Hymn Story: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

One day in the summer of 1869, a group of Methodist ministers looked for a spot to escape the summer heat of New Jersey and study the Word. They found it in a well-shaded piece of land by the sea.

They pitched their tents and loved the campsite so much they named it Ocean Grove came back summer after summer. Ocean Grove continued to grow in popularity until a small town began to form. By the early twentieth century, the town was known as "The Queen of Religious Resorts."

In 1876, hymn writer Robert Lowry visited Ocean Grove to preach to the summer crowd. He also introduced his hymn, “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” and a revival soon took place.

Ira Sankey happened to be in the crowd at the time and later claimed that Lowry’s hymn “immediately took possession of the people.” God has been using the hymn ever since.

Fun Facts: Ocean Grove is still a popular tourist destination in New Jersey. People still vacation in tents there. And the land is still owned by Methodists (The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association).

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

by Robert Lowry

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.

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.