Just as I Am

by Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871)

(stanzas 1-2)

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.

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.

(3-4)

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.

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.

(5-7)

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.

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.

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, I come! 

Notes on the Hymn

Hymns of personal devotion and commitment are among lasting contributions of 19th-century authors and composers. One of the most popular of these hymns is by Charlotte Elliott, prolific English author of about 150 hymns. It is now customarily paired with two different tunes— “Saffron Walden” in England and “Woodworth” in the United States.

Evangelist Billy Graham made his commitment to Christ at an evangelistic meeting while this hymn was being sung. Later, he used "Just as I Am" in like manner in his own evangelistic crusades. "Just as I Am" is also the title of his autobiography, published in 1997.