Are You Washed in the Blood?

"Are You Washed in the Blood?" is a lively and doctrinally rich gospel hymn penned by Elisha Albright Hoffman in 1878. Hoffman, a Presbyterian minister and a prolific hymnist with over 2,000 songs to his credit, wrote this hymn to convey the essential truth of salvation through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the language and theology of the New Testament, particularly Revelation 7:14 and Hebrews 9:22, the hymn confronts the listener with a deeply personal and eternal question: have you been cleansed by the sacrificial blood of the Lamb?

The hymn adopts a question-and-answer format, making it ideal for evangelistic meetings and revival services. Its verses challenge the hearer to examine their standing before God, while the refrain joyfully affirms the power of Jesus’ blood to cleanse from all sin. The repetition of the question “Are you washed in the blood?” presses upon the conscience the urgency of being right with God. Its strong gospel message is matched by a tune that is memorable and stirring, often sung with energetic conviction in congregations around the world.

"Are You Washed in the Blood?" reflects the 19th-century American revivalist tradition, where hymns were composed not only for worship but as instruments of soul-winning. The hymn’s vivid imagery of robes made white and garments spotless evokes the purity granted to believers through Christ’s redemptive work. It underscores the necessity of personal faith and repentance, and the assurance available to those who trust in Jesus. Over the years, this hymn has become a beloved standard in both hymnals and gospel songbooks, a testament to its enduring spiritual power and theological clarity.