Just as I am
Two of the greatest hymns written in the English language are “Amazing Grace” and “Just As I Am.”
“Just as I am without one plea…” I am without excuse. Blessed beyond measure, I rebelled against my Father’s will and now I come to Him with nothing in my hands. I come with hands stained by sin.
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!” – not because I deserved it, earned it, or merited it, but because of the amazing grace of God. I can come to God “just as I am,” but I am not expected to stay that way. When I come to God to be cleansed and clothed by His amazing grace, I must commit myself to change.
In John 8, Jesus encountered a woman caught in the very act of adultery. The Pharisees and leading Jews were hoping to catch Jesus contradicting the Law of Moses and have an accusation to bring against Him to discredit Him. They failed miserably when Jesus called for the man without sin to cast the first stone.
Once the self-righteous Pharisees had departed, Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more” (John 8:11). She, like all of us, come to Jesus, “just as I am,” but know with certainty that He does not expect me to stay that way. His demand of the woman was quite clear, sin no more! Her sin was not ignored, but she was called to repentance and a better way of life.
The call of the Great Commission is a call to CHANGE. In Luke 24:4-47 forgiveness of sins is directly linked with the demand of repentance. Repentance is to have a change of heart followed by a change of life. Repentance by its very definition demands a change. Not come as you are and stay as you are, but come and change. Repentance, as a prerequisite of salvation, is commanded of all men. The demand to change can easily be seen in Romans 12:1-2. There we are called change from being like the world to being like Jesus.
Those who are engaging in sin can change. There were many during the New Testament days who changed from sin. Peter is an example of one who publicly denied Christ, but later publicly professed His name. (Matt. 26:69-75; Acts 2:14-39). The apostle Paul persecuted Christians prior to becoming a Christian. Paul even referred to himself as the “chief of sinners” (I Tim. 1:15). After Paul became a Christian, we see him making changes in his life. He began to preach that for which he threw people into prison (Acts 9:22,26-29).
If there is sin in your life, you can turn from that sin. There is no sin from which one cannot turn from. That is evident in our promise from God (I Cor. 10:13). The promise is that with every temptation there is a way of escape. This way of escape is applicable for both the non-Christian and the Christian. If change was not possible, then there would be no way of escape from any temptations.
God wants you to come to Him through Jesus, His beloved Son. He is willing for you to come to Him just as you are. You don’t have to clean yourself up or prove yourself worthy. For it is by grace that we have been saved (Ephesians 2:8-10).
We have all sinned but have been justified as a gift of His grace (Romans 3:23-24).
Whatever change the Gospel would demand of you, you can make it. We would love to study with you and help you make these changes. Come as you are, but please don’t stay that way!
* * *
Write or call and let us know what you think. Would you like more information about the great creator God? I would love to accommodate your request. Do you have questions or disagreements? I will be happy to study God’s Word with you and help you find the “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
I hope you will accept our offer to visit and investigate. We meet at 15530 Herriman Blvd. in Noblesville. Our phone number is (317) 219-5852. We meet for Sunday morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. and have classes for all ages. Worship begins at 11 and we have a Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A warm welcome awaits!