Hymn #44: Just As I Am

Lyrics: Charlotte Elliot, 1835.

Music: WOODWORTH by WIlliam B. Bradbury is the traditional tune for this hymn.
I like the tune, found in the 1975 Baptist Hymnal, called TABERNACLE by Phillip Landgrave, 1968. Unfortunately, I can’t find a good midi or mp3 of this tune. Here’s the only one I found, but it’s played way too fast and peppy for my taste.

Theme: How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14.

Billy Graham: “That well-known Gospel hymn has been used by God in crusades all over the world to draw people to Himself, not only in English but also in other languages as well.” (Graham chose this hymn’s title as the title of his 1997 autobiography.)

Rev. H.V. Elliott, Charlotte’s brother: ‘In the course of a long ministry I hope I have been permitted to see some fruit for my labours; but I feel far more has been done by a single hymn of my sister’s”.

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.

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, tho’ tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind-
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find-
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thy love unknown
Has broken ev’ry barrier down,
Now to be thine, yea thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, 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! I come!

Sources:

Workers for Jesus: Just As I Am.

STEM Publishing: Miss Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871.

One thought on “Hymn #44: Just As I Am

  1. Well, you’ve finally written about my favorite! 🙂 I love this one. It’s the very first song I ever played on the piano!

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