Blessed Assurance Lyrics – Meaning, History and Christian Message
Stanza 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.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Stanza 2
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Stanza 3
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
About Blessed Assurance
- Author / Lyricist: Fanny J. Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby, 1820–1915)
- Composer / Tune: ASSURANCE by Phoebe Palmer Knapp (1839–1908)
- Date Written: 1873
- First Publication: Guide to Holiness (July 1873) and Gospel Songs by Philip P. Bliss (1874)
- Meter: 9.10.9.9 with Refrain
History of Blessed Assurance
Fanny Crosby lost her physical eyesight in early infancy following a medical illness, but went on to write more than 8,000 hymns and poems during her long life. Her deep familiarity with Scripture and cheerful faith made her one of the most beloved hymnwriters in American history.
In 1873, her close friend Phoebe Palmer Knapp, a gifted musician and active church member, visited Crosby’s home with a new melody she had composed on the piano. After playing the tune, Knapp asked, “Fanny, what does the tune say to you?” Crosby immediately replied: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”
Within minutes, Crosby wrote the complete three stanzas. The hymn spread rapidly through church revivals, prayer meetings, and Sunday school songbooks, becoming a staple of congregational singing across denominations.
Meaning of Blessed Assurance
The hymn describes the spiritual blessings of walking in fellowship with Jesus:
- Stanza 1: Outlines the believer’s identity as an heir of salvation (Romans 8:17), redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice, and born of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5).
- Refrain: Connects personal faith with daily thanksgiving, showing that praise is an ongoing lifestyle rather than a weekly formality.
- Stanza 2: Connects surrender to God with inner peace, describing how divine mercy and love comfort the soul.
- Stanza 3: Portrays a life of quiet trust—watching and waiting with expectancy for the Lord’s goodness while resting in His love.
The Christian Message Behind the Hymn
Blessed Assurance highlights the biblical teaching that believers can have confidence in their eternal standing with God (1 John 5:13; Hebrews 10:22).
It reminds us that true security is not found in temporary circumstances, but in the finished work of Christ. Surrendering our lives to God brings freedom, gratitude, and a joyful testimony to share with others.
Why Christians Still Sing This Hymn
Churches continue to sing Blessed Assurance because of its uplifting melody and encouraging message. It strengthens believers during difficult days and serves as a heartfelt affirmation of faith.
Related Christian Songs
- To God Be the Glory (Fanny J. Crosby)
- Amazing Grace (John Newton)
- The Solid Rock (Edward Mote)
Conclusion
Blessed Assurance is an invitation to experience the peace and joy of belonging to Jesus. It encourages us to lay aside anxiety, trust in God’s promises, and let our daily lives reflect His grace and love.
Research & Verification
- Lyric Source: Guide to Holiness, July 1873; Gospel Songs, by Philip P. Bliss, Cincinnati: John Church & Co., 1874, Hymn 112. Verified via Hymnary.org.
- Author / History Source: Frances Jane Crosby (1820–1915); Library of Congress hymnody archives.
- Tune / Composer Source: ASSURANCE by Phoebe Palmer Knapp (1839–1908), composed 1873.
- Public-Domain Basis: Published in 1873, well prior to 1929; author and composer died more than 70 years ago. Public domain in the United States and jurisdictions observing life-plus-70 rules.
- Copyright Limitations: Modern recorded arrangements, contemporary choral scores, and commercial audio tracks remain protected under intellectual property law.