JESUS PAID IT ALL

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 1865

“Jesus Paid It All” — Hymn History


Author (Text): Elvina M. Hall (1820–1889)

Composer (Tune): John T. Grape (1835–1915)

Year: Text written in 1865; tune composed a few years later (commonly dated 1868)

Tune Name: All to Christ I Owe


How the Hymn Was Written


Elvina M. Hall, a member of the Monument Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, wrote the words after reflecting on a sermon about sanctification and the believer’s dependence on Christ. During a prayer meeting, she reportedly jotted down the now-famous lines:


“Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe.”


She later shared the poem with her pastor, who recognized its devotional power.


The Music


John T. Grape, the church’s organist, composed the melody to fit Hall’s text. The pairing of her deeply personal lyrics with Grape’s simple, singable tune helped the hymn spread quickly through churches and revival meetings.


Publication and Spread


The hymn was first published in the late 1860s in a gospel song collection and soon became widely used in Methodist and broader Protestant worship. Its clear theology and emotional accessibility made it a favorite in revivalist and evangelical settings.


Theological Themes


“Jesus Paid It All” centers on:


Substitutionary atonement — Christ’s sacrifice fully pays the debt of sin


Grace over works — human effort cannot earn salvation


Sanctification — Christ’s power not only saves but also cleanses and transforms


Legacy


Today, “Jesus Paid It All” remains one of the most beloved English-language hymns, frequently sung during communion services, Easter observances, and calls to confession. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple, profound confession of faith: salvation is wholly the work of Christ.

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