Celtic Worship - Blessed Assurance Lyrics

Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The hymn "Blessed Assurance" by Celtic Worship, released on August 27, 2021, is a fresh interpretation of a cherished classic. The original lyrics were penned by Fanny J. Crosby in 1873, a prolific blind American hymn writer, with music composed by Phoebe P. Knapp. This enduring hymn has resonated with believers for generations, expressing deep personal conviction and joy in faith. Celtic Worship brings their distinctive style, often incorporating traditional Scottish and Irish instrumentation, to this powerful declaration of Christian assurance, providing a new sonic landscape for the familiar words while preserving their profound spiritual core.

The song’s meaning centers on the profound certainty and peace found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The opening lines immediately establish this theme, describing the state of being "blessed" with the knowledge that Jesus is one's own. This assurance is depicted as a "foretaste of glory divine," an anticipation of future heavenly joy. The lyrics portray the believer as an "Heir of salvation," purchased by God, born of His Spirit, and cleansed by His blood – core tenets of Christian belief regarding redemption and new life. The verses unfold this experience of faith, moving from the initial assurance to "perfect submission" and "perfect delight," where visions of spiritual reality ("rapture") and divine presence ("Angels descending") reveal God's mercy and love.

The recurring chorus serves as a powerful, personal testimony: "This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long." It encapsulates the idea that faith is not just a belief system, but the defining narrative of the believer's life, expressed through constant praise. The third verse returns to the theme of submission, equating it with rest and finding happiness and blessedness in Christ. It speaks of actively "watching and waiting" while looking towards heaven, filled with God's goodness and utterly absorbed ("lost") in His love. The bridge expands on this personal witness, focusing on testifying to the transformative love of Christ, specifically referencing His life, death, and resurrection – the foundation of this blessed assurance. It speaks of resting in complete assurance until Christ's promised return, reinforcing the future hope central to the believer's faith. The repeated calls of "Hail Thee loving God" and the accompanying declaration "I will trust in the love of Jesus" in the bridge and outro further solidify the themes of adoration and steadfast reliance on divine love.

The themes explored in "Blessed Assurance" are deeply rooted in scripture. The concept of believers being "Heirs of salvation" echoes passages like Romans 8:17, which states that if we are children of God, we are also heirs. Being "purchased by God" and "washed in His blood" reflects the atoning sacrifice of Christ described in 1 Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 1:7, and 1 Peter 1:18-19. Being "Born of His Spirit" aligns with teachings on spiritual rebirth found in John 3:5-8 and Titus 3:5. The "foretaste of glory divine" relates to the hope of eternal life and future glory promised to believers (Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17). The idea of perfect submission and delight can be linked to finding joy in obedience and God's presence (Psalm 16:11). Testifying to Christ's life, death, and resurrection is the fundamental message of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and watching and waiting for His return is a recurring New Testament theme (Matthew 24:42, Titus 2:13). Ultimately, the song is a comprehensive expression of the believer's state of being – redeemed, secure, joyful, and hopeful – all based on the faithfulness and love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ, a message that continues to inspire listeners through renditions like that by Celtic Worship.