Title: All to Jesus I surrender
Hymn Number: SS&S 601 (Sacred songs and solo)
1. All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give ;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
I surrender all, … I surrender all ; . . .
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour, I surrender
all. . . .
2 All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow ;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken—-
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3 All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Saviour, wholly Thine ;
Let the Holy Spirit witness
I am Thine and Thou art mine.
4 All to Jesus I surrender :
Lord, I give myself to Thee ;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing rest on me.
5 All to Jesus I surrender :
Now I feel the sacred flame ;
Oh the joy of full salvation !
Glory, glory to His name !
About The Hymn
The hymn “All to Jesus I Surrender” is a timeless expression of devotion, surrender, and consecration to God. Written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896 and later composed into music by Winfield S. Weeden, this hymn reflects a heartfelt decision to yield every aspect of one’s life to Jesus Christ. Hymn 601 in Sacred Songs and Solos embodies themes of trust, obedience, and the transformative power of surrendering to God’s will.
Verse 1: A Personal Act of Surrender
The opening verse declares the singer’s intention to surrender “all” to Jesus. The word “all” reflects total submission—of heart, mind, and actions. By doing so, the singer seeks to live in a state of trust and obedience, abandoning personal control in favor of God’s guidance. This surrender is not out of fear or compulsion but is willingly offered, as the phrase “freely give” suggests.
The line “I will ever love and trust Him” expresses a sense of deep personal devotion to Christ, accompanied by a commitment to trust Him in every aspect of life. The mention of “His presence daily live” points to the believer’s desire to experience and dwell in the constant companionship of Christ, emphasizing the ongoing nature of surrender.
Verse 2: A Surrendered Heart to God’s Will
In the second verse, the hymn explores the emotional and spiritual response of surrender. The phrase “Humbly at His feet I bow” conveys an attitude of reverence, submission, and humility before Jesus. The surrender here is not merely external but internal, as the singer relinquishes worldly pleasures and ambitions. The line “Worldly pleasures all forsaken” signifies a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual fulfillment over earthly distractions.
By “taking Jesus now,” the singer reflects a conscious, immediate acceptance of Christ’s lordship. This verse encourages believers to let go of anything that hinders their spiritual journey, focusing instead on the joy and peace found in submission to God’s will.
Chorus: The Joy and Peace of Surrender
The chorus serves as the hymn’s emotional and spiritual climax, repeating the words, “I surrender all.” This repetition reinforces the totality of the act, emphasizing the completeness of the surrender being offered. The words “All to Thee, my blessed Savior” underline the recipient of this surrender—Jesus, who is acknowledged as both Savior and worthy of such devotion.
The repetition of the phrase “I surrender all” also mirrors the continuous process of surrendering oneself daily to Christ, acknowledging that this is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment.
Verse 3: Experiencing God’s Blessing
The third verse highlights the blessings that come from surrender. “Make me, Savior, wholly Thine” reveals the desire for a deep, unbreakable relationship with Jesus, with the believer becoming entirely His. This transformation comes from yielding oneself fully to Him.
The line “Let me feel the Holy Spirit” expresses a longing to experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life, suggesting that true surrender leads to a closer, more vibrant relationship with God. The Holy Spirit’s guidance provides comfort, strength, and direction for the surrendered soul.
The verse also mentions knowing God’s love, which emphasizes the deep, abiding sense of peace and joy that comes from living in harmony with His will.
Verse 4: Living in Freedom and Victory
The final verse transitions into the ultimate hope and promise of surrender. The singer anticipates a life filled with spiritual freedom and the victory that comes from walking in obedience to Christ. The line “All to Jesus I surrender, now I feel the sacred flame” points to the transformative power of surrender, likening it to a refining fire that purifies and ignites the believer’s passion for God.
The phrase “Oh, the joy of full salvation” reflects the profound happiness and contentment found in Christ when one surrenders everything. This joy is not just emotional but stems from the assurance of salvation and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Themes and Overall Message
“All to Jesus I Surrender” is a hymn that captures the essence of the Christian journey—letting go of self and yielding entirely to God’s will. It portrays surrender as a transformative act that brings freedom, peace, and an intimate relationship with Christ.
The hymn encourages believers to entrust their lives to Jesus, relinquishing control of their fears, ambitions, and desires. It acknowledges that surrender can be challenging but assures the worshipper of the joy and blessing that come from living in obedience to Christ. The hymn serves as a call to deeper faith, a reminder that true peace comes not from clinging to the things of this world but from trusting fully in God.
Its enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and profound message, often sung as a response to sermons, during altar calls, or as a personal prayer of dedication. “All to Jesus I Surrender” resonates deeply with believers, offering an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to Christ and to experience the joy of living in His presence.