Lord’s Day, Vol. 3 No. 32
(1) Just as I Am
– The Greatest Soul-Winning Hymn
The hymn “Just as I Am” has been called the greatest soul-winning hymn, influencing more people to Christ than has any other. D.L. Moody said that this hymn drew many people to the Lord as any sermons he ever preached in his evangelistic meetings.
Charlotte Elliott was born in England in 1789. She lived a carefree life. By her early thirties, however, she became a bedridden invalid. She sank into despondency and rebellion against God. Her father invited a noted minister and musician to their home, praying that he might help mellow the soul of his talented but rebellious daughter.
Following one of her emotional outbursts at the dining table, the minister, sensing her spiritual distress, said, “You are tired of yourself, aren’t you? You are holding on to your hate and anger and have become sour, bitter and resentful.”
She broke down and let out her pent-up frustrations and struggles of many years.
She then asked how she could know the peace and joy of Christ. The minister counseled, “You must come just as you are, a sinner, to the Lamb of God, with your fears, quick temper and pride and He will give His great love in their place.”
By the grace of God, she trusted fully in Christ and found inner peace and joy. Each year thereafter, she celebrated her spiritual birthday when she was led from despair to faith in Christ.
The timeless truth of that discovery had burned itself into her soul, and in 1836, fourteen years after her conversion, she penned her autobiography in the stanzas of this enduring hymn.
Her physical affliction lasted till her death at age eighty-two years old. After her death, more than a thousand letters were found among her papers, expressing gratitude for the help of the hymn she penned. Only eternity will reveal the countless number of souls who have found Christ through this great hymn.
Just as I am, without a plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, 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!
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fighting within and fears without,
O Lamb of God, 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!
Just as I am, Thy love unknown,
Has broken every barrier down,
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come!
The reason for the great success of this hymn is that it speaks one of the most fundamental truths of life.
We must come to Christ just as we are – with all our conflicts, doubts, fears and infirmities – and He “will receive, welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve” us.
May we find the peace and joy when we pray, “Just as I am … O Lamb of God, I come.”
[Extracted and edited from Songs in the Night by Henry Gariepy].
(2) Onward Singapore
We thank God for establishing the nation of Singapore on 9 August 1965. Today, we remember God’s goodness as the nation celebrates its golden jubilee year, on this 50th National Day.
Thank God for the good government that He has placed to rule this land with justice and equity, peace and prosperity, freedom of worship.
Pray that, we, as a local church in Singapore, would continue to be a faithful witness for Jesus Christ in these last days.
Blessed National Day!
Yours lovingly,
Pr. Lek Aik Wee