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'To sing so many hymns you need to be feeling at your best, but this one fulfils every feeling - in fact, it seems to sum up what Christianity is all about.
'It asks nothing of the singer except that they come just as they are. You can be dying, in great stress, filled with doubt and it doesn't matter, because at the end of the day, in spite of everything, this amazing love is for you. However low you are, Christ is able to touch you.
'It fits the bill even when we are at our best and proudest, because we need to be reminded that we have to be in a humble enough state to receive God..
'I can rarely get a glimpse of the meaning of it all, but while we are on this earth it is sufficient to remember that "Thy blood was shed for me" and to prove "the breadth, length, depth and height" of that love.'
(From a regular member of the congregation who prefers to remain anonymous. More in the next edition)
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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.
Just as I am, though tossed about,
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings within and fears without,
O Lamb of God, 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.
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Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come.
Just as I am, thy love unknown,
Has broken every barrier down,
Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, 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.
Text by Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871)
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