GOSPEL >> Consecration
SDAH 314
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.
This hymn appears in:
For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Just As I Am
Originally composed by William B. Bradbury in 1849 for a different hymn text, the tune WOODWORTH found its lasting place in Christian hymnody when paired with Charlotte Elliott’s “Just As I Am.” Since Bradbury’s tune is in long meter (8.8.8.8.) and Elliott’s text is in 8.8.8.6., he adjusted the final line by repeating the words “I come.” This pairing, first seen in Bradbury’s Eclectic Tune Book (1860), gained worldwide recognition when it became the signature altar call song in Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusades, often sung by soloist George Beverly Shea. With its gentle melody and heartfelt plea, this version of Just As I Am has led countless souls to the foot of the cross, inviting every listener to respond to Christ’s call just as they are.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
For comments on text, see SDAH 313. WOODWORTH was composed by William B. Bradbury (1816-1868; see Biographies), but originally was set to another text, “The God of Love Sure Indulge.” It was published in the 1849 Third Book of Psalmody by Thomas Hastings and Bradbury, Charlotte Elliott’s poem is in the meter 8.8.8.6. Since WOODWORTH is a Long Meter tune (8.8.8.8.), It is necessary to repeat the last two words, “I come,” which Bradbury did in his Eclectic Tune Book, 1860. The version of text and tune was used by evangelist Billy Graham as a regular appeal song in his large crusades, often sung by soloist George Beverly Shea (see SDAH 75).
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6
Just as I am, thy love I own
hath broken every barrier down;
now, to be thine, and thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Hymn Info
Biblical Information
See SDAH 313
Author
Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871)
Year Published
1834
Hymn Tune
WOODWORTH
Metrical Number
L.M.
Composer
William Bradbury (1816-1868)
Year Composed
1849
Alternate Tune
SAFFRON WALDEN, and other stanzas, SDAH 313
