The phrase “come as you are” has become popular in Christian circles and worship songs in recent years. But does the Bible actually contain this exact phrase or communicate this sentiment?
A simple word search reveals that the exact phrase “come as you are” does not appear anywhere in the Bible. However, there are several key passages that convey a similar message of God’s grace and acceptance of people just as they are.
The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
One of the clearest examples is Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. The Samaritan woman came to draw water in the middle of the day, likely to avoid contact with others due to her status as an outcast in her community. Yet Jesus initiated a conversation with her, accepted her, offered her living water, and revealed His identity as the Messiah to her.
This story illustrates that Jesus meets people where they are, no matter their background or past sins. The Samaritan woman came to the well in her current condition and situation, not having cleaned up her life or made herself presentable first. Yet Jesus loved her and offered her the gospel anyway.
The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable contrasting the prayers of a boastful Pharisee with a tax collector who pleaded, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus declares that the tax collector’s humble prayer was the one that was justified before God.
The tax collector came before God transparently, without pretense or efforts to impress God with his own righteousness. He came as he was – a sinner in need of grace. This reflects the heart attitude that God desires from all who come to Him.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The parable of the Prodigal Son is another powerful example of God welcoming people unconditionally. After squandering his inheritance in wild living, the prodigal returns home in tattered clothes, expecting to be treated as a hired hand by his father. But to his surprise, the father embraces him, kisses him, and celebrates his return with a lavish feast.
The powerful imagery shows that God the Father waits expectantly, scans the horizon, and runs out to meet wayward children who turn back to Him. He does not wait for them to clean themselves up first. They simply need to come home, and the Father welcomes them with open arms.
Calls to Repentance
There are dozens of instances in the New Testament where Jesus and the apostles extended the gospel invitation to all who would listen, urging them to repent and believe. These invitations were given to all sorts of people – rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, religious leaders and prostitutes, law-abiding citizens and corrupt tax collectors.
Jesus said that He came “not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). His promise of rest applied to all who were weary and heavy-laden (Matthew 11:28). The early church proclaimed that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). The invitation was to all.
When the original Gospel call went out 2,000 years ago, it met people in very different life circumstances and spiritual conditions. Yet all were welcomed to come to Jesus just as they were. The good news was offered freely, and the only requirement was a willing heart that would receive God’s grace through faith.
Come Just as You Are…But Don’t Stay That Way
An important clarification about “coming as you are” is that God loves and accepts people unconditionally as they are, but He does not leave them unchanged. Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian life. There is an expectation of growth and transformation to follow.
The apostle Paul made this clear in Ephesians 2:8-10:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Grace is unmerited, but it is not a license to remain stagnant. The same Savior who bore humanity’s sins on the cross also sends the Holy Spirit to indwell believers and conform them to His image. God’s desire after justification is sanctification.
So in summary, the phrase “come as you are” captures the free offer of the gospel and the unconditional love God has for humanity in its fallen state. No cleaning up of one’s life is required beforehand – the invitation is to come now, just as you are. However, the expectation is that all who accept this offer will become new creations in the process (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Old things pass away. Sins are forgiven, but also renounced as believers embark on a new life of walking in righteousness by the Spirit’s power. The offer to “come” requires no preparation, but the process of sanctification implies that remaining stagnant and “staying as we are” is not an option.
God loves people right where they’re at, but His love is so powerful that He refuses to leave them there. “Come as you are” is the invitation that starts the journey. Faithful discipleship is how it continues.
Common Questions about “Come As You Are”
Beyond examining the key biblical passages, it is also helpful to address some common questions that arise regarding “come as you are”:
Does God reject me if I don’t clean up my life first?
Absolutely not! The examples of Jesus welcoming prostitutes, tax collectors, and other outward sinners demonstrate God’s eagerness to meet all people where they are. Jesus said He came for the sick, not the self-righteous (Mark 2:17). Faith, not perfection, is the requirement.
Is it necessary to change my lifestyle to become a Christian?
Salvation happens by grace through faith alone. Turning from sin is a fruit of conversion, not a prerequisite. A new believer’s lifestyle will change over time via the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. But spiritual perfection is never the requirement for coming to Jesus by faith.
Am I being hypocritical if I claim faith but still struggle with sin?
Every genuine believer contends with ongoing sin struggles as part of the sanctification process (Romans 7:14-25). What’s important is not attaining complete victory over sin overnight, but maintaining an attitude of humility and honesty about sin while continually pursuing holiness by God’s grace.
Can I come to church if I don’t meet the expectations for behavior there?
Churches should be communities of honesty, brokenness, confession, and growth – not museums for saints. Jesus angered the religious leaders of His day by welcoming and eating with outward sinners. Churches should strive to model the same grace. Believers mature fastest in contexts of transparency, not legalistic perfectionism.
Does God only love me if I clean up first?
Absolutely not. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us“ (Romans 5:8). God’s love comes with no strings attached. The only requirement to experience it is humble faith.
What if I really enjoy my sinful lifestyle? Do I have to give it up?
Grace is not a license to pursue unchecked sin. True conversion results in new affections and desires. Someone who clings to sinful lifestyle with no remorse shows no evidence of repentance. But an authentic believer struggling against sin, though occasionally defeated, is still secure in God’s love. Progress takes time.
Can I come to Jesus over and over again, even after failing?
Yes! Peter denied Jesus three times, yet went on to become a pillar of the early church. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). There is no limit to God’s grace and forgiveness toward those who sincerely repent.
Does “come as you are” mean God leaves me unchanged?
No. God loves unconditionally, but the expectation is growth and transformation. “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4 NIV). Salvation is an invitation to begin the journey, not remain stagnant. God accepts you as you are, but loves you too much to leave you that way.
Conclusion
In summary, although the exact phrase “come as you are” is not in the Bible, this concept is implied in the gracious words and actions of Jesus throughout the Gospels. God welcomes all who come to Him in humble faith, regardless of their current spiritual condition or past sins.
His love transforms even the most hardened sinners into new creations in Christ. So while no cleaning up is required beforehand, the expectation is growth and change afterward by the power of the Holy Spirit. This balance captures the beauty of the gospel invitation.
God accepts people unconditionally at the point of conversion, but His ultimate purpose is to restore the full image of Christ in them. He loves humanity right where we’re at, but His love is so powerful that He has no intention of leaving us there.
