Blessed Assurance
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"Blessed Assurance” is one of my favorite hymns. It has been embraced by many modern Christian artists, ensuring its message remains relevant and deeply resonant for generations. This timeless hymn was the collaborative work of two remarkable women: Fanny Crosby and Phoebe Palmer Knapp.
Fanny Crosby, who was blind, was often called the “Queen of Gospel Song Writers.” She penned over 8,000 hymns during her lifetime. Crosby’s faith was deeply personal and unwavering, and her hymns reflect themes of redemption, grace, and the joy of salvation. Her work continues to be sung and cherished worldwide.
Phoebe Palmer Knapp was a gifted composer and a prominent figure in the Methodist holiness movement. She was the daughter of Phoebe Palmer, one of the most influential women in 19th-century Methodism. Knapp herself composed over 500 hymn tunes, leaving an enduring legacy in Christian music.
The creation of “Blessed Assurance” is a story of divine inspiration and creative collaboration. Knapp played a melody she had written for Crosby and asked, “What does this tune say to you?” Without hesitation, Crosby replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” From that moment, the lyrics and music seamlessly came together to create the beloved hymn we know today.
Fanny Crosby, who was blind, was often called the “Queen of Gospel Song Writers.” She penned over 8,000 hymns during her lifetime. Crosby’s faith was deeply personal and unwavering, and her hymns reflect themes of redemption, grace, and the joy of salvation. Her work continues to be sung and cherished worldwide.
Phoebe Palmer Knapp was a gifted composer and a prominent figure in the Methodist holiness movement. She was the daughter of Phoebe Palmer, one of the most influential women in 19th-century Methodism. Knapp herself composed over 500 hymn tunes, leaving an enduring legacy in Christian music.
The creation of “Blessed Assurance” is a story of divine inspiration and creative collaboration. Knapp played a melody she had written for Crosby and asked, “What does this tune say to you?” Without hesitation, Crosby replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” From that moment, the lyrics and music seamlessly came together to create the beloved hymn we know today.
Biblical Connections:
- Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”
- The hymn’s refrain, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine,” echoes the confidence and peace believers have in Christ.
- Romans 8:16-17: "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…”
- The hymn speaks of being an heir of salvation, purchased by God, aligning with the promise of adoption into God’s family.
- Ephesians 1:13-14: “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…”
- The hymn captures the joy and assurance that come from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
- Psalm 32:7: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
- The line “Perfect submission, all is at rest” points to the peace found in surrendering to God’s will.
- The line “Perfect submission, all is at rest” points to the peace found in surrendering to God’s will.
The Holiness Movement Influence
The connection to Phoebe Palmer is significant. Her teachings on holiness and the “second blessing” of sanctification were foundational to the hymn’s themes. The holiness movement emphasized living in a state of constant assurance, free from the bondage of sin, and wholly dependent on God’s grace. This theological backdrop shaped the hymn’s confident tone and its focus on a personal relationship with Christ.
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