Assurance

Frances Jane Crosby, widely known as Fanny Crosby, was born on March 24, 1820, in Brewster, New York. Despite losing her sight as an infant due to a medical mistake, Crosby's blindness did not prevent her from becoming one of the most prolific hymn writers in history. Her remarkable ability to transcend her disability and contribute profoundly to Christian music has left an enduring legacy.

Crosby’s early life was marked by her education at the New York Institution for the Blind, where she excelled academically and later served as a teacher and principal. Her experiences at the institution shaped her intellectual development and cultivated her spiritual and artistic talents. Here, Crosby began writing hymns, and her exceptional talent quickly became evident. She penned over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs throughout her career, many of which resonate in Christian worship today.

One of Crosby's most cherished hymns is "Blessed Assurance," written in 1873. The inspiration for this hymn came from a conversation with her friend, Phoebe Palmer Knapp. Knapp played a melody on the piano and asked Crosby what it suggested to her. Without hesitation, Crosby replied, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" This spontaneous response became the opening line of the hymn, capturing the essence of Christian assurance and joy, as reflected in 1 John 5:13: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

The composition of "Blessed Assurance" also involved William Howard Doane, a prominent composer and friend of Crosby, who provided the music for the hymn. This collaboration resulted in a piece that beautifully combined Crosby's lyrical genius with Doane's musical talent. The hymn was first published in 1873 in the “Brightest and Best" collection by Doane & Co., quickly gaining popularity in Christian congregations. The hymn's encouragement to "watch and wait, looking above" aligns with 2 Corinthians 4:18, which reminds believers to fix their eyes on the eternal, unseen realities of God's promises.

Crosby's hymns, including "Blessed Assurance," often reflect profound spiritual truths and biblical promises. For example, the line "Perfect submission, all is at rest" echoes the peace described in Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." This peace comes from a life wholly surrendered to God's will, resulting in proper rest and happiness in the Savior.

"Blessed Assurance" has also been a profound expression of praise, resonating with the call to worship found in Psalm 96:1-2: "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day." The hymn's chorus, "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all day long," embodies this continuous proclamation of God's salvation and goodness.

The observance of Communion, or The Lord's Supper, is a time for Christians to remember Christ's sacrifice and reflect on their relationship with Him. "Blessed Assurance" is a fitting hymn during this sacred observance, encapsulating the believer's confidence in Christ's redeeming work. The hymn reminds worshippers of the assurance of their salvation and the deep love of Jesus, central to the Communion experience.

Verse 1:

"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of God Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood."

This verse speaks of the deep assurance and joy of knowing Jesus personally. It reflects the idea of having a foretaste of heaven's glory through the experience of salvation. Believers are described as heirs of salvation, purchased by God, born of the Spirit, and washed in the blood of Jesus, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's redemption.

Verse 2:

"Perfect submission, perfect delight Visions of rapture now burst on my sight Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.”

In this verse, Crosby describes the joy and spiritual insight that come from complete submission to God's will. The imagery of visions of rapture and angels descending suggests a profound spiritual experience in which believers sense God's mercy and love. This verse highlights the delight and spiritual richness accompanying a life fully surrendered to God.

Verse 3:

"Perfect submission; all is at rest. I, in my Savior, am happy and blessed Watching and waiting, looking above Filled with God's goodness, lost in His love.”

The final verse speaks to the peace and contentment of submitting to God's will. Believers find proper rest in their relationship with Jesus, experiencing happiness and blessing. The verse also emphasizes an attitude of hopeful anticipation, looking forward to Christ's return while being filled with God's goodness and overwhelmed by His love.

Today, "Blessed Assurance" continues to be cherished by Christians around the globe. Countless artists have recorded it, which remains a central worship service piece. The hymn's lasting impact is a testament to Fanny Crosby's faith, resilience, and unparalleled contribution to Christian hymnody. Crosby’s legacy lives on through her hymns, notably "Blessed Assurance," inspiring and uplifting generations of believers with the profound truths of Scripture and the enduring hope in Jesus Christ.