J.J. Hairston - The Blood Still Works Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse:
The blood that Jesus shed on Calvary
Still has power over the enemy;
It was shed many years ago, and it still flows.
There's no expiration date;
It works wonders forevermore.
Chorus:
It's still healing; it's still saving.
It's still cleansing; it's still covering.
It won't fail, still prevails;
Never lost its power.
Verse - Chorus
Bridge:
There is power in the blood of Jesus (4x)
Chorus
Vamp:
The blood still works...
It works...
Repeat each line several times; worship leader ad lib.
Ending:
The blood still works!
Video
The Blood Still Works
Meaning & Inspiration
J.J. Hairston's powerful declaration, "The Blood Still Works," released on November 7, 2014, stands as a resonant anthem within the worship landscape, cutting straight to the heart of Christian theology. The song doesn't waste time on elaborate introductions; it immediately brings into focus the central, unchanging truth of the gospel: the redemptive power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross. It bypasses fleeting trends to anchor itself firmly in the finished work of Christ, presenting a message that is both historically rooted and eternally relevant. The core meaning is a resounding affirmation that the atonement provided through Jesus' shed blood is not a past historical event whose power has waned, but a dynamic, active force available today for salvation, cleansing, healing, and deliverance.
The song's message is a direct reflection of foundational biblical principles concerning the significance of blood in the process of atonement and redemption. In Leviticus 17:11, we find the principle that "the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." This Old Testament type points prophetically to the ultimate sacrifice. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of this, emphasizing in Hebrews 9:22 that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." "The Blood Still Works" testifies that this necessary shedding of blood occurred through Jesus, and its effect is permanent and perpetually accessible. It speaks to a spiritual transaction where humanity, held captive by sin, was purchased back, redeemed not with perishable things but "with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19). This act of redemption, described also in Revelation 5:9 where the Lamb is worthy because "you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God," is the bedrock of our salvation.
Beyond initial salvation, the song speaks to the ongoing efficacy of the blood in every area of life. It addresses the need for continuous cleansing from sin, a truth beautifully articulated in 1 John 1:7: "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." This isn't a one-time event but a continuous reality made possible by His sacrifice. Furthermore, the message extends to healing and restoration, drawing a connection between Christ's suffering and our well-being, echoing Isaiah 53:5 which says, "by his wounds we are healed," a truth Peter confirms applies to us in 1 Peter 2:24. The song also implicitly celebrates the access we now have to God, tearing down the veil that separated humanity from His presence, as described in Hebrews 10:19-20, where we are given "boldness to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus." It reminds us of the victory secured, enabling believers to overcome accusation and opposition "by the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 12:11).
The song's musical arrangement and vocal delivery serve to amplify this powerful theological declaration. There's a sense of unwavering certainty and triumphant conviction in the performance, which prevents the profound message from feeling abstract or distant. The music builds with an intensity that mirrors the weight and glory of the truth being proclaimed. It stirs a sense of hope and confidence in those who receive its message, reinforcing faith in the finished work of Christ and its present-day reality. It’s more than just a pleasant melody; it’s a sonic affirmation of a fundamental tenet of faith, designed to encourage resilience in the face of challenges by pointing back to the unfailing power of the blood of Jesus. This song stands as a testament to the enduring nature of this core Christian belief, reminding everyone who encounters it that regardless of circumstance or struggle, the blood shed on Calvary retains its full, saving, healing, and delivering power – it still works.