JUST AS I AM
In honor of Ethel Peters 8/25/22-9/24/04
If you would like the complete notes of
this sermon, please email me at jpeters@alltel.net.
If you have attended this church or other
evangelical churches for very long, you are undoubtedly familiar with the hymn
that we just sung, Just as I am. The words were written in 1836 by
Charlotte Elliot and the music we sing this hymn to was written by William
Bradbury.
Miss Charlotte Elliott was visiting
some friends in the West End of London, and there met the eminent minister,
César
Malan. While seated at supper, the minister said he hoped that she was
a Christian. She took offense at this, and replied that she would rather
not discuss that question.
Dr. Malan said that he was sorry if
had offended her, that he always liked to speak a word for his Master, and
that he hoped that the young lady would some day become a worker for Christ.
When they met again at the home of a mutual
friend, three weeks later, Miss Elliott told the minister that ever since
he had spoken to her she had been trying to find her Saviour, and that she
now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ. “Just come to him as you
are,” Dr. Malan said. This she did, and went away rejoicing. Sankey, Ira David.
My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns. Harper & Brothers, 1906.
About the words or this hymn her brother
said: “In the course of a long ministry, I hope I have been permitted to
see some of the fruit of my labor, but I feel that far more has been done by a
single hymn of my sister’s.” http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/u/justasam.htm
Just As I Am is one of
those Gospel hymns that has been used as what we call an “invitation
hymn”.
It is generally sung at the end of a service and is
used to invite people to trust Christ as Savior. This hymn also encourages Christians to bring
their problems to their Savior.
This hymn has a great Biblical message.
The theme of this hymn is “I Come”. There are five verses that we use of this
hymn. Each one stresses a different aspect
of coming.
VERSE 1 – I COME WITH ONE PLEA
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.
VERSE 2 – I COME FOR COMPLETE
PURIFICATION
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.
VERSE 3 – I COME WITH MANY PROBLEMS
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.
VERSE 4 – I COME FOR GREAT 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.
VERSE 5 – I COME BECAUSE OF GREAT
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.
This hymn was my Mom’s favorite!
RETURN TO TOPICAL
SERMONS INDEX