Hear the Gospel’s Joyful Tidings

This song is a strong and sure reminder that Jesus’ blood was precious enough to cover all of our sins: past, present, and future. His blood doesn’t just cleanse us once – when we become Christians; no, it keeps on cleansing since it is a “lasting fountain.” And when we cower in guilt and shame – forgetting the effectiveness of Jesus’ blood – we can sing the second stanza to our souls and remind ourselves that even tears of repentance do not earn cleansing but only the work of Jesus. In verse three we rest not only in Jesus’ cleansing from and remission of sin, but in his perfect righteousness for healing and peace. When we are filled up with this gospel message, joyful worship is the response- a joyful worship that will continue forever as we sing “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” (Revelation 5:12)

Lyrics

Verse 1:
Hear the gospel's joyful tidings:
Full salvation sweetly sounds,
Grace for even our backslidings
Now from Jesus' blood abounds.
Though our sins cannot be counted
Like the sand upon the shore,
Jesus is the lasting fountain,
Cleansing till they are no more.

Verse 2:
When our guilt and shame assails us,
We shall turn to Jesus' blood;
Nothing short of this will heal us,
Grant us peace or do us good.
Should the tears of deep contrition
Like a torrent, drown our eyes,
Sin shall find there no remission-
Only in His sacrifice.

Verse 3:
In His righteousness confiding,
Sheltered safe beneath His wing-
Here we find a sure abiding
And of cov'nant mercy sing.
We will seek no other healing
Than the precious blood of Christ
Who is ever interceding
As our true and great high priest.

Verse 4:
Rise to worship, bow to wonder-
Jesus lived and died for us.
Broke the bonds of sin asunder,
Set us free by sov'reign grace.
Soon we hope to see His glory,
And with all the saints above
Sing the gospel's tireless story,
Of the Lamb's redeeming love.

 

By David L. Ward, based loosely on two hymns from John Kent (1766-1843)
© 2020 Hymnicity