JUST AS I AM

In 1835 Charlotte Elliot penned the precious hymn ... 'Just As I Am'. 

Breaking down the verses of this inspired song, we find five biblical truths concerning our salvation: 

1. We must come through Jesus' atoning sacrifice ...  

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

2. We must come for total transformation ... 

Just as I am, and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

3. We must come in all our frailty ... 

Just as I am, though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

4. We must come to receive God's provision ...

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:2-3

5. We must come trusting His promises ... 

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

These touching lyrics remind us that receiving the Lord's mercy and grace hinges upon our coming to the foot of the cross as broken, defiled vessels ... every doubt, fear, and struggle exposed to His divine Light. 

He who comes to Me I will never cast out. John 6:37

Don't think that you must somehow 'clean up your act' first. That approach is steeped in pride and rejects the sufficiency of Christ. Sanctification takes place after ... 'you come'.