The phrase “come as you are” has been so misused by believers and non-believers that it has almost lost its meaning. People use this all the time to justify their past, present and future actions even though they know what they’re doing isn’t good.
Fun fact: the phrase itself is NOT a direct quote from the Bible.
However, the essence of “come as you are” can be found in several scriptures that emphasize God’s open invitation to all, no matter their circumstances.
Bible Verses
- Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This passage is very clear as Jesus invites everyone who is tired, burdened by sin, or weary from life’s struggles to come to Him. He offers rest, peace, and a new beginning. - Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Here God calls us to come to Him for forgiveness and cleansing, no matter how stained or guilty we may feel. This verse emphasizes God’s willingness to purify and restore. For those sins to be washed away, we need to come to Him in Spirit and in truth. - John 6:37 – “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
Jesus promises that He will never reject anyone who comes to Him; not the fake, hypocritical relationship. He welcomes us all with open arms as long as we’re willing to know Him. This verse gives the assurance of acceptance when we approach Him sincerely.
True Meaning vs. Misuse
- True Meaning: In the Biblical context, “come as you are” means that God welcomes us no matter our past sins, struggles, or current state. He invites us to approach Him with honesty and humility, ready to receive His grace, forgiveness, and transformation. The key is that while God accepts us as we are, He doesn’t want us to stay as we are. He desires to transform our lives, leading us into repentance, growth, and holiness. Any one who claims to be ‘Born again’ shouldn’t be found doing the things the old self was doing (and even if they find it hard to change, the Holy Spirit will continuously convict them of their wrongdoings).
- Misuse by the World: The phrase is sometimes misinterpreted to mean that one can come to God without any expectation of change. This interpretation suggests that God accepts us with no intention of transforming our lives or calling us to repentance. It is used to justify continuing in sin without seeking God’s guidance or striving for personal growth. The true Biblical message is that while God’s love is unconditional, He calls us to a journey of transformation, leaving behind our old ways to embrace a new life in Christ.
Conclusion
“Come as you are” reflects God’s open invitation to us all, but it also carries the expectation that encountering Him will naturally lead to change and growth. Not listening to correction or being deliberately disobedient shows we lack understanding and discernment of the Holy Spirit. The more we mature in Christ, the bigger the difference in our past and new selves. We are called to come as we are, but also to allow God to mold us into what we were meant to be.
Isaiah 64:8 (NIV):
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Stay Blessed x
