Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest
Matthew 11, 28.
Can I come to Jesus, just as I am? Whoever asks this question, being uneasy about his sins, can confidently act on today’s Bible text. But coming as he is cannot be taken lightly; if he does not want to be lost, he must come as he is. Many try to “wash away” their sins with tears or “work them off” with their own good deeds. God states in His Word that no-one can be justified by “deeds of the law” (Romans 3, 20). None of us can point to achievements or characteristics that might qualify for acceptance by the Lord Jesus. If we come to Him in faith, God grants us all that is needed for our salvation free of charge.
Luke 15 tells of the prodigal son’s return to his father in his ruined state. And because he came, admitting his guilt, his father welcomed him with open arms, gave him new clothes, sandals for his feet, a gold ring and made him sit at a sumptuously laid table. The sinner woman in Luke 7 came to Jesus, longing for salvation and weeping over her guilt. She came as she was and heard the Lord’s words: “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (vv. 48-50).
The apostle Peter assured his listeners: “All the prophets witness that through his name all who believe in him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10, 43).