Blessed Assurance: Fanny Crosby’s Hymn of Eternal Security and Joy
Fanny Crosby’s timeless hymn “Blessed Assurance” is a beautiful expression of the confidence and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior. Drawing from her own experience of salvation, Crosby pens lyrics that overflow with the assurance of God’s love and the anticipation of the glory that awaits believers in eternity.
The opening verse declares the blessed assurance that Jesus belongs to the believer, a truth that brings a foretaste of divine glory. Crosby rejoices in her identity as an heir of salvation, purchased by God and born of His Spirit, washed clean by the blood of Christ. This verse establishes the foundation of the Christian’s security, rooted in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
The chorus is a joyful proclamation of the believer’s story and song, centering on the continual praise of the Savior. Crosby emphasizes that this praise is not a one-time event, but a daily outpouring of gratitude and adoration for all that God has done. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that praising the Savior is the believer’s constant heartbeat and delight.
In the second verse, Crosby describes the perfect submission and delight that characterize the Christian life. She paints a picture of rapturous visions, with angels descending from above, bringing echoes of mercy and whispers of love. This verse highlights the intimate relationship between the believer and the Savior, a relationship marked by divine communication and the assurance of God’s tender care.
The final verse speaks of the perfect rest and happiness found in Christ. Crosby depicts the believer as watching, waiting, and looking above, filled with God’s goodness and lost in His love. This verse points to the believer’s ultimate hope and longing, the eager anticipation of the day when faith will give way to sight and the soul will be forever united with the Savior.
Throughout her life, Fanny Crosby experienced the blessed assurance she describes so poignantly in this hymn. Despite the challenges she faced, including her blindness and the loss of her infant child, Crosby found unshakable security and joy in her relationship with Jesus. “Blessed Assurance” invites us to share in that same confidence, resting in the promises of God and looking forward to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ.
