Derek Webb of Caedmon’s Call does a wonderful version of Washed in the Blood by Woodie Guthrie (1912-1967) inspired by the hymn writer Elisha Hoffman’s (1839-1929) classic hymn Are you Washed in the Blood? Below are the lyrics to the song by Guthrie. As I lay here redoing my blog theme, trying to let my back ease off enough for sleep, I am reminded that my pain has one good benefit. It reminds me of the one whose pain bore for me my sins, saved me for eternity, and redeems my pain and my entire life now. In the midst of pain there is joy for those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Peyton L. Palmore III in a article for the Christian Century notes that the linguistics of being washed in the blood of the lamb is to many anachronistic at best and barbaric at worst. Yet Peyton points out that the symbolism may be lost on many. He personally doesn’t embrace the symbology instead he “experiences” afresh the beauty of God from meditating on the story and imagery of the prodigal son. Peyton mistakes though a central key. Peyton views the whole issue from man’s view toward God. Yet the symbology of the blood of the Lamb is most beautiful because it is God’s view towards us. He loves us so much that he is willing to die like a helpless lamb for us. He is willing to take our place. To pay the penalty for our sin. And yes most amazingly wash us in the blood of the lamb (Revelation 7:14) washing us pure from all our sins. If we can’t find joy in that then we can’t find joy. It is also the most amazing symbol of the love of God. Interestingly we celebrate both of those in baptism and communion. Their is joy in the blood of the lamb.

Blood Of The Lamb

Are your garments all spotless?
Are they white as the snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
Is your soul all spotless?
Is it clean as the snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?

I am washed, yes i’m washed
I am washed in the blood
I’m all washed in the blood of the lamb
I’m all clean i’m all spotless
I’m pure like the snows
I’m all washed in the blood of the lamb

Have you laid down your burdens?
Have you found peace and rest?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
I’ve laid down all my troubles
I’ve found peace and rest
I’m all washed in the blood of the lamb

Have you learnt to love your neighbors?
Of all colors, creeds and kinds?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
I’ve learnt to love my peoples
Of all colors, creeds and kinds
I’m all washed in that blood of that lamb

Words: woody guthrie (1955) -
Music: jay bennett/jeff tweedy (1997)