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SUNDAY CHOICE- JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA – by Charles Schokman
Image Source : jwa.org
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JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA
“To come to Jesus just as I am” means:–
approaching Christ with all of one’s sins, doubts, struggles, and imperfections, without attempting to “clean up” or improve one’s life first. It is an invitation to rely solely on God’s unconditional love and grace for salvation and transformation, rather than on one’s own merits or efforts.
Key Concepts
- Unconditional Acceptance: Jesus accepts people regardless of their past mistakes, social status, or feelings of unworthiness. The core message is that no one is “good enough” on their own, which is precisely why a Savior is needed.
- Without Pretence: It involves honesty and humility, acknowledging one’s sinfulness and helplessness before God. The famous hymn, “Just as I Am,” emphasises coming “without one plea,” meaning a person has no arguments or good deeds to offer in exchange for salvation.
- Need for Repentance and Change: While the invitation is to “come as you are,” it is not an invitation to “stay as you are”. The act of coming to Jesus involves a desire for forgiveness and a commitment to a transformed life through repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit. The goal is to become a new person in Christ, not to remain in sin.
- Reliance on Grace: The phrase highlights the Christian belief that salvation is a gift received by faith, not something earned by human effort or good works. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is sufficient to cleanse any sin.
- This message, famously used in evangelist Billy Graham’s crusades, serves as a powerful and simple call for individuals to make a personal commitment to Christ, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness.
Pray that this hymn draw us closer to God and help us to accept Him just as we are.
