BLESSED ASSURANCE

 1873 

1. Origin and Date

“Blessed Assurance” was written in 1873 in the United States during a period of vibrant Protestant hymn writing, particularly in evangelical and revivalist circles of the 19th century.

Lyrics: Frances Jane (Fanny) Crosby

Music: Phoebe Palmer Knapp

First published: 1873

Original tune name: ASSURANCE

2. The Lyricist: Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915)

Background

Fanny Crosby was one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history, composing over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs.

She became blind at six weeks old due to improper medical treatment.

Despite her blindness, she was highly educated and memorized large portions of the Bible.

She believed her blindness was a spiritual gift, saying she would not change it even if she could.

Theology and Style

Crosby’s hymns emphasize:

Personal salvation

Assurance of faith

Joy in Christ

Testimony and witness

These themes are central to “Blessed Assurance.”

3. The Composer: Phoebe Palmer Knapp (1839–1908)

Phoebe Knapp was:

A gifted pianist and composer

A close friend of Fanny Crosby

The daughter of a prominent Methodist evangelist

The Famous Story Behind the Hymn

According to widely accepted accounts:

Phoebe Knapp played a newly composed melody on the piano for Fanny Crosby.

She asked Crosby, “What does this tune say?”

Crosby immediately replied:

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”

The hymn text was written very quickly, reportedly within minutes.

This spontaneous origin reflects Crosby’s deep familiarity with Scripture and Christian doctrine.

4. Scriptural and Theological Foundations

The hymn is grounded in the doctrine of assurance of salvation, a key belief in evangelical Christianity.

Key Biblical Influences

Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”

Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”

Ephesians 1:13–14 – Assurance through the Holy Spirit

Core Theological Themes

Certainty of salvation through Christ

Joyful confidence in eternal life

Personal relationship with Jesus

Anticipation of heaven

5. Structure and Meaning of the Verses

Verse 1

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Emphasizes personal possession of salvation and joy in Christ.

Chorus

This is my story, this is my song

Reflects the idea of Christian testimony—faith expressed through praise.

Verse 2

Perfect submission, perfect delight

Speaks of surrender to God and inner peace.

Verse 3

Perfect submission, all is at rest

Portrays spiritual maturity and confidence at life’s end.

6. Musical Characteristics

Written in 9/8 meter (compound triple time), giving it a flowing, joyful feel

Easily singable by congregations

Memorable melody that reinforces the theme of assurance

The tune helped popularize the hymn far beyond its original publication.

7. Reception and Legacy

Popularity

Quickly became one of the most beloved hymns in Protestant worship

Included in countless hymnals worldwide

Widely used in baptisms, funerals, revivals, and personal devotion

Cultural Impact

Sung across denominations: Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and others

Recorded by numerous artists, including gospel and classical musicians

Quoted in sermons, devotionals, and Christian literature

8. Enduring Significance

“Blessed Assurance” endures because it:

Expresses deep theology in simple language

Balances doctrine with emotion

Offers comfort, hope, and joy

Reflects a lived faith rather than abstract belief

It remains a powerful expression of Christian confidence in salvation through Jesus Christ.