Fanny Crosby is a well-known name in the field of hymn writers. She is considered the hymn queen, writing 9,000 hymns. She didn’t start writing until she was 40 years old.
"My Savior First of All" is one of the most beloved hymns penned by Crosby, the blind hymn writer whose spiritual insight has touched millions. This hymn expresses the hope and joy of heaven, not primarily because of its splendor or reunion with loved ones, but because Christ Himself will be there. The central image in the song is the moment of seeing Jesus and recognizing Him by the print of the nails in His hands.
You can read Crosby’s biographical story under the “Blog
Archive” on the right side of this page, in the following hymn studies:
November 2023, “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It;” October 2024, “Blessed
Assurance,” and March 2025, “I Am Thine, O Lord.” I’ve included here a story of how “My Savior
First of All” came to be written.
“In Western New York, near Lake Erie, there is a Christian camp called Camp Chataqua. For many years, there were week-long Bible Conferences held on the property. Crosby took part in these conferences for at least one week per year. It was always a special week when Crosby would attend because people could get acquainted with her personally.
“One such week at Camp Chataqua, she met Pastor John Sweney from New York, who was a hymn writer and composer of music. Fanny was sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of the hotel on a hot summer evening. John introduced himself to her and asked if he could sit with her for a while. Fanny agreed, and the two found common ground because both of them were interested in hymn writing.
“Fanny said to John, ‘Do you know that if at birth I had
been able to make one petition to my Creator, it would have been that I should
be born blind?’ John asked, ‘Why?’
“Fanny Crosby responded, ‘Because, when I get to heaven, the
first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.’ John
said, ‘Fanny, you have been blind all of your life. Since you have never seen
anyone, when you get to Heaven, how will you know who Jesus is?’
“’That’s easy’, said Crosby. ‘I will just walk all over
heaven and ask people if I may see their hands. When I see Jesus’ nail prints
in His hands, I will know who He is.’
“’That is a tremendous thought. Could you put those thoughts
into a poem so I may write some music that fits them?’ asked John. ‘It is late
and I am tired. I am going to go to my room to rest. I will talk with you in
the morning.’ replied Crosby.
“The next day John saw Crosby in the dining room and asked
her if she had given any thought to his request. Fanny handed John a piece of
paper with the words that her secretary had recorded for her.
“Thus, the hymn 'My Savior First of All' was
written.”
Fanny J. Crosby, though deprived of physical sight, looked
forward to the day when her eyes would be opened in glory and Jesus would be
the first face she would ever see.
Biblerepository.com: The promise of eternal life serves as a
significant cornerstone for our faith. It’s not confined to a future hope;
rather, it begins now. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive a taste
of His eternal life. This isn’t just about going to Heaven when we die. It
involves walking in a relationship with God today, filled with joy, peace, and
purpose. We are called to experience a life that reflects His love and grace,
bringing light into the dark places of our world.
Enduringword.com: Jesus explained to the astonished
religious leaders that those who heard His Word would have everlasting
life. They would have the life connected with eternity and have that life now.
Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: Because of the exceeding brightness, splendor, and luster of the divine majesty of Christ, who will appear personally among His people, neither sun nor moon will be able to give any light: as the light of a candle is made useless and unnecessary by the light of the sun, so the light of the sun and moon will be made useless and unnecessary by the vastly superior light and glory of Christ;
Enduringword.com: Jesus spoke with complete confidence about
heaven, here spoken of as His Father’s house. Jesus didn’t wonder about
the life beyond this earth; He knew it and told His disciples that there was
room for all in heaven (many mansions) . . . Whatever dwelling place God has
for us in heaven, it will be as glorious as a mansion . . . There will
be many such dwelling places. Jesus could see what the disciples
never could – millions upon millions, even billions from every tribe, language,
nation in His Father’s house. He may have even smiled when He said, many
mansions – many indeed!
Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: The only true knowledge of God which is available to people is comprehended in the life and teachings of the Son of God. As John Wesley put it: "It is more useful for us to behold God as He appears in His only-begotten Son, than to investigate His secret essence” . . . Paul's allusion seems to be the fact that he had seen the blessed face of the Son of God in the blinding light that overwhelmed him on the road to Damascus, and that he unhesitatingly identified the face of Christ with the glory of God.
Can you image seeing Jesus for the first time? Having Him right in front of you and listening to His words. Just the display of glory upon Him will be so bright we will be filled with awe. It will be a moment hard to believe. We have wanted it for so long and now it is here. His presence. We are with Him. In the land of milk and honey. A place so beautiful it will be hard to take it all in. The sweet vale of Eden. God’s masterpiece. Our hearts will be full with thanksgiving. God’s divine promise is fulfilled.
Biblerepository.com: Revelation 22:14 talks about a very
important blessing that comes from following God’s commandments. It promises us
that if we keep His commandments, we will have the right to the tree of life.
This tree is a symbol of eternal life, joy, and closeness to God. We can see
this tree in the Garden of Eden and in the new heaven and new earth described
later in Revelation. The verse shows us the importance of living righteously as
we prepare for eternal life with God . . . In understanding this verse, we must
think about what it means to “wash our robes.” This phrase suggests a cleansing
from sin, which is essential for anyone wanting to enter God’s Kingdom. Our
robes represent our lives and actions which need to be cleaned through the
sacrifice of Jesus. This cleansing allows us to be pure, making it possible to
approach God without sin staining our lives, much like clothing that is free of
dirt.
Godsbless.ing: “My eyes from tears,” this phrase symbolizes the profound act of God wiping away our tears, offering comfort and healing in times of sorrow. It mirrors the promise in Revelation 21:4 of a future where all pain and suffering will be eradicated, showcasing God’s enduring love and compassion for His people.
The phrase “He has come to His people and redeemed theme” carries profound meaning. To “come” means more than just a casual encounter; it signifies God’s active intervention in human affairs. In biblical terms, divine visitation often implies a deep relational connection and a purposeful approach to help or deliver. Zechariah highlights that God has not abandoned His people but has come to their aid. This action reveals God’s commitment to His promises, especially the promise of redemption that was foretold throughout the Old Testament.
This hymn expresses the hope and joy of heaven, not
primarily because of its splendor or reunion with loved ones, but because
Christ Himself will be there. It captures the Christian's anticipation of
eternity and the surpassing joy of finally seeing Jesus.
