Just As I Am

My favorite entertainer is Alfred Lee. As he plays his technics electronic organ, we hear the sounds of a full orchestra. His music and his testimony of his love for Christ inspires everyone.

At a recent program , one of the songs he played was, ‘Just as I am.” Bill remarked : “he would like that song sang at his funeral.” In turn I said I wanted the song “It is Well With My Soul” sang at my funeral. I thought how appropriate the two songs were, for if we accept the fact that God receives us just as we are then certainly we can say, it is well with my soul.

Some Christians acknowledge that the Bible teaches the assurance of Salvation, but they can’t seem to find it for themselves. No one is too good or too bad to be saved. In John 6:37 we read: “ All that the Father gives me will come to Me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out.”

To some people that sounds too easy and simple to be true. They feel that there is something more they must do. They think they must perform good works to gain God’s favor, but the Bible is clear - we are saved, ‘not by works of righteousness,’ but according to His Mercy. Nehemiah 9:6 ".....Thou art a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful....."

God is all-wise and knows better than anyone else what is best for our lives. He is almighty and has power to accomplish what is best for us. The most logical thing we can do is surrender our live to God.’Let us not dwell on our former life, but affirm the possibility of new growth in our lives.

When we are plagued by times of doubt, let us consider the following guidelines for maintaining assurance:
…..Confess every known sin, and do what you know is right.
…..Spend time with strong Christians
.....Read your Bible.
…..Communicate with God often through prayer

Jesus always accepts people as they are. No one who comes to Jesus will be turned away. Come to Him with all your sin. He’ll accept you just as your are. This song written by Charlotte Elliott in 1834 says it all:

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 came!

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!

As we rest in the love of Christ and recognize that God holds our hand, we can be at peace and step out into the full joy and liberty of the children of God.