Is Your All on the Altar?

By E. A. Hoffman

Lyrics

1. You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed.
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

Refrain:
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

2. Would you walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will
To be free from all ill–
On the altar your all you must lay.

3. Oh, we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

4. Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet
When our all on the altar is laid!

Bible Reference

Romans 12:1

About This Hymn

"Is Your All on the Altar?" is a devotional hymn written by Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific and beloved hymn writers in Christian history. Written in 1874, the hymn challenges believers to examine their commitment and surrender to God fully. Crosby’s lyrics urge the Christian to reflect on whether they have truly given everything to the Lord—heart, soul, and will—symbolized by the altar as a place of total consecration.

The hymn’s message is rooted deeply in Romans 12:1, which calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices. Each stanza progresses with questions and encouragement to let nothing remain hidden or held back from God. Crosby’s gentle yet earnest tone invites the singer to a higher level of spiritual devotion, emphasizing that wholehearted surrender leads to divine blessing and peace. The refrain echoes the main call: “Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?” which serves as a solemn yet hopeful reminder of the Christian’s ongoing journey toward holiness.

Musically, the hymn is often sung in 6/8 or 4/4 time, depending on the arrangement, with a melody that balances reflection and earnest appeal. Its enduring popularity in revival meetings and personal devotion reflects its powerful call to holiness and the transformative power of full surrender. The hymn remains a treasured resource for those seeking to deepen their walk with Christ and live a life wholly devoted to Him.