"Blessed Assurance" is a timeless hymn that has been beautifully brought to life by Cece Winans. With her powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery, Winans captures the essence and meaning of this beloved song. Let's dive into the inspiration and story behind the song, as well as explore scripture verses that relate to its theme.
The hymn "Blessed Assurance" was written by Fanny Crosby in 1873. Crosby, who was blind from a young age, was known for her prolific hymn writing and her deep faith in God. The lyrics of "Blessed Assurance" reflect her unwavering confidence and trust in Jesus. The song speaks of the assurance of salvation and the joy found in a personal relationship with Christ.
The opening lines of the song, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine," capture the heart of the Christian faith. The word "blessed" signifies the happiness and joy that comes from knowing Jesus personally. It is a reminder that through His sacrifice, we have assurance of salvation and a taste of the glory that awaits us in heaven.
The chorus of the song declares, "This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long." These words resonate with believers who understand that their lives are a testimony of God's grace and love. Our stories, whether filled with triumphs or trials, point to the faithfulness and goodness of our Savior. We are called to live a life of praise, continually acknowledging and honoring Him.
The second verse of the hymn, "Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight," speaks of surrendering ourselves completely to God and experiencing the joy and wonder of His presence. It reminds us that when we submit ourselves to Him, we are filled with His peace and delight. We are able to see glimpses of His glory and experience His love in profound ways.
The bridge of the song beautifully captures the hope and anticipation of believers: "Angels descending, bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love." This imagery draws from biblical accounts of angelic visitations, such as when angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. It reminds us that God's mercy and love are constantly surrounding us, even in the midst of challenges and trials.
Scripture verses that relate to the theme of "Blessed Assurance" include:
1. Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse echoes the assurance of God's love and the security we have in our relationship with Him.
2. 1 Peter 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." These verses highlight the new birth and living hope we have in Christ, as well as our eternal inheritance.
"Blessed Assurance" is a song that reminds us of the unshakable foundation of our faith and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. It encourages us to live a life of praise and surrender, knowing that we are secure in His love. Cece Winans' rendition of this hymn beautifully captures the essence and power of the lyrics, making it a timeless and uplifting worship song for believers.
