Text: Robert Lowry
Tune: PLAINFIELD, Robert Lowry
Genre: Hymn
Language: English
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 9:22
Liturgical Functions/Seasons: Easter, Baptism, Repentance, Confession
Themes: Redemption
Hymnal Reference: Baptist Hymnal 56 ed. #204

Nothing but the Blood is regarded as a traditional American hymn composed by a Baptist minister and a Professor. Lowry wrote the text in 1876 after he became a Pastor of a Baptist church in Plainfield, and it gained acceptance with its subject of the blood of Jesus. It is found in popular hymnals and songbooks of its time. The theme is written after Hebrew 9:7, which says, “without the shedding of the blood, there is no remission of sin.”

According to its analysis, the emphasis is placed on the importance of the blood of Jesus. It is worth more than the animal’s blood, redeems from sin, and is so precious. Nothing but the Blood is used as a response to evangelistic messages upon which people come to the Lord for cleansing from their sins. Another usage comes during the Baptism in session and the Lord’s Supper. It reminds us of how Jesus suffered and died for our sins.

Lyrics

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.

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/vKF0Dn2_XZK

Sources:
www.hymnary.org

Contributted by Emmanuel Olabisi.