Just As I Am

“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.”

- Lyrics by Charlotte Elliott

A recent trip to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC brought the richness of this hymn to mind. Thousands, maybe millions have been moved by this hymn, when served as an altar call at Billy Graham’s evangelistic rallies. But it stirs and moves me in a special way. I suppose that’s to be expected since “Just As I Am” played during my first dance with the Savior after I embraced Jesus.

Every day since then, I have come to the Savior just as I am. And it never gets old! My understanding of the Savior’s love grows deeper and sweeter each day. Over the years, I’ve learned there is no limit to His supply of mercy. No boundary to the depth of His love. No constraint in the measure of His grace.

I am invited to come... just as I am.

Years ago, my heart responded to this this hymn as I sat in the cavernous reaches of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle in Winona Lake, Indiana. My sin separated me from God, yet I came, just as I was. No plea. No argument. No answer.

Last week, even without a single refrain of this well­ worn hymn, kids came. From Florida and North Carolina, to Oregon and California, kids came just as they were.

The young ladies who responded weren’t just dealing with boy problems, but with prostitution. Kids had gone beyond partying, they were battling addictions. In these crowds tears aren’t wasted over a prom dress that doesn’t fit, but flow from the pain of multiple abortions.

While we might lament what this means for our culture, the Bible sheds light on every kind of darkness. Culture cannot outrun God’s grace.

Jesus came so that we could come... just as we are.

Whether in the aisles of monstrous auditoriums or in the remote cabins of an Oregon camp, they come to dance their first dance with the Savior...Just as they are.

Sinners: Redeemed. Forgiven. Set free.