“Come as you are” is a phrase often associated with an invitation to approach a situation or a person without pretense or the need for perfection.
While the exact phrase may not be found verbatim in the Bible, there are several verses that convey the essence of this welcoming and inclusive sentiment.
In the Christian faith, the idea of coming as you are aligns with the teachings of acceptance, grace, and the understanding that everyone is welcome in the presence of God.
Come As You Are Bible Verse
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
In these verses, Jesus extends an invitation to all, irrespective of their struggles and burdens. It emphasizes finding solace and peace in His presence, and the imagery of a “light yoke” suggests that the requirements are not heavy or burdensome.
Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV):
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live…”
This passage from Isaiah extends an invitation to those who are seeking fulfillment and nourishment. It emphasizes the accessibility of God’s provisions without the need for worldly wealth, underlining the concept of spiritual satisfaction.
Revelation 22:17 (NLT):
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.”
This verse from Revelation captures the universal call for all to come and partake in the spiritual sustenance symbolized by the “water of life.” It highlights the inclusivity of God’s invitation, emphasizing that anyone who desires is welcome.
Luke 19:10 (NIV):
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Jesus, in declaring His mission, makes it clear that His purpose is to seek and save those who are lost. This verse embodies the idea that one doesn’t need to have it all together to approach Jesus. Rather, it is an acknowledgment of our need for His salvation.
Romans 5:8 (ESV):
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This powerful verse from Romans underscores the unconditional nature of God’s love. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was not contingent on our perfection or righteousness but was an expression of divine love extended to us in our brokenness.
Psalm 34:18 (NLT):
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
The psalmist affirms that God is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. This verse echoes the comforting assurance that God is present in times of vulnerability, inviting individuals to come to Him with their wounds and sorrows.
1 John 1:9 (NIV):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse highlights the importance of confession and repentance. It reinforces the idea that approaching God with honesty about our shortcomings leads to forgiveness and purification, emphasizing the readiness of God to receive those who seek His mercy.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV):
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
These verses from Ephesians emphasize salvation through grace, emphasizing that it is a gift from God and not something that can be earned through human efforts. This reinforces the idea that one can come to God without the need to prove oneself but simply by accepting the gift of salvation offered through faith.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT):
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
The acknowledgment of weakness becomes a point of strength when surrendered to God. This verse highlights that God’s grace is most evident and powerful in our moments of vulnerability, reinforcing the idea that one can come to God with weaknesses and find strength in His grace.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV):
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
This verse encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that His throne is a throne of grace. It reassures that in our times of need, God is ready to extend mercy and grace, further emphasizing the concept of coming as you are.
Romans 8:1 (NIV):
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
This verse from Romans underscores the freedom believers have in Christ, emphasizing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Him. It reinforces the idea that, in Christ, individuals are accepted and embraced, regardless of their past mistakes or shortcomings.
Galatians 3:28 (NLT):
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse from Galatians dismantles societal distinctions, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. It underscores the idea that everyone, regardless of background or status, is welcome to come to God through Christ, finding unity in Him.
John 6:37 (ESV):
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”
Jesus assures that those who come to Him will never be rejected. This verse echoes the unwavering acceptance that Christ offers, reinforcing the concept of coming to Him without fear of rejection or judgment.
Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV):
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
These verses from Colossians emphasize the transformative power of God’s forgiveness. It speaks to the idea that, in coming to God, individuals experience spiritual renewal and liberation from the weight of their sins.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT):
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
The invitation to cast worries and cares upon God is a comforting assurance found in this verse from 1 Peter. It encourages believers to come to God with their anxieties, knowing that He cares for them intimately.
In summary, the consistent message throughout these verses is one of open arms, unconditional love, and transformative grace. The biblical narrative paints a vivid picture of a God who invites individuals to come as they are, assuring them of acceptance, forgiveness, and a new life in Him.
The Christian journey is a continuous process of drawing near to God with confidence, knowing that His love and grace are more than sufficient for all who seek Him.