What Can Wash Away My Sin? The History and Meaning of a Beloved Hymn

The History and Meaning of the Hymn "What Can Wash Away My Sin?"

The classic hymn "What Can Wash Away My Sin?" was written by Robert Lowry, an American pastor and prolific hymn writer who lived from 1826 to 1899. First published in 1876, it has endured as one of the most popular and moving hymns about salvation and the cleansing power of Christ's blood.

The Lyrics and Their Meaning

The hymn poses the rhetorical question "What can wash away my sin?" and provides the answer in the refrain: "Nothing but the blood of Jesus." Here are the full lyrics:

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 of 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.

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.

Glory! Glory! This I sing,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
All my praise for this I bring,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The hymn emphasizes that no good works, rituals, or penance can remove the stain of sin - only faith in the atoning power of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The blood of Jesus represents His death that purchased our salvation. Trusting in "nothing but the blood of Jesus" is the only way to receive God's forgiveness and cleansing from sin.

The Popularity and Influence of the Hymn

"What Can Wash Away My Sin?" has been enormously popular among Christian denominations that emphasize salvation through faith in Jesus alone. Its beautiful melody and lyrics have made it a favorite hymn for over 100 years.

The hymn has been recorded by prominent artists like Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, and Tennessee Ernie Ford. It is frequently sung during communion services as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice. Some churches include it in their altar calls to encourage people to trust in Jesus for salvation.

The memorable imagery of being "white as snow" after being cleansed of sin through Jesus' blood has resonated with generations of believers. It captures the Christian belief that trusting in Christ's atonement provides a complete cleansing of sin and moral purity in God's sight.

Key Themes and Imagery in the Lyrics

Some key themes and imagery from the hymn include:

• The blood of Jesus as the only remedy for sin
• Cleansing from sin resulting in moral purity
• "White as snow" representing forgiveness and righteousness
• Salvation obtained through faith in Christ alone
• Emptiness of good works and rituals to earn salvation
• Christ's blood bringing victory over sin and access to heaven

The hymn uses vivid symbolism from scripture about being washed clean from sin. Images like being "white as snow" come from verses like Isaiah 1:18:

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

The Enduring Legacy of an Immensely Popular Hymn

"What Can Wash Away My Sin?" has remained a beloved hymn for over 100 years due to its memorable melody, vivid lyrics, and focus on the essential Christian doctrine of salvation through Christ's sacrifice. Its many recordings and frequent inclusion in hymnals and worship services have only expanded its popularity.

The hymn beautifully sums up the wonder, gratitude, and assurance believers find in Christ's atonement. Its emphasis on salvation by grace rather than works aligns it with Evangelical theology. For generations to come, its refrain will continue proclaiming the cleansing blood of Jesus as the only remedy for sin.

FAQs

Who wrote the hymn "What Can Wash Away My Sin?"

The hymn was written by Robert Lowry, an American pastor and prolific hymn writer who lived from 1826 to 1899.

When was "What Can Wash Away My Sin" first published?

Robert Lowry published the hymn in 1876, so it is over 140 years old.

What is the main message of the hymn?

The main message is that only the blood of Jesus (His atoning death on the cross) can cleanse us from sin and make us righteous before God. No good works or rituals can wash away sin.

Why has this hymn remained so popular?

Its beautiful melody, vivid lyrics, and focus on the essential doctrine of salvation through Christ have made it an enduring favorite over the past century.

What are some key biblical images in the lyrics?

Key images like being washed "white as snow" come from verses like Isaiah 1:18 about how Christ's blood cleanses us from scarlet sins.