I Lay my Sins on Jesus - Hymn with Lyrics

1. I lay my sins on Jesus,
the spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us
from the accursed load;
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
to wash my crimson stains
white in His blood most precious,
till not a spot remains.

2. I lay my wants on Jesus;
all fullness dwells in Him;
He heals all my diseases,
He doth my soul redeem;
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
my burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases,
He all my sorrow shares.

3. I rest my soul on Jesus,
this weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces,
I on His breast recline.
I love the Name of Jesus,
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
like fragrance on the breezes
His Name abroad is poured.

4. I long to be like Jesus,
meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
the Father's holy Child;
I long to be with Jesus
amid the heav'nly throng,
to sing with saints His praises,
to learn the angels' song.

Scripture; Leviticus 4:29; Psalm 55:22; 

Song of Solomon 2:6;

Isaiah 1:18

I Lay My Sins on Jesus" is a cherished Christian hymn written by Horatius Bonar (1808–1889), a prominent 19th-century Scottish minister, hymn writer, and theologian. The hymn reflects Bonar's deep understanding of the gospel and his desire to convey the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ's work in providing forgiveness and peace to believers.

Background and Inspiration

1. Horatius Bonar's Theology: Bonar was known for his commitment to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This hymn, like many of his works, emphasizes the believer's complete reliance on Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and spiritual rest. Bonar's writings often focused on the themes of atonement, the sufficiency of Christ, and the personal experience of salvation.

2. Themes in the Hymn:

   • The first stanza introduces the idea of laying all sins on Jesus, reflecting the biblical teaching of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
   • The hymn continues by expressing trust in Jesus for redemption, healing, and peace, underscoring the themes of forgiveness and assurance found in Christ.
   • The closing lines exude hope and rest in Jesus, reflecting a deep spiritual restfulness found in casting one's burdens on Him.

3. Personal and Pastoral Context: Bonar's hymns were often written with a pastoral heart. Living in a time of social and spiritual challenges, he sought to offer believers comforting and accessible expressions of faith. He ministered during the Disruption of 1843 in Scotland, a period marked by significant theological and institutional changes in the Church of Scotland. His hymns provided spiritual sustenance for many during these turbulent times.