The specific phrase "come as you are" is not found in Scripture. However, understood rightly and in the context of the totality of Scripture, the phrase does seem to contain some very important truths. In our own fallen nature, we can offer God nothing that can come close to saving ourselves. Our best efforts are “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6), and our hearts are desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). The idea of achieving salvation through our own goodness is completely false, and we have no choice but to approach God just as we are in our sinfulness. Mercifully, God has graciously chosen to accept us as we are and to meet us there. He fulfilled the work of salvation for us, and we are called to come as we are and to trust in His finished work.
The phrase "come as you are" is intended to combat the false belief that we must make ourselves acceptable to Christ by ceasing from sin or doing good deeds before coming to Him. This we cannot do and could not be further from the truth. In fact, it is the exact opposite of Christ's teaching. Scripture tells us that our good deeds cannot save us . Even our best works are as filthy rags when viewed by our holy God . If we could make ourselves righteous before coming to Christ then His sacrificial, substitutionary death would not have been necessary for our salvation. Christ Himself stated that He came to save sinners. He did not come to save those who in their sinful pride believe themselves to be righteous but those who know they are not righteous. Jesus calls all who are weary and burdened by their sin to come to Him and find rest for their souls in Him. He calls not just sinners but the foremost of sinners to come to Him).So, does Jesus demand anything from those who would come to Him? Yes, He demands that we be born again spiritually. It is not enough to make moral improvements: we need new hearts, hearts that are repentant and believing. As a result of being made alive to God and becoming new creations in Christ, our lives begin to change. Although we do not become sinless after this rebirth, we have a different mindset toward sin. We desire to depart from sin, we mourn over our remaining sin, we are convicted by the Holy Spirit when we do sin, and we confess our sin to God. After our spiritual rebirth, we also begin to exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace. All this is a result of coming to Christ and not a precondition for coming to Him. We come as we are, but we do not remain as we were.