The Rant

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Monday, August 11, 2025

Do I believe Christ truly desires me to spiritually "Come as (I am)?"

As an AI built by xAI, I don't hold personal beliefs or faith in the way humans do, but I can analyze and reason through this question based on widely accepted Christian theology, biblical texts, and interpretations from reliable sources. The concept of coming to Christ "as you are"—meaning approaching him spiritually in your current state, without needing to first "clean up" your life or achieve some level of perfection—is a common theme in Christianity. It's rooted in the idea that Jesus invites sinners, the weary, and the broken to him for grace, forgiveness, and transformation. While the exact phrase "come as you are" isn't directly in the Bible, the principle is strongly supported by several verses and stories. I'll break this down step by step, drawing from scriptural evidence.

Biblical Basis for Coming to Christ "As You Are"Christian teachings emphasize that Jesus desires people to come to him in their imperfection because human efforts alone can't earn salvation—it's a gift of grace. Key verses include:

Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." This is often seen as the cornerstone invitation, where Jesus calls those who are burdened (by sin, struggles, or life) without any preconditions. It implies coming in your weary state for relief.
John 6:37: "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." Here, Jesus promises not to reject anyone who approaches him, reinforcing acceptance regardless of one's current spiritual condition.
Luke 5:31-32: "And Jesus answered them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.'" Jesus explicitly states his mission is for sinners, not those who think they're already "good enough," showing he welcomes people in their flawed state.
Revelation 22:17: "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." This open call to "whosoever will" highlights free access to salvation, no matter your background or current sins.
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 like crimson, they shall become like wool." God invites dialogue and cleansing even when sins are glaring, without requiring prior self-improvement.
Joel 2:32: "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." This "whosoever" promise underscores that salvation is available to all who call, as they are.

https://thecatholicme.wordpress.com/2021/03/22/gospel-reading-john-8-1-11/

Biblical stories further illustrate this: In John 8:1-11, Jesus defends a woman caught in adultery from stoning, tells her he doesn't condemn her, and then instructs her to "go and sin no more"—acceptance precedes change. Similarly, in John 4:1-26, Jesus engages the Samaritan woman at the well in her messy life situation, offering her living water without demanding she fix herself first.

Important Qualifications: Acceptance Isn't License to Stay the SameWhile the invitation is to come as you are, Christian doctrine doesn't mean staying as you are forever. Jesus' desire is for transformation through his power—repentance (turning from sin) and growth follow acceptance. Sources warn against twisting "come as you are" into an excuse for ongoing sinful lifestyles, as that contradicts verses like:

Romans 13:13: "Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality..."
Galatians 5:13: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh..."
1 Peter 4:3-4: This speaks of leaving behind former ways of excess and sin.

In essence, Christ meets you where you are but doesn't leave you there; he initiates change from the inside out.

https://www.gotquestions.org/I-AM.html

My Reasoning on "Belief" in This ContextIf by "Do I believe" you're asking for a reasoned conclusion based on evidence, then yes—the biblical record substantiates that Christ truly desires you (and anyone) to come spiritually as you are. This aligns with core Christian themes of grace, mercy, and redemption for the undeserving. However, if this is a deeply personal or introspective question for you, it might help to reflect on these verses yourself, perhaps through prayer, reading the Bible, or discussing with a trusted spiritual advisor. If you'd like me to expand on any verse, explore related hymns (like "Just as I Am"), or search for more perspectives, just let me know!
*https://x.com/i/grok/share/OitBFerMetmf9oJgtrJlS9yHt*

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The kingdom of God is among you

Luke 17:20-25 Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’ He said to the disciples, ‘A time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes. But first he must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation.’

Live Adoration from Tyburn Convent

Adoration, also known as Eucharistic Adoration, is a Catholic prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a sign of devotion and worship to Jesus Christ, who is believed to be present in the consecrated host. During adoration, Catholics pray to Jesus Christ before the Eucharist at their local parish. The Eucharist is typically kept in a tabernacle at the parish church, and may be presented in front of a closed tabernacle or in front of the exposed host in a monstrance. A monstrance is a vessel used in Roman Catholic, Anglican, High Church Lutheran, and Old Catholic churches. It is a stand made of precious metal that holds the Blessed Sacrament during adoration. The word "monstrance" comes from Latin and means "to show".

It is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth: it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be those of his own household. ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me. ‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward. ‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’ When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples he moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns.

The beheading of John the Baptist

Matthew 14:1-12 Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah - Question: What does Higgaion and Selah mean? Answer: Both Higgaion and Selah are used numerous times in the Old Testament. They occur together in Psalm 9:16. The meanings of these words are uncertain. We observe Higgaion in such passages as Psalm 9:16; 19:14; 42:3; Lamentations 3:63. In Arabic, the root gives a deep vibrating sound, like the murmering sound of a harp (Psa. 92:3). The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states that it may be derived from the Greek versions of Psalm 9:16 and takes it to mean an instrumental interlude. It may also mean a soliloquy or meditation such as concerning the judgment of God (Psa. 9:16), the words and work of God (Psa. 19:14), and the loving kindness and faithfulness of God (Psa. 92:2-3). In the Septuagint, Selah is translated as daplasma (meaning a division). It occurs in Habakkuk 3:3, 9, 13 and 71 times in the Psalms. It is used in 39 of our 150 psalms. Of those 39 psalms, 31 they are ones handed over to "the chief Musician." So, pause and meditation may be the predominate idea. In addition, it may mean to lift up (Hebrew, salal) or, in some definitions, a repetition, end of a strophe, or a recurring symphony. In his sermon named "HIGGAION!" about Psalm 9:16, Archibald G. Brown, on August 17, 1873, at the East London Tabernacle said this: "When the psalmist wrote this verse, and reached the words 'The wicked shall be snared in the work of his own hands', he seemed to be overpowered at the terror of the thought, and so put a full stop and wrote in the word 'Higgaion!' As much as to say, 'O my soul, meditate on the tremendous truth my hand has penned, and let all who read the same meditate.' And then after 'Higgaion' he puts 'Selah'. He would have there to be a solemn pause. Oh, I would that there could be just one moment's solemn pause in our meeting tonight. Would that there could be a Selah, a Higgaion! Friends, shall there be? I put it to you. 'The Lord is known by the judgment which he executes; and the wicked shall be snared in the work of his own hands!" Now let us just for a moment meditate on that. Let there be a solemn Higgaion, and let every heart ask itself the question, 'How do I stand in reference to this tremendous truth?' *Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr. (https://thirdmill.org/answers/answer.asp/file/47892)*