I hear the Savior say
Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness, watch and pray
Find in Me thine all in all
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete
Jesus died my soul to save
My lips shall still repeat
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
O Praise the one who paid my debt
And raised this life up from the dead
[x6]
It's Jesus
My Jesus
O Praise the one who paid my debt
And raised this life up from the dead
[x6]
Jesus Paid It All (Hymn 281) - Hymnology (Official Video)
Jesus Paid It All Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "Jesus Paid It All," performed by For All Seasons as part of their Hymnology series, presents a timeless message of redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Released on January 27, 2023, this version takes the classic hymn text and breathes fresh life into its profound theological truths. The initial verses speak to the human condition, acknowledging inherent weakness and the need for divine strength and sufficiency found solely in the Savior. This dependency is not a burden but an invitation to find one's "all in all" in Him, highlighting the cornerstone of Christian faith: reliance not on self, but on Christ.
The central theme is powerfully articulated in the recurring chorus: "Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe." This declaration captures the essence of the atonement – the belief that Christ's death on the cross served as a complete payment for the debt of human sin. The lyrics vividly contrast the state of sin, described as a "crimson stain," with the purifying power of Christ's work, which washes it "white as snow." This imagery draws upon biblical language found in passages such as Isaiah 1:18, which speaks of sins being made white as snow through God's redemptive action. It underscores the transformative nature of salvation, offering not just forgiveness but a radical cleansing and renewal.
Further verses delve into the magnitude of Christ's power, describing it as uniquely capable of changing the most ingrained imperfections ("change the leper's spots") and softening the hardest hearts ("melt the heart of stone"). This speaks to God's ability to bring about internal spiritual transformation that is impossible through human effort or willpower alone. The song moves towards the eschatological hope, envisioning the believer standing "complete" before God's throne solely because of Jesus' sacrifice. This state of completeness is not earned but is a gift received through faith in Christ, emphasizing the doctrine of justification by grace through faith, echoing sentiments found in scriptures like Philippians 3:9. The promise is that even in the presence of God, the lips will continue to repeat the foundational truth: "Jesus paid it all."
The For All Seasons adaptation includes additional sections that serve as declarations of praise and personal connection. The repeated lines, "O Praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead," serve as a communal and personal response of worship to the finished work of Christ. This directly links the payment for sin with the power of resurrection, celebrating both the forgiveness of the past and the new life offered in the present. The simple, yet profound, interjection "It's Jesus, My Jesus" further personalizes the hymn's message, turning a theological statement into an intimate affirmation of faith. These elements amplify the song's inspirational quality, encouraging listeners to actively respond in gratitude and devotion to the one who secured their salvation. The inclusion in the "Hymnology" series highlights the artist's intention to connect contemporary worship with historical expressions of faith, making this timeless truth accessible and impactful for a modern audience.