“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:1

Today, many people profess to be Christians.  Some profess to be Christians based upon their good works.  Some because they have attended church all of their lives and it is not uncommon to hear them say, “I have always been a Christian!”  Some have been taught that when they were baptized, they became a Christian.  Some believe that if they just accept certain doctrines as being true that makes them a Christian!  Many compare themselves to others and believe they are doing pretty well and that in the end, if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds they will be allowed into heaven!  Some even think that all roads lead to heaven as long as you are sincere.

We live in a day of shallow profession when a form of godliness is acceptable, a superficial kind of profession that sets aside the need for a heart conversion to Christ and repentance for sin.  The apostle Paul taught that God justifies the sinner by grace on the basis of the work of the cross, that it is available to the sinner as God’s free gift in Christ, to trust in Christ is to be born again, to be justified before God.  “Therefore, since we have been justified (just as if we never sinned) through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  And again, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.  That is how we become a child of God and have eternal life!

Many years ago in England, a young woman heard the gospel message.  She sang beautifully and was very gifted, but she had never really received Christ.

The speaker for that evening, Dr. Cesar Malan spoke to her after the service, and said, “You are very gifted, the cause of Christ would be greatly benefitted by your music and your voice….but until you come to Christ, you are no different than the poorest sinner.  But, I am glad to tell you the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as the Lamb of God, will cleanse you from all sin if you will come to Him just as you are!”

The young lady turned away, “You have insulted me sir!”  She was offended.  For three weeks, she was troubled in her spirit until she saw Dr. Malan again.  She told him ever since he had spoken to her she had been trying to come to Jesus, but she was miserable. “You spoke of coming to Jesus, but how?  I am not fit to come,” she said.  “You have nothing of merit to bring to God.  You must come just as you are,” he replied.  Rejoicing, Charlotte Elliott did!

From the age of 33 until her death at 82, Charlotte suffered from crippling fatigue.  Day after day, her body was wracked with overpowering weakness and exhaustion bringing with it deep depression.  As she thought over her situation, she remembered the words of Dr. Malan and decided to write a song to encourage others.  The words she wrote became one of the greatest gospel songs in the history of hymns,

“Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O, Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

 Probably more persons have accepted Christ with notes of that old hymn ringing in their ears than any other gospel song.  Evangelists, including D.L. Moody and Billy Graham used it extensively during their crusades as they encouraged their audiences to come to the Savior.  Billy Graham’s autobiography is entitled, “Just As I Am.”  We are all invited to come, just as we are!

Your friend, Jean