"Blessed Assurance" is a beloved hymn that has resonated with Christians for generations. Its message of hope, peace, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ continues to inspire and uplift. In this article, we'll delve into the rich history of this timeless hymn, explore its profound lyrics, and provide you with the chords so you can play and sing it yourself.

The Story Behind the Song

To truly appreciate "Blessed Assurance," it's helpful to understand the story behind its creation. The hymn was born from the collaboration of two remarkable women: Fanny Crosby, the lyricist, and Phoebe Knapp, the composer.

• Fanny Crosby: A prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby penned over 8,000 hymns despite losing her sight at a young age. Her deep faith and unwavering optimism shone through her lyrics, making her one of the most influential hymn writers of all time. Crosby had a unique gift for capturing the essence of biblical truths in simple, yet profound language. Her hymns spoke to the heart, offering comfort, encouragement, and a sense of hope.

• Phoebe Knapp: A talented musician and composer, Phoebe Knapp was the wife of Joseph Fairchild Knapp, the co-founder of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Knapp was actively involved in Methodist church music and composed numerous hymns and gospel songs. She was known for her melodic gifts and her ability to create tunes that were both memorable and uplifting.

In 1873, Phoebe Knapp visited Fanny Crosby and played a new melody for her. After listening to the tune, Crosby was inspired to write the lyrics to "Blessed Assurance." As Knapp played, Crosby reportedly exclaimed, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" These words became the opening line of the hymn, setting the tone for a song filled with joy and unwavering faith. The hymn was an instant success, quickly spreading through churches and revival meetings. Its powerful message of hope and assurance resonated with believers from all walks of life. The collaboration between Crosby and Knapp proved to be a divine partnership, resulting in a hymn that continues to bless and inspire millions around the world.

Exploring the Lyrics

The lyrics of "Blessed Assurance" are a testament to Fanny Crosby's deep faith and her ability to articulate the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. Each verse is packed with imagery and emotion, painting a vivid picture of the believer's relationship with God.

Let's break down the lyrics stanza by stanza:

• Verse 1:

  • "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" - This opening line declares the core message of the hymn: the unwavering assurance that Jesus belongs to the believer. It's a bold statement of faith, a confident declaration of ownership. The phrase "Jesus is mine!" speaks of a personal relationship with Christ, a connection that brings joy and peace.
  • "Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!" - This line hints at the heavenly reward that awaits those who believe in Jesus. It suggests that even in this life, we can experience glimpses of God's glory, moments of profound joy and peace that foreshadow the ultimate reality of heaven. The word "foretaste" implies that what we experience here is just a small sample of the fullness of God's glory that awaits us.
  • "Heir of salvation, purchase of God," - This line emphasizes the believer's status as an heir to God's promises, someone who has been redeemed by Christ's sacrifice. The phrase "heir of salvation" speaks of the inheritance that awaits those who are saved, an inheritance that includes eternal life and a place in God's kingdom. The term "purchase of God" highlights the fact that we were bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus.
  • "Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood." - This line describes the process of spiritual rebirth and cleansing that occurs when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Being "born of His Spirit" refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating our hearts and minds, giving us new life in Christ. Being "washed in His blood" speaks of the forgiveness and cleansing that we receive through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

• Verse 2:

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  • "Perfect submission, perfect delight," - This line speaks of the believer's willing surrender to God's will and the joy that comes from that surrender. "Perfect submission" doesn't imply a forced or grudging obedience, but rather a willing and joyful yielding to God's loving guidance. "Perfect delight" suggests that true happiness is found not in pursuing our own desires, but in aligning our hearts with God's will.
  • "Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;" - This line describes the overwhelming sense of joy and wonder that comes from experiencing God's presence. "Visions of rapture" suggests moments of intense spiritual awareness, times when we feel particularly close to God and experience His love in a tangible way. These moments can be transformative, filling us with hope and renewed faith.
  • "Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love."- This line paints a picture of divine intervention and the comforting presence of God's love. "Angels descending" evokes a sense of God's active involvement in our lives, His willingness to send His messengers to minister to us. "Echoes of mercy, whispers of love" suggests that even in the midst of trials, we can hear God's voice speaking words of comfort and compassion.

• Chorus:

  • "This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long;" - This refrain is a personal declaration of faith, an affirmation of the believer's commitment to praising Jesus. "This is my story, this is my song" suggests that each believer has a unique testimony of God's grace and a personal reason to sing His praises. "Praising my Savior all the day long" speaks of a constant attitude of gratitude and worship, a desire to honor God in every aspect of life.
  • "This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long." - This repeats the previous lines, reinforcing the personal nature of faith and the commitment to praising Jesus. The repetition emphasizes the importance of consistently expressing our gratitude and love to God.

Chords for "Blessed Assurance"

Here are the basic chords for playing "Blessed Assurance" on guitar or piano. The song is typically played in the key of F major.

• Verse 1:

  • F - Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
  • C7 - Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
  • F - Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
  • Bb - F - C7 - F - Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

• Verse 2:

  • F - Perfect submission, perfect delight,
  • C7 - Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
  • F - Angels descending, bring from above
  • Bb - F - C7 - F - Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

• Chorus:

  • F - This is my story, this is my song,
  • C7 - Praising my Savior all the day long;
  • F - This is my story, this is my song,
  • Bb - F - C7 - F - Praising my Savior all the day long.

These chords provide a foundation for playing the hymn. You can adapt them to suit your skill level and musical style. Experiment with different strumming patterns, chord voicings, and arrangements to create your own unique version of "Blessed Assurance."

Why "Blessed Assurance" Endures

"Blessed Assurance" has stood the test of time for several reasons:

• Simple yet profound lyrics: The hymn's message is easy to understand, yet it speaks to the deepest longings of the human heart. It articulates the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.
• Memorable melody: Phoebe Knapp's tune is both beautiful and easy to sing. It sticks in your head, making the hymn instantly recognizable and accessible.
• Universal message: The hymn's themes of faith, hope, and assurance resonate with people from all backgrounds and cultures. It speaks to the core of the Christian experience.
• Comfort in times of trouble: "Blessed Assurance" offers solace and encouragement in the midst of trials. Its message of unwavering faith reminds us that we are not alone and that God is always with us.

Conclusion

"Blessed Assurance" is more than just a hymn; it's a declaration of faith, a song of hope, and a testament to the enduring power of God's love. Whether you're singing it in church, playing it on your guitar, or simply meditating on its lyrics, may this timeless hymn fill your heart with joy and assurance. So, guys, go ahead and let the words of "Blessed Assurance" resonate within you, reminding you of the unwavering hope and peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. Keep strumming, keep singing, and keep sharing the joy of this beautiful hymn with others!

This song is a powerful reminder of the blessed assurance we have in Christ. Its message of hope and unwavering faith continues to inspire and uplift believers around the world. So next time you hear "Blessed Assurance," take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning of its words and the story behind its creation. Let the lyrics and melody fill your heart with joy and gratitude for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Remember, this is not just a song; it is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the unwavering love of God.