The Story You Need To Know About The Blessed Assurance Hymn
Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine Hymn
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The “Blessed Assurance” hymn is a powerful declaration of faith in God. Written by the prolific hymn writer Fanny Crosby in 1873, it has become a cherished song among believers.
Fanny Crosby’s impact as one of the most influential hymn writers in history cannot be overstated.
The lyrics of this hymn beautifully express the love and assurance found in Jesus, our Savior.
It has touched the hearts of millions of Christians worldwide, inspiring singers, evangelists, and theologians alike.
The enduring popularity and significance of “Blessed Assurance” are a testament to Fanny Crosby’s profound spiritual legacy.
Who Wrote Blessed Assurance Hymn?
Fanny J. Crosby, an American poet, hymn writer, and composer, wrote the lyrics of the hymn “Blessed Assurance.”
Fanny Jane Crosby, born on March 24, 1820, in Southeast, Putnam County, New York City, was the only child of her parents, Mr. John and Mercy Crosby.
Tragically, Fanny’s father passed away six months after her birth, leaving her to be primarily raised by her devoted Christian maternal grandmother.
Fanny’s mother had limited availability due to her job as a maid, which she undertook to support the family.
Cause Of Fanny J. Crosby Blindness
Fanny Crosby had the ability to see for two months until she developed inflammation in her eye.
Since their family physician was unavailable at the time, a stranger who claimed to be a medical professional treated her.
This quack doctor applied poultices to her eyes in an attempt to eliminate the infection.
Although the infection was successfully cleared, the poultices left behind white scars that caused damage to her vision.
Fanny’s family then sought the expertise of Dr. Valentine Mott, a renowned surgeon in New York.
Unfortunately, Dr. Mott determined that there was nothing he could do to restore her sight. As a result, Fanny could only perceive the presence or absence of light but could no longer see physical objects.
Fanny’s Upbringing
The blind little girl was fortunate to have a grandmother who played a significant role in her Christian upbringing and education. Fanny’s beloved grandmother devoted much of her time to reading the Bible and sharing selected poetry and literature with her.
Thanks to this, Fanny developed an impressive ability to memorize lengthy passages from both the Old and New Testaments by actively listening to her grandmother.
She also began writing at a young age and penned her first poem at the age of eight.
Fanny held her family’s values of morality, integrity, loyalty, and devotion to duty in high regard, which were deeply instilled in her by her grandmother. These values were evident throughout her life’s work and ministry.
Although Fanny was raised in a Christian environment, she made a personal commitment to Christ in 1850, publicly professing her faith at New York’s Broadway Tabernacle.
She subsequently became a member of the Sixth Avenue Bible Baptist Church in Brooklyn, where she served as a lay preacher, deaconess, and urban missionary.
Fanny was renowned for her teaching and involvement in rescue missions.
Her Education And Journey Into Music
When Fanny Crosby turned fifteen, she gained admission to the New York Institution for the Blind, where she received her education. After completing her studies, she remained at the institution as a teacher.
At the institution, Fanny thrived and was presented with numerous opportunities to showcase her talent as a poet.
Writing verse came naturally to her, and she composed a significant amount of poetry for herself and others.
Among her accomplishments, Fanny wrote lyrics for musical compositions such as “There’s Music in the Air” and “Hazel Dell.”
She also collaborated with the school’s music instructor, George F. Root, on a cantata called “The Flower Queen.”
In 1851, Fanny began writing hymn verses that could be set to music, and her hymns started to appear in various denominational hymnals in the 1860s.
In her hymns, Fanny Crosby skillfully incorporated words from the Bible, transforming them in unique and meaningful ways. Her hymn texts often transcended ordinary talent, conveying deep spiritual truths.
Throughout her life, Fanny Jane Crosby penned over 8,000 hymns, including timeless classics like “Blessed Assurance,” “Keep Me Near the Cross,” “Rescue the Perishing,” and “To God Be the Glory.”
These hymns continue to be cherished and sung widely today. Click on the link here: “Fanny Crosby Hymns” to read and learn more about her hymns.
Later Life
In 1858, Fanny retired and married Alexander Van Alstyne, a music composer who, like her, also had vision problems.
Despite her marriage, Fanny continued to use her maiden name as her signature when publishing her hymns.
The renowned blind hymnologist passed away on February 12, 1915, entering into glory to be with her Savior.
Throughout her life, she held a position of great fame as one of the most prominent women in America.
Even today, her work can be found in the majority of American hymnals, a testament to her enduring legacy.
The Story Behind the Blessed Assurance Hymn
Many people believed that Fanny Crosby found inspiration for the song “Blessed Assurance” in 1873 from the passage in Hebrews 10:22, which speaks of drawing near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith.
” Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22 KJV)
Writing such an inspiring hymn in a short amount of time without a spiritual background may seem challenging. However, Fanny herself attributed the inspiration for her hymns to the Almighty God.
The hymn “Blessed Assurance” came to life on one blessed day in 1873 when Fanny visited her friend, Mrs. Phoebe Palmer Knapp. During the visit, Mrs. Knapp played her newly composed tune for Fanny to hear.
Fanny Crosby, in response to the tune, spontaneously said, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.” She continued to add more words to the hymn. Mrs. Knapp captured the words and fit them into the tune, resulting in the hymn as we know it today.
The central theme of the hymn focuses on heaven, portraying it as a perfect place where “perfect submission” and “perfect delight” will be realized. “Blessed Assurance” has withstood the test of time and remains one of the most beloved hymns sung on various occasions and in churches.
Furthermore, the hymn continues to enrich congregations across the Christian faith community.
The Hymn Publication
The full text and score of the hymn were published on page 36 of a magazine called Issue of Palmer’s Guide to Holiness and Revival Miscellany in July 1873.
Specifically, the magazine is printed by the parents of Mrs. Knapp, who is an evangelist. However, there is no source that confirms that the magazine was the first to print the Blessed Assurance Hymn.
But it actually assisted in making the inspiring hymn popular as of today. The tune is called Blessed Assurance, or Assurance in relation to Fanny Crosby’s text.
The Tune For The Hymn Blessed Assurance
The tune for the hymn “Blessed Assurance,” written in a 9:10:9:9 meter and a 9:9:9:9 refrain, was composed by Phoebe Palmer Knapp (later Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp).
Mrs. Knapp is also a well-known hymnist and composer of many hymn tunes and texts.
The tune fits well with the words of the hymn, which may be due to the composition of the tune before the text.
The tune is called “Blessed Assurance” or “Assurance” in relation to Fanny Crosby’s text.
The full text and score of the hymn were published on page 36 of a magazine called “Issue of Palmer’s Guide to Holiness and Revival Miscellany” in July 1873. Mrs. Knapp’s parents, who were evangelists, printed the magazine.
After its publication, the hymn gained immediate popularity in America.
However, there is no definitive source confirming that the magazine was the first to print the hymn, but it certainly contributed to making the inspiring hymn popular.
Since 1873, “Blessed Assurance” has been included in Methodist publications. In 1888, it was published in the hymnal of the Disciples of Christ.
The Methodist Churches of Canada added the hymn to their collection in 1889, and in 1898, more hymnals in America, including the Church of the Brethren-Dunkers, included the hymn.
What is Blessed assurance?
“Blessed assurance” is a term used to describe the assurance a person has of their salvation.
It signifies the confidence that comes from knowing that God has chosen them for salvation and will never abandon them.
Having blessed assurance means having complete trust in God’s promises. It involves being absolutely certain that God will fulfill what He has said He will do.
With this assurance, we can find solace in the knowledge that we are secure in God’s hands, regardless of the challenges we face.
Blessed assurance does not imply that we will never encounter difficulties or sorrows.
On the contrary, we can be confident that God will use even the toughest times in our lives to bless and strengthen us.
We can trust that He will never abandon us or forsake us, and that He works all things for our ultimate good.
The hymn “Blessed Assurance” draws its title from this concept of unwavering certainty and confidence that Christians have in their salvation.
Its lyrics express the believer’s unwavering conviction, placing their trust in God’s promises and the redemption found in Jesus.
This hymn has remained beloved and continues to uplift and inspire worshippers worldwide.
If you do not currently have blessed assurance, I encourage you to seek it from God. It is a precious gift that offers the highest level of assurance in this life.
You can also find comfort and reassurance in the words of the hymn “Blessed Assurance,” as it delivers a message of assurance and comfort from the Lord.
Blessed Assurance Audio Performance
I invite you to listen to the MP3 of the hymn “Blessed Assurance; Jesus is Mine” through the provided link. May you be blessed as you do so.
Click here and listen to Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine Hymn Mp3
Courtesy of The Celebration Choir – (c)1995 Integrity Music
Blessed Assurance Lyrics
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. Click Here for The Full Lyrics
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