Expert: Bruce Gourley - 11/11/2007

Question
Does the bible say anything about "come as you are", and if so where is this scripture located in the bible?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Jason;

The phrase "come as you are" is a modern way of expressing the biblical teaching that Jesus accepts persons as they are (see John 3:16 - "whosoever believes ..." KJV), rather than requiring adherence to any given religious laws (the Pharisees of Jesus' day sought to meticulously live by Jewish religious law, and Jesus condemned them, repeatedly, for not being right with God; this theme is found throughout the Gospels) or rituals.

Yet the Bible is also clear that Christ expects persons, in placing faith in Him, to put their faith in action (see James; also note that Jesus, upon many occasions in the Gospels, informed those seeking to be right with God to do certain things to signal their change of heart; give away possessions, forsake others and follow Him, etc.).

So, Jesus accepts persons as they are, but expects (and commands) evidence of a transformed life, is one way of expressing (in short) what the Bible teaches.

Bruce Gourley
www.baptistlife.com
www.brucegourley.com