Just As I Am by Mike Moore

Just As I Am
September 14, 2022
       
       Charlotte Elliot was born in 1789 in Brighton, England. Her grandfather was an author and minister and was a part of the movement that brought about “The Great Awakening” of the 18th century in England. Her brothers were also clergymen and one of them {Henry} was the founder of St. Mary’s Hall in Brighton. Her childhood was one of refinement, was highly educated and she developed a passion for music and art. At an early age she was taught about her sinful nature, and she felt unworthy of God’s grace and was incapable of facing a righteous and perfect God. She was told over and over that she needed to pray more, study the bible more and perform more good works. As she grew up she became a regular in the social circles where religion was not important, but in 1821 she became very sick and was no longer capable of joining that group. She felt the need for a personal Savior and expressed the need to “clean up her life” before becoming a Christian. She was advised by a pastor to “Come just as you are."

      That is the background for a poem she wrote that was later put to music called “Just As I Am.” Billy Graham wrote that he used this song because it presented “the strongest possible Biblical basis for the call of Christ.” Historian Kenneth Osbeck wrote that Just As I Am had “touched more hearts and influenced more people for Christ than any other song ever written.” “It was an amazing legacy for an invalid woman who suffered from depression and felt useless to God’s service.”
 
     Just as I am without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bid’st 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. Fighting’s with-in and fears with-out. O Lamb of God I come! I come!
     Just as 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!

     He wants us, just as we are.

Mike Moore