"Just as I am" : The Story Behind the Hymn

Roger Duke

Editor's Note: This is the sixth installment in a new series called Behind the Hymns. Dr. Roger D. Duke explores the history behind Christianity's most treasured hymns. Dr. Roger D. Duke serves as the Scholar-in-Residence at Stage & Story.

Mark Noll, noted University of Notre Dame professor, once observed that “Just As I Am” embodies the essence of evangelical theology. It and “Amazing Grace” have embraced the simplicity of the Gospel message. He further remarked, “They’re not deep hymns . . . But they’re solid hymns.” [2] With its simple yet profound word meanings, “Just As I Am” fits perfectly with altar calls and introspective prayer before receiving communion. It has well-served “evangelists D. L. Moody, Billy Graham, and John Stott” [3] to woo the hearts of seekers in many contexts.

According to George Beverly Shea, the famous Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusades’ soloist, Graham defended the oft used altar-call hymn for two reasons: “(1) people were singing about what they were actually doing, coming forward in order to come to Christ, and (2) the song’s message is a very clear expression of salvation by God’s grace alone.” [4] Graham personally testified that he came to faith in Christ when the unique song’s message tugged at his heart. He “was always grateful that the song-leader extended the singing for two more verses, allowing him to get up the nerve to come forward.” [5]

Bev Shea’s story runs on a parallel rail with Graham’s. In How Sweet the Sound Shea recounted how he had sat through and “sung through” [6] many evangelistic services, altar calls, and crusades. His immediate proximity to such as a pastor’s son made this readily possible. But he was not converted until the age of 18. He remembered:

Then, while an invitation was given by a visiting evangelist and “Just As I Am” began to play, “Dad quietly left the platform and came to me. Placing his hand on my shoulder, he said, ‘Tonight could be the night, Son.’ That was the night I made public my commitment to Christ.” [7]

It can be argued that “this hymn has touched more hearts and influenced more people for Christ than any other song ever written.” [8]

The author, Charlotte Elliott, was born in Chapham, England March 18, 1789. [9] From external appearances she “seemed to have everything going for her as a young woman.” [10] Charlotte was naturally gifted as a portrait artist and composer of humorous verse. [11] She was perpetually full of joy and experienced a worry-free life; to the point she earned the nickname of “carefree Charlotte.” [12] Until the unthinkable happened! “At the age of thirty . . . a serious ailment made her an invalid for life.” [13] And “With her failing health came great feelings of despondency.” [14] So much so, she began to spiral downward into a season of listless depression.

But there came a turning-point in Charlotte’s life! The breakthrough came in 1822, at the age of 32, while Elliott was living with her married brother. They dwelt in the fashionable by-the-sea English resort of Brighton. A noted Swiss evangelist, Dr. Cesar Malan, made a pastoral visit to the Elliott home. Over dinner Charlotte became very angry and lost her temper when Malan spoke to her in depth and at great length about her soul’s need of salvation. She reviled God and family in an embarrassing way. The family hurriedly left the room with Charlotte and Malan alone discussing her need. [15]

Malan “talked with her about her discouragement” and related how “the heart of her problems . . . were spiritual.” [16] He asked, “You are tired of yourself, aren’t you?” He further pressed her; “You are holding to your hate and anger because you have nothing else in the world to cling to. Consequently, you have become sour, bitter, and resentful.” [17] She responded, “What is your cure?” [18] To her chagrin he responded, “The faith you are trying to despise.” [19] Her heart slowly softened. “If I wanted to become a Christian and to share the peace and joy you possess . . ., what would I do?” [20] He simply replied, “You must come just as you are, a sinner, to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” [21] He convinced her that it mattered not that she was a bed-fast invalid. “What matters is that you are a sinner, in need of salvation, and you must come to the Lamb of God who will take away your sin.” [22] He continued, “[G]ive yourself to God just as you are now, with your fightings and fears, hates and loves, pride and shame.” [23] [24] She understood, “I would come to God just as I am? Is that right?” [25] She did come to Christ and was converted that day.

It was “Fourteen years later, remembering those words spoken to her by . . . Malan . . . [that] she wrote this simple hymn.” [26] When the family occasionally left her alone, she would return to a former state of sadness. They were off to a fund-raising bazaar. Her brother Henry was a minister who needed funds to start a school for the children of poor clergy. She wanted to attend with them; for she still believed that the active life of work was the good life. Her temporary melancholy prompted a personal meditation on the “great certainties of her salvation—her Lord, His power, His promises.” [27] Recollecting “Dr. Malan’s words in her mind, she realized a sudden sense of peace and contentment. Taking her pen, she wrote the following verses:” [28]

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.

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

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.

Later in the day her sister-in-law came to check on how she faired. She brought news of how the bazaar progressed. Charlotte shared the lines she had jotted down. Mrs. Elliott requested a copy, took it back to the market, and showed it all around. “As it turned out, the use of the hymn spread far and wide, and in the end the royalties it earned raised more money for her brother’s school than the entire bazaar. Such is the way God sometimes uses our talents, in our weakness.” [30]

Charlotte Elliott did come just as she was. Her heart was changed by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. She eventually found and claimed John 6: 37 as her own. “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” [31] Her brother declared after a long and fruitful ministry, “I hope I have been permitted to see some fruit for my labours [sic]; but I feel far more has been done by a single hymn of my sister’s.” [32]

Now you know the story behind the hymn!

FOOTNOTES

Suggested Scripture quoted in Robert K. Brown and Mark R. Norton, eds., Just As I Am, The One Year Book of Hymns (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publisher, Inc.), June 22.
Mark Noll, quoted in Kevin Eckstrom, “‘Just as I Am’ was Billy Graham’s signature hymn: But ‘Just As I Am’ was more than a favorite Graham hymn,” Religion News Service, retrieved 7 August 2021, https://religionnews.com/2018/02/21/just-as-i-am-was-billy-grahams-signature-hymn/
Ting-Tang Lai, “Just As I Am,” in History of Hymns series of the Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church, accessed 7 August 2021, https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-just-as-i-am-comes-from-writers-struggle-with-confining-il
Randy Petersons, Be Still My Soul: The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2013), 179.
Bev Shea’s story runs on a parallel rail with Graham’s. In How Sweet the Sound Shea recounted how he had sat through and “sung through” many evangelistic services, altar calls, and crusades.
Randy Peterson, Be Still My Soul: The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2013), 179.
Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2002), June 16, 177.
Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1982), 146.
William J. Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, eds., The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996), 345.
William J. Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, eds., The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996), 345.
Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2002), June 16, 177.
Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2002), June 16, 177.
Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1982), 52.
Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1982), 52.
Sally Davey, “Just As I Am: The Life of Charlotte Elliott,” Christian Study Library [Faith in Focus], retrieved 10 August 2021 from https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/just-i-am-%E2%80%A6-life-charlotte-elliott
Sally Davey, “Just As I Am: The Life of Charlotte Elliott,” Christian Study Library [Faith in Focus], retrieved 10 August 2021 from https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/just-i-am-%E2%80%A6-life-charlotte-elliott
Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 175.
Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 175.
Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 175.
Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 175.
Sally Davey, “Just As I Am: The Life of Charlotte Elliott,” Christian Study Library [Faith in Focus], retrieved 10 August 2021 from https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/just-i-am-%E2%80%A6-life-charlotte-elliott
Sally Davey, “Just As I Am: The Life of Charlotte Elliott,” Christian Study Library [Faith in Focus], retrieved 10 August 2021 from https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/just-i-am-%E2%80%A6-life-charlotte-elliott
Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 175.
Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 175.
William J. Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, eds., The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996), 345.
William J. Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, eds., The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996), 345.
Sally Davey, “Just As I Am: The Life of Charlotte Elliott,” Christian Study Library [Faith in Focus], retrieved 10 August 2021 from https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/just-i-am-%E2%80%A6-life-charlotte-elliott
Sally Davey, “Just As I Am: The Life of Charlotte Elliott,” Christian Study Library [Faith in Focus], retrieved 10 August 2021 from https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/just-i-am-%E2%80%A6-life-charlotte-elliott
Song Lyrics, “Just As I Am,” retrieved 11 August 2021 from http://www.songlyrics.com/michael-w-smith/just-as-i-am-lyrics/
Sally Davey, “Just As I Am: The Life of Charlotte Elliott,” Christian Study Library [Faith in Focus], retrieved 10 August 2021 from https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/just-i-am-%E2%80%A6-life-charlotte-elliott
Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 175.
Randy Peterson, Be Still My Soul: The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2013), 179.

Dr. Roger D. Duke is an advisory board member and the scholar-in-residence at Stage & Story. Dr. Duke is an ordained Baptist minister and has taught at the college and graduate school levels for over 20 years. Dr. Duke holds graduate degrees from The University of the South’s School of Theology at Sewanee, TN; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and Harding University’s Graduate School of Religion. He has written or contributed to more than ten volumes (including works on John Bunyan). Visit his website at www.invertedchristian.com. His published work can be found on his website and his Amazon Author's Page. He has been happily married to Linda Young Duke for nearly 44 years. They have three adult children and four robust grandsons.

STAGE & STORY

Cultivating the Christian Imagination