Blessed Assurance Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Blessed Assurance: The Song of Faith and Confidence
"Blessed Assurance" is a timeless hymn that has touched the hearts of countless people over the years. The song was written by Fanny Crosby in 1873, with the music composed by Phoebe Knapp. Since then, it has been covered by countless artists, including Michael English.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics of "Blessed Assurance"
The lyrics of "Blessed Assurance" are a celebration of faith and confidence in God's love and provision. The song speaks of the assurance that comes from knowing that Jesus is our Savior and that we are heirs of salvation, purchased by the blood of Christ. It is a song of praise and gratitude for the peace and joy that come from a life surrendered to God.
The first verse of the song says, "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 believer's confidence and joy in knowing that they belong to Jesus and are saved by His grace. The phrase "foretaste of glory divine" refers to the joy and peace that come from knowing Jesus and the promise of eternal life that awaits believers in heaven.
The second verse of the song says, "Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love." This verse speaks of the believer's surrender to God's will and the joy and peace that come from living a life of obedience to His Word. The phrase "visions of rapture" refers to the joy and excitement that believers experience as they learn more about God and His plan for their lives.
The third verse of the song says, "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." This verse speaks of the believer's contentment and joy in knowing Jesus and the peace and security that come from trusting in His love and provision. The phrase "watching and waiting" refers to the believer's anticipation of the return of Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven.
The Inspiration and Story Behind "Blessed Assurance"
The inspiration behind "Blessed Assurance" is said to have come from a conversation between Fanny Crosby and her friend, Phoebe Knapp. According to legend, Knapp played a new melody for Crosby and asked her what it reminded her of. Crosby replied, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine." Knapp was inspired by Crosby's words and composed the music for the hymn.
Another story behind the song is that Fanny Crosby was visiting her friend Phoebe Knapp when she heard the tune being played on the piano. She asked Knapp to play it again and again as she wrote the lyrics to "Blessed Assurance." Crosby was blind, but her faith in God was strong. She wrote many hymns that expressed her deep faith in God, and "Blessed Assurance" is one of her most well-known works.
Bible Verses Referenced in "Blessed Assurance"
The lyrics of "Blessed Assurance" are filled with references to Scripture. The first verse speaks of being born of the Spirit and washed in the blood of Christ, which is a reference to John 3:5-6 and Revelation 1:5. The second verse speaks of visions of rapture and echoes of mercy, which are references to 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 and Ephesians 2:4-5. The third verse speaks of looking above and being filled with God's goodness and love, which are references to Colossians 3:1-2 and Romans 5:5.
Practical Application of "Blessed Assurance" to Christian Living
The message of "Blessed Assurance" is one of faith and confidence in God's love and provision. As believers, we can find comfort and peace in knowing that we belong to Christ and are saved by His grace. The song reminds us to surrender our lives to God and trust in His plan for our lives. It encourages us to live a life of obedience to His Word and to look forward to the promise of eternal life with Christ in heaven.
In conclusion, "Blessed Assurance" is a powerful hymn that has inspired and comforted believers for over a century. Its timeless message of faith and confidence in God's love and provision is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written. As believers, we can find hope and peace in the assurance that comes from knowing Jesus as our Savior and trusting in His plan for our lives.
