Come, Sinner, Come

“Come, Sinner, Come,” written by William Ellsworth Witter in 1872, is a deeply earnest gospel invitation hymn that has stirred the hearts of many seeking redemption through Christ. Rooted in Isaiah 1:18, it calls the sinner to repentance and faith, pointing to the mercy and forgiveness freely offered through Jesus. The repeated plea, “Come,” carries a tone of both urgency and compassion, reflecting God’s own longing for His lost children to return to Him.

The hymn arose during a period of widespread evangelistic fervor in the nineteenth century when revival meetings and gospel songs played a vital role in drawing souls to Christ. Witter’s words are straightforward yet filled with spiritual power. Each verse unfolds a tender dialogue between God and the sinner, revealing both the weight of sin and the wonder of grace. The refrain reinforces the immediacy of salvation, warning that delaying to respond may risk eternal loss.

Musically, “Come, Sinner, Come” has been paired with melodies that are solemn yet hopeful, perfectly balancing conviction and invitation. The emotional depth of the song reflects the experience of the penitent soul who stands at the threshold of grace, hearing Christ’s voice calling gently but firmly, “Come unto Me.” It often served as an altar call hymn, its message echoing across revival tents and church aisles where many hearts surrendered to the Savior.

Spiritually, the hymn captures the essence of the gospel’s simplicity and urgency. There is no complicated theology within its lines, only the clear message of repentance and faith. It reminds listeners that salvation is not earned through effort but received by coming to Christ in humble trust. This theme resonates with Christ’s own invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

William Ellsworth Witter, though not widely known beyond this hymn, demonstrated a clear grasp of the human condition and of God’s redemptive love. His words continue to appeal to the conscience and the heart, bridging the gap between conviction and conversion. “Come, Sinner, Come” endures because it captures both the peril of delay and the beauty of grace extended to every soul who will believe.

Through the generations, the hymn has retained its role as a call to decision. It has been sung softly during invitations, with tears and prayer accompanying its message. Even today, its appeal remains timeless: Christ is ready to receive all who come in faith. The hymn stands as both a warning and a promise, proclaiming the everlasting truth that there is mercy, forgiveness, and eternal life for every sinner who comes to Jesus.