Just As I Am
An invalid's invitation hymn of coming to Christ without plea or merit.
Download PDFAn 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 contextWhen 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.
Related Hymns
Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Just As I Am.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Just As I Am
Charlotte Elliott • 1835
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Will L. Thompson • 1880
Isaiah 55:1 Commentary
In-depth study • Grace & Invitation
Ephesians 2:8-9 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation & Grace
Revelation 3:20 — Meaning & Devotional
Salvation & Redemption
Psalm 51:10-12 — Meaning & Devotional
Repentance & Renewal
Where to go next
Enjoyed "Just As I Am"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
- Today's Bible verse (KJV)A fresh verse and short reflection each day.Continue