Shane & Shane - Nothing But The Blood Lyrics
Lyrics
What can wash away our sins
What can make us whole again
Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash us pure as snow
Welcomed as the friends of God
Nothing but Your blood
Nothing but Your blood King Jesus
Your blood speaks a better word
Than all the empty cl aims I've heard upon this earth
Speaks righteousness for me
And stands in my defense
Jesus it's Your blood
What can wash away our sins
What can make us whole again
Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash us pure as snow
Welcomed as the friends of God
Nothing but Your blood
Nothing but Your blood King Jesus
Your cross testifies in grace
Tells of the Father's heart to make a way for us
Now boldly we approach
Not earthly confidence
It's only by Your blood
What can wash away our sins
What can make us whole again
Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash us pure as snow
Welcomed as the friends of God
Nothing but Your blood
Nothing but Your blood King Jesus
What can wash away our sins
What can make us whole again
Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash us pure as snow
Welcomed as the friends of God
Nothing but Your blood
Nothing but Your blood King Jesus
Video
Nothing But the Blood
Meaning & Inspiration
Shane & Shane’s rendition of "Nothing But The Blood," released on September 30, 2014, as part of *The Worship Initiative, Vol. 8*, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring truth at the heart of Christian faith. This modern hymn takes a familiar and cherished theme and revitalizes it for contemporary worship, centering entirely on the profound and exclusive work of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. The song is not merely a cover but an intentional re-examination of a foundational doctrine, inviting all who engage with it to contemplate the singular source of their spiritual redemption and healing.
The story behind this particular version, like many from The Worship Initiative, is rooted in a desire to equip worshippers and worship leaders with biblically rich songs. While the original hymn "What Can Wash Away My Sins" by Robert Lowry dates back to the 19th century, Shane & Shane's approach brings a refreshed clarity to its core message. The song's meaning is unequivocal: there is no other path, no other power, no other solution for humanity's deepest spiritual need than the atoning blood of Jesus. It addresses the universal human condition of sin and separation from God, offering the singular divine answer. This message isn't just about forgiveness; it's about complete transformation, acceptance, and a restored relationship with the Creator, all made possible through one incomparable act of love on the cross.
The lyrics open with probing questions that echo across generations: "What can wash away our sins? What can make us whole again?" These aren't rhetorical queries designed to be ignored, but rather deeply personal invitations to consider the weight of sin and the profound yearning for restoration. The immediate, resounding answer, "Nothing but the blood," serves as both a confession and a declaration, cutting through all human attempts at self-justification or merit-based righteousness. This truth finds its deep roots in Scripture, where Hebrews 9:22 proclaims that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins," and 1 John 1:7 assures us that "the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." The song’s repetition of this phrase isn't redundancy but a vital reinforcement of the message, imprinting its exclusivity into the heart.
The song then builds on this foundation, expanding the scope of Christ's work by asking, "What can wash us pure as snow? Welcomed as the friends of God?" Here, the purity described goes beyond mere forgiveness; it speaks to a deep, transformative cleansing that makes one genuinely holy in God's sight, echoing Isaiah 1:18, where the Lord says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Furthermore, the idea of being "welcomed as the friends of God" highlights the restored intimacy and access to God, a profound privilege explained in John 15:15, where Jesus calls His disciples "friends." This welcoming is not based on our own efforts or worthiness but solely on the merit of Christ’s sacrifice, demonstrating the boundless grace offered through His blood.
A pivotal moment in the song arrives with the assertion, "Your blood speaks a better word / Than all the empty claims I've heard upon this earth / Speaks righteousness for me / And stands in my defense." This section elevates Christ’s sacrifice above all other philosophies, religions, or self-help doctrines that promise peace or purpose. The "empty claims" could refer to any human-derived solution for spiritual brokenness. In contrast, the blood of Jesus speaks a word of divine authority and efficacy, fulfilling the prophetic imagery of Hebrews 12:24, where the blood of sprinkling "speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." It declares us righteous before God, a profound theological truth found in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." This blood is our ultimate defense, silencing the accusations of sin and offering an unassailable standing before a holy God.
The final thematic progression centers on the cross as the ultimate expression of divine love and the means of access to God: "Your cross testifies in grace / Tells of the Father's heart to make a way for us / Now boldly we approach / Not earthly confidence / It's only by Your blood." The cross is presented not as a symbol of defeat but as the ultimate testimony of God’s redemptive grace, revealing the Father’s profound love for humanity, as articulated in John 3:16. It’s through this act that "a way" was made, breaking down the barrier of sin and allowing believers to "draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22). This bold approach is not born of human merit or self-assurance but from the absolute confidence derived from Christ’s accomplished work. Ephesians 2:13 confirms this, stating, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." The song powerfully reinforces that all these blessings—forgiveness, purity, friendship, righteousness, and access—are solely and completely "only by Your blood," leaving no room for human pride or alternative solutions. This repeated emphasis ensures that the listener's focus remains squarely on the centrality and sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work, inspiring deep gratitude and unwavering faith.