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Does the Bible Say, “Come as You Are”? – Viral Believer
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Does the Bible Say, “Come as You Are”?

Introduction

The phrase “come as you are” has become a popular mantra in many Christian circles. It’s often used to convey the message that God accepts us, regardless of our past, our mistakes, or our present condition.

But does this phrase actually appear in the Bible, and if not, what does Scripture say about coming to God as we are? In this blog post, we will explore the biblical origins of this phrase, its meaning, and its implications for our faith journey.

While the specific phrase “come as you are” is not found in the Bible, the idea behind it certainly is. In the following sections, we will examine various passages from the New King James Version (NKJV) that support this concept and discuss the implications for our lives as believers.

The Parable of the Great Supper

In Luke 14:15-24, Jesus tells the Parable of the Great Supper, where a man prepares a lavish feast and invites many guests. However, those who were invited began to make excuses for not attending.

“But they all with one accord began to make excuses…” (Luke 14:18, NKJV)

The man then instructs his servant to invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind.

“…go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.” (Luke 14:21, NKJV)

The servant obeys, and even after filling the banquet hall, there is still room. The man then sends his servant to the highways and hedges to compel others to come.

“…go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23, NKJV)

This parable emphasizes that God’s invitation to join His kingdom is extended to all, regardless of social status or personal shortcomings.

The guests who initially refused to come to the feast represent those who reject God’s call, while the poor, maimed, lame, and blind symbolize those who humbly accept the invitation, despite their imperfections.

Jesus and the Woman at the Well

In John 4, we find the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus asks the woman for a drink, and they engage in a conversation about living water.

“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.'” (John 4:13-14, NKJV)

Despite the woman’s past and the cultural barriers between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus offers her the gift of eternal life.

“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.'” (John 4:25-26, NKJV)

The interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman demonstrates that He offers salvation to anyone, no matter their race, gender, or history. By offering her the living water, Jesus illustrates that He can quench our spiritual thirst and provide us with eternal life.

The Prodigal Son

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), a younger son asks for his inheritance and then squanders it in a distant country. When a famine arises, he finds himself in dire need and decides to return to his father.

“I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'” (Luke 15:18-19, NKJV)

Upon his return, the father sees him from afar and runs to embrace him, forgiving him and celebrating his return.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'” (Luke 15:22-24, NKJV)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us about the depth of God’s love and forgiveness for His children, even when they have gone astray.

The father’s joyful response to his son’s return serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace is greater than our sins, and He is always ready to welcome us back into His loving embrace.

Jesus and the Sinful Woman

In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is invited to the home of a Pharisee named Simon. During the meal, a sinful woman comes and anoints Jesus’ feet with fragrant oil and her tears, wiping them with her hair.

“And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.” (Luke 7:37-38, NKJV)

Despite her sinful past, Jesus forgives her and commends her for her faith.

“Then He said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.'” (Luke 7:48, 50, NKJV)

This story illustrates the transformative power of faith in Jesus. The woman’s act of humility and devotion leads to her forgiveness and redemption, showing that God’s grace is available to all who come to Him in genuine repentance.

The Thief on the Cross

As Jesus was crucified, two thieves were crucified with Him. One of them, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, asks Him to remember him when He comes into His kingdom.

“Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.'” (Luke 23:42, NKJV)

Despite the thief’s criminal past and his impending death, Jesus promises him eternal life.

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'” (Luke 23:43, NKJV)

The story of the thief on the cross demonstrates that it is never too late to turn to Jesus for salvation. Even in his final moments, the thief’s humble acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord leads to the promise of eternal life.

The Importance of Repentance and Transformation

While the Bible encourages us to come to God as we are, it is crucial to recognize that true faith in Jesus also leads to repentance and transformation.

In each of the stories mentioned above, the individuals who came to Jesus as they were also experienced a change in their lives. Their encounter with Christ led them to turn away from their sinful ways and embrace a new life in Him.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)

True faith involves not only accepting God’s invitation to come as we are but also submitting to His transformative work in our lives. As believers, we are called to grow in our relationship with God, continually conforming to the image of Christ.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly say “come as you are,” it is clear that God extends His grace and forgiveness to those who come to Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

The stories mentioned above demonstrate the love, compassion, and mercy that God has for all people, regardless of their sins or shortcomings.

The invitation to come to God as we are emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our need for a Savior and accepting His gift of salvation. The stories we have explored show that, even in our brokenness, God is ready and willing to forgive and restore us when we turn to Him in faith.

As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that God does not require us to be perfect before coming to Him. Instead, He lovingly invites us to approach Him just as we are, trusting in His grace and mercy to transform and redeem us through the power of Jesus Christ.

However, it is essential to remember that true faith involves repentance and a willingness to be transformed by God’s grace. As we come to God as we are, we must also be prepared to grow and change as we walk with Him, experiencing the fullness of life that can only be found in Christ.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, NKJV)

May we continually embrace the invitation to come to Jesus as we are, trusting in His love and grace to meet us where we are, and transform us into the people He has called us to be.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.