Episode 1199: There is a Fountain Filled with Blood (Part 1)

In this episode, we explore the enduring connection between early Christian hymns and the sacrificial nature of Jesus, noting how the New Testament epistles contain some of the earliest Christological confessions. Passages such as Philippians 2:6–11 and Colossians 1:15–20 highlight Jesus’ humility, obedience unto death, and the reconciliation accomplished “through the blood of His cross.” These early fragments of worship remind us that from the church’s earliest days, believers recognized the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice and the power of His atoning blood in God’s plan of salvation.

We then examine William Cowper’s hymn “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood”, which powerfully captures the theological weight and emotional depth of Christ’s atoning work. Written during a period of Cowper’s renewed spiritual clarity, the hymn draws from Zechariah 13:1 to depict Jesus’ blood as an inexhaustible fountain of cleansing and forgiveness. Despite attempts to soften its vivid imagery, the hymn’s raw, unvarnished language has endured in worship settings, testifying to the deep need for and the transformative power of Christ’s blood, which alone has the power to cleanse every sin and redeem every sinner who trusts in Him.

Ultimately, the hymn serves as a lyrical sermon on substitutionary atonement, reminding us that Jesus’ sacrifice is not an abstract theological concept but a living, active reality that purifies, restores, and welcomes us into God’s presence. Each stanza emphasizes that through Jesus’ blood, we are washed clean, freed from guilt, and made new, leading us to gratitude and daily trust in the power of the cross. As we continue to reflect on this hymn, we are invited to live in the freedom, hope, and reverence that Jesus’ sacrifice has secured for us, allowing our lives to reflect His redeeming grace to a world in need.