There is a Fountain Filled with Blood
There is a fountain filled with blood
The hymn presents Christ's blood as the efficacious means of cleansing from sin, emphasizing the substitutionary atonement central to Lutheran soteriology. It connects Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah's fountain) with New Testament fulfillment, demonstrating how Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Law demands.
History & Background
Written by William Cowper in 1771 as part of the Olney Hymns collection, a collaborative effort with John Newton. The hymn draws directly from Zechariah 13:1 and became one of the most beloved Protestant hymns of atonement.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 247
- Chalice Hymnal — 622
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 311
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 619
- Lutheran Service Book — 740
- Lutheran Worship — 506
- Trinity Hymnal — 253
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 157
- United Methodist Hymnal — 622
- Voices Together — 261
- With One Voice — 714
Bulletin Note
Written by William Cowper in 1771, this English hymn draws from Zechariah 13:1's messianic fountain, transforming Old Testament prophecy into a hymn of personal assurance grounded in Luther's doctrine of justification by faith alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes substitutionary atonement and offers a congregational voice to proclaim how Christ's blood satisfies the Law's demand and opens grace's floodgates to all who believe.
Themes
Atonement and redemption Blood of Christ Cleansing from sin Faith and trust Grace