Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness

The hymn "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness" was penned by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700–1760), a prominent German nobleman, theologian, and bishop of the Moravian Church. Born into one of Saxony’s most distinguished and affluent families, Zinzendorf was educated at the Universities of Halle and Wittenberg, where he developed a reputation for both intellectual brilliance and deep spiritual devotion. Despite his aristocratic status and political career as a State Counselor in the Court of Saxony, Zinzendorf felt a compelling call to ministry. In 1734, he obtained his preaching license from the University of Tübingen and soon aligned himself with the Moravian Brethren, a group renowned for their missionary fervor and rich musical tradition.

Zinzendorf’s faith was deeply personal, emphasizing what he termed "Christianity of the heart." He dedicated his wealth and influence to advancing the evangelical cause, establishing a settlement for Moravian refugees at Herrnhut, which became a thriving hub of Christian community and missionary activity. A prolific hymn writer, Zinzendorf composed over 2,000 hymns, many of which were incorporated into Moravian hymnals and translated into numerous languages. His life’s motto—"I have but one passion, and that is He and only He"—encapsulated his unwavering devotion to Christ.

Translation by John Wesley

The English translation of this hymn was provided by John Wesley (1703–1791), the renowned Anglican cleric and co-founder of Methodism. Wesley’s life was marked by extraordinary zeal and productivity: he traveled over 250,000 miles, mostly on horseback, preached 40,000 sermons, and witnessed more than 100,000 conversions. A man of rigorous discipline, he rose daily at 4:00 AM and maintained an unrelenting schedule of study, preaching, and writing until his retirement at 10:00 PM.

Though best known for promoting the hymns of his brother Charles Wesley, John himself contributed 27 original hymns and translations, including this rendition of Zinzendorf’s German text. Wesley admired Zinzendorf’s hymns and frequently incorporated them into Methodist worship. Despite their evangelistic efforts, both John and Charles Wesley remained within the Church of England throughout their lives. It was only after their deaths that Methodism formally separated as an independent denomination in 1808.

The hymn’s central theme is drawn from Titus 3:5:

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

This verse underscores the doctrine of salvation by grace alone, apart from human merit—a truth that both Zinzendorf and Wesley passionately proclaimed. The hymn exalts Christ’s atoning blood and imputed righteousness as the sole basis for redemption, reflecting the Reformation emphasis on justification by faith.

Musical Composition: "Germany"

The tune "Germany" was adapted from William Gardiner’s Sacred Melodies (1815). Gardiner, born in Leicester, England (1770), was a passionate advocate for sacred music, traveling across Europe to engage with leading composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. His six-volume Sacred Melodies sought to introduce English congregations to the works of classical masters, fostering a trend of setting hymn texts to refined musical arrangements.

Legacy of the Moravian Church

The Moravian Church, with its strong musical heritage, continues to influence Christian worship today. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, remains a key center for Moravianism in America, celebrated for its sacred music festivals at Lehigh University, which have garnered national acclaim.

"Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness" stands as a powerful testament to God’s unmerited grace and the believer’s complete reliance on Christ’s sacrifice. Through Zinzendorf’s poetic depth, Wesley’s eloquent translation, and Gardiner’s stately melody, this hymn continues to inspire worshipers, reminding them that salvation is found in Christ alone. Its enduring message resonates across centuries, uniting believers in praise of the Savior whose blood and righteousness secure their eternal hope.