Fountainview Academy - Nearer Still Nearer Lyrics

Nearer Still Nearer

Nearer Still Nearer Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Fountainview Academy presents a moving rendition of the classic hymn "Nearer Still Nearer," a song that expresses a deep, personal longing for closer communion with the divine. Their musical interpretation brings a renewed sense of sincerity and devotion to the lyrics, reflecting the academy's focus on spiritual expression through music. The video accompanying this performance was released on January 22, 2021, providing a visual dimension to the song's profound message of spiritual intimacy and surrender.

The song's meaning unfolds as a heartfelt prayer and confession, centered entirely on drawing closer to the Savior. The opening stanzas articulate a profound desire to be sheltered and find rest close to God's heart, acknowledging His preciousness and inviting His protective embrace. This yearning is paired with a posture of humility, where the singer admits to bringing nothing of value as an offering, only a heart made contrite by the awareness of sin. This realization leads to a fervent plea for the cleansing power of Christ's blood, recognized as the sole means of purification and acceptance.

Building upon this desire for nearness and cleansing, the lyrics then explore the necessary steps of surrender. The singer willingly and gladly resigns from the follies, pleasures, pomp, and pride associated with sin. Worldly attachments are renounced in favor of a singular focus on "Jesus, my Lord, crucified." This highlights the central role of Christ's sacrifice in the believer's path to closeness, emphasizing that true intimacy comes through alignment with His self-denial and suffering.

The final stanza broadens the scope of this pursuit, portraying the longing for nearness as a lifelong journey that extends into eternity. It speaks of the unwavering desire to remain close to the Savior "while life shall last," anticipating the moment when faith gives way to sight and the soul is "safe in glory." The aspiration is to be ever nearer to Christ through endless ages, anchoring hope firmly in the promise of eternal fellowship and rest in His presence.

The themes explored in "Nearer Still Nearer" resonate deeply with various scriptural passages that speak to the believer's relationship with God. The call to draw near is echoed in James 4:8, which promises that as we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. The concept of finding shelter and rest is found in scriptures like Psalm 91:1, which speaks of abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, and Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him. The acknowledgement of bringing nothing but a contrite heart aligns with Psalm 51:17, which states that a broken and contrite heart God will not despise. The cleansing through blood is a central New Testament theme, as highlighted in 1 John 1:7 and Hebrews 9:22. The renunciation of worldly pride and focus on the crucified Christ reflects the spirit of Philippians 3:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 2:2. Finally, the hope of being eternally safe in glory, nearer to the Savior, connects with passages about the believer's eternal dwelling with the Lord, such as John 14:2-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17. This timeless hymn, as presented by Fountainview Academy, serves as an inspiring reminder of the profound and continuous call to seek a deeper, more surrendered relationship with God through Christ.