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: O precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Stanza 3
For my pardon this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; For my cleansing this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Stanza 4
Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Stanza 5
This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
History & Background
Baptist pastor Robert Lowry wrote both words and music in 1876, publishing it in 'Gospel Music' that year. Lowry, also author of 'Shall We Gather at the River' and 'Christ Arose', wrote many of his hymns during quiet evenings at the parlor organ.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Nothing But the Blood?
Baptist pastor and prolific hymn writer Robert Lowry wrote both the lyrics and the tune in 1876.
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Related Reading
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Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
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