Saturday, May 28, 2011

Just As I Am

While trying to decide which hymn to write about this weekend, I thought about Harold Camping and his prediction that the world would end last Saturday. After rolling my eyes at the audacity of such a statement, I took a step back and wondered what I would do if I really believed the rapture was only a day away.

I believe the thing uppermost in my mind would be the people in my life who, as far as I know, have not accepted Jesus as Savior. I would want to be sure they heard the gospel message just one more time.

Then this beautiful hymn came to mind. It was written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835.
The following video tells her story.



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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Jesus extends this grace-filled invitation to everyone. He is not willing that one should perish. If there is anyone reading this simple little blog who doesn't know Jesus as Savior, my prayer is that you will accept that invitation.

Sin has separated us all from God. There is not one of us who has not sinned.
"Everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence."
Romans 3:23

Jesus came to bridge the gap of that separation. He paid the penalty for sin for all of us when He died on the cross and then rose from the dead three days later.
"But God has shown us how much He loves us - it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8


You cross that bridge of separation when you ask Jesus to come into your life.
"Some however, did receive Him and believed in Him; so He gave them the right to become God's children."
John 1:12


It is the simplest, most profound decision one can ever make. As we honor those who gave their lives for our freedom this weekend, may we also remember the One who died to set us free from our sins and give us eternal life.

Blessings,
Linda