Just As I Am

Do you like sports? You get an invitation to attend the World Series, all expenses paid. Or you get invited to lunch at the White House, all expenses paid. Of course you accept. But how would attending either of those events improve your life permanently?

"Just as I am without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O lamb of God, I come, I come." This hymn is a favorite invitation hymn. Lets consider it closely.

Just as I am. How are you? Are you saved? Are you on your way to heaven, or not? Are you a Christian? Some of you know your condition, know you are saved and on your way to heaven. If you are not saved, if you have not accepted Christ's invitation, you are in grave danger at this very moment in time.

Without one plea. There is no plea we can use that makes us worthy of salvation. No one can earn it. Not you, not I. Christ gives it, willingly, out of love, and grace!

That thou bidst me come to thee. Christ has been calling you since you recognized the difference between right and wrong. He has been calling you to come to Him for years, hasn't He?

But tossed about, with many a conflict, with many a doubt. You have been fighting the battle with yourself. "Do I want to do what's right, and give my life to God, or not?" You have fears within; what will I have to give up? Can I do it, do I want to?

I will receive. Receive what? Christ will receive you, just the way you are, at this very moment. He will meet you in the waters of baptism. He'll wash you clean, just as if you had never sinned. He offers wisdom in this life, guidance, grace, and forgiveness. And peace at the moment of death, and after death, Heaven.

• Hear - Romans 10:17. So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
• Believe - John 3:16. For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
• Repent - Luke 13:3. I tell you, no: but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
• Confess - Romans 10:9-10. That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
• Be Baptized - Acts 2:38. Now Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You will receive pardon, relief from your doubts and fears, from struggles, and freedom from the devil's power over you.