I Lay My Sins on Jesus

“I Lay My Sins on Jesus” is one of the most beloved hymns of Horatius Bonar, the Scottish pastor and poet who has been called “the prince of Scottish hymn writers.” Written in 1843, this hymn reflects Bonar’s deep evangelical faith and his desire to provide simple, Christ-centered hymns for both congregational singing and private devotion. The hymn is rooted in Isaiah 53:6, which points to the substitutionary atonement of Christ, reminding believers that their sins are placed fully upon the Lamb of God who bore them on the cross. Its tender and personal language makes it easily accessible to children and adults alike, which was Bonar’s intention when writing hymns for his Sunday school ministry.

The stanzas beautifully trace the Christian’s experience of salvation and sanctification. The opening lines focus on laying one’s sins upon Jesus, trusting His finished work on Calvary as the full payment for guilt. Later verses turn to the believer’s burdens, sorrows, and weaknesses, expressing the assurance that Christ not only removes sin but also provides strength, comfort, and hope in times of trial. In this way, the hymn functions as both a confession and a prayer, leading the singer into a deeper reliance upon the Savior for every aspect of life. Its gentle rhythm and simple diction make it well-suited for meditation and corporate worship, and its doctrinal richness gives it lasting depth.

Over the years, “I Lay My Sins on Jesus” has been included in many hymnals and has been set to several tunes, most commonly to the melodies by Samuel S. Wesley and John B. Dykes. Its lasting popularity lies in its simplicity, heartfelt piety, and clear presentation of the gospel. Horatius Bonar, who devoted his life to preaching Christ and encouraging believers to rest fully in His grace, gave the church in this hymn a timeless expression of faith, one that continues to comfort and guide generations of Christians to cast all upon Christ who is the believer’s righteousness, strength, and peace.