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    Just As I Am

    Charlotte Elliott 1835 Tune: Woodworth (8.8.8.6)

    An invalid's invitation hymn of coming to Christ without plea or merit.

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    Quick Answer

    An invalid's invitation hymn of coming to Christ without plea or merit. Written by Charlotte Elliott (1835), set to the tune "Woodworth" by William B. Bradbury.

    Suggested pairing scripture

    John 1:29

    "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

    Read John 1:29 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Just As I Am." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

    Read in context

    When to sing this

    Sing at evangelistic gatherings, baptisms, and testimony services where God's saving grace is the theme.

    Lyrics

    Stanza 1

    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.

    Stanza 2

    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.

    Stanza 3

    Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

    Stanza 4

    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.

    Stanza 5

    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.

    Stanza 6

    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.

    History & Background

    Bedridden English poet Charlotte Elliott wrote 'Just As I Am' in 1835 after years of struggling with feelings of uselessness. Her brother once said her hymn raised more for the Lord's work than all his sermons combined. William Bradbury set it to the tune 'Woodworth' in 1849. It became the signature invitation hymn of Billy Graham crusades for over fifty years.

    Scripture Behind the Hymn

    John 1:29

    "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
    Read in context

    John 6:37

    "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
    Read in context

    Revelation 22:17

    "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
    Read in context

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is Just As I Am associated with Billy Graham?

    Graham used it as the closing invitation hymn at virtually every crusade for more than fifty years, making it perhaps the most-sung invitation hymn of the twentieth century.

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