But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
(1 John 1:7 NKJV)
When we walk in the light toward the truth of who God is, we walk into restored fellowship. This process is called repentance, and it is the process by which God forgives and cleanses us through Christ’s blood.
The sweet hymn, Nothing But the Blood of Jesus, was written by Robert Lowry in 1876. A Baptist minister and professor at Lewisburg (Bucknell) University, Rev. Lowery wanted to be known more as a preacher than as a hymn writer. He would have rather preached a sermon to an appreciative audience than to write a hymn. Yet, more than 100 years after his death, what Lowry is best remembered for is his many popular and well-loved hymns.
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus was first introduced at a camp meeting in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Ocean Grove was established in 1869 as a place of spiritual retreat and revival, and a place to escape the summer heat of northeastern cities. Over the years, many famous hymn writers came to Ocean Grove, and today Ocean Grove still hosts many famous preachers and speakers, as well as musical artists.
"What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus."