Are You Washed in the Blood

“Are You Washed in the Blood” is a hymn that doesn’t just tell — it asks. It puts the gospel in the form of a question and invites the listener to respond. It’s energetic, joyful, and clear about the heart of salvation: the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood.

The Story Behind the Hymn

This hymn was written in 1878 by Elisha A. Hoffman, a pastor and songwriter who wrote over 2,000 gospel songs. He had a passion for creating hymns that were easy for congregations to sing — lyrics that were memorable and melodies that were full of life.

“Are You Washed in the Blood” was written during a time when revivals and camp meetings were sweeping across the U.S. These gatherings often focused on repentance and assurance of salvation, and this hymn fit perfectly. Its call-and-response style made it easy for large crowds to sing — and even easier to remember.

What Makes It Powerful

What makes this hymn stand out is how direct it is. It doesn’t soften the message — it calls people to consider the condition of their soul. Yet it’s not fearful or condemning — it’s full of hope. The repeated line “Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” is a reminder that there is a way to be made clean, and that way is through Jesus.

A verse that reflects the truth behind this hymn is Revelation 7:14 (NIV):

They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

That image — robes made white by the blood — is the heart of the gospel. We don’t clean ourselves up to come to Christ; He cleanses us when we come to Him.

My Violin Cover

When I arranged “Are You Washed in the Blood” for violin, I wanted to keep its upbeat, almost playful energy. The melody has a bounce to it — it’s a hymn that moves. I kept the rhythm lively but still clear, letting the joy of the message come through in each note.

With Violin Hymns, I try to bring out the emotion of the song — and this one called for boldness. It’s not a quiet hymn. It’s a joyful call to salvation.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let the question sink in — not with fear, but with faith. Christ offers cleansing to all who come to Him. There’s no greater peace than knowing the answer to this question: Yes, I’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Lyrics

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow'r?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood,

In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?

Are your garments spotless?

Are they white as snow?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you walking daily by the Savior's side?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,

And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin.

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,

O be washed in the blood of the Lamb! [Refrain]