Nothing but the Blood

Written in 1876 by Baptist pastor Robert Lowry, Nothing but the Blood quickly became one of the most beloved hymns of the American church. Lowry is said to have first spoken the now-famous refrain—“Nothing but the blood of Jesus”—in response to a question about forgiveness during a children’s sermon. From that simple declaration came a hymn whose clarity and conviction have carried it across generations.

 

Its direct question-and-answer form reflects the revival spirit of late nineteenth-century worship, inviting both personal reflection and congregational affirmation. The melody’s straightforward character has made it accessible to singers of every background while preserving the depth of its message.

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n this arrangement for SATB choir and chamber orchestra, the familiar tune is gently expanded through richer harmonies and expressive orchestral color. The goal is not to overshadow the hymn’s simplicity, but to frame it in a way that allows the text’s central confession to resonate with renewed depth and warmth, and to reflect God’s love in sending his Son to bring salvation, mercy, and new life to a broken world.

 

Nearly 150 years after its creation, the hymn continues to proclaim its timeless message with remarkable clarity: our hope rests not in our own strength, but in grace freely given.

 

Text

 

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Oh! Precious is the flow That makes me white as snow.

No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

For my pardon this I see: Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my cleansing, this my plea: Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Naught for good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

This is all my hope and peace: Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my righteousness: Nothing but the blood of Jesus.