We’ve just celebrated Memorial Day in the US, a day when we remember those soldiers who have given their life to protect our freedom and way of life.
This hymn, written 145 years ago, brings us back to the One who gave His life for more than our temporal freedom here in the US. His sacrifice crossed borders and time, and reaches out to all humanity. His sacrifice provided freedom for all who believe – freedom from sin, death and hell. His sacrifice gives us a way to live – to love and serve Him, and in doing so to love and serve others.
Jesus truly did pay it all, and we owe everything to him.
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.
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Words by Elvina M Hall, 1865
