There is no requirement to make yourself “better,” reach a certain standard of behaviour or attain a supposed worthiness before you come to the Lord. Within the church, the concept of “act precedes and willing follows” is used as a way of expecting conformity to a standard of behaviour in order to be acceptable or worthy. Unfortunately, such thinking fundamentally misunderstands both the Lord’s love and the genuine process of spiritual transformation described in the Word and the Heavenly Doctrines.

The Lord’s Invitation

The Scriptures are clear: the Lord’s invitation is universal and unconditional. He bids everyone to come as they are, regardless of their current emotional, moral, or spiritual state. “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters…” (Isaiah 55:1-3); “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…” (Matthew 11:28-30); and “Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). The Lord’s mercy is not reserved for those who have already purified themselves. Rather, it reaches those who see and honestly acknowledge their faults and weaknesses, for true humility, rather than external worthiness, is what prepares a person to receive new life (The Doctrine of Life for the New Jerusalem 110).

Coming to the Lord Precedes Change

Spiritual change always follows, rather than precedes, coming to the Lord. We are not expected or able to remake ourselves on our own in order to become acceptable to God. Instead, our simple action of mind is to come openly, in need and sincerity, and allow the Lord, through His Word, to begin the work of changing and regenerating us from within (John 6:37; Luke 15:20-24). Repentance itself begins not with self-improvement, but with coming to the Lord just as we are, recognising our insufficiency, and desiring His help. The real process of spiritual growth unfolds gradually, as we learn, examine ourselves, and, empowered by the Lord, begin to shun evils as sins.

The Error of “Making Oneself Worthy”

The belief that we must first make ourselves worthy springs from the proprium, our self-centeredness, which seeks either control or the credit for spiritual progress. This misconception inevitably leads to either despair because of our persistent failings or self-righteousness if we place trust in our own efforts. The Lord’s true order is simple: Come as you are. Confess your state, receive His mercy, and then follow Him, step by step, with His Word guiding your ongoing spiritual work (Luke 15:4-7; Psalms 51:17).

The Lord’s Work, Not Ours

It is the Lord who heals, forgives, and re-creates us; our role is to be willing, receptive, and responsive to His Word. When we become aware of our faults, that very awareness is a sign that the Lord is already drawing near, helping us to recognise our need for His life within us. Liberation from sin and spiritual transformation begin with this honest seeing and humble admission.

In Practice

Therefore, never delay turning to the Lord because you feel unworthy. It is precisely your sense of lack or imperfection that should bring you to Him. Whether you are reading, praying, or quietly reflecting on the Word, come to the Lord as you are, with an open and seeking heart. The process of spiritual renewal begins here, and the Word itself, engaged as living Divine Truth, works the change.

Within New Church doctrine, you are not required to make yourself worthy before coming to the Lord. Rather, you are invited to come exactly as you are, with all your faults and pain. For it is only by sincerely approaching the Lord in His Word that real spiritual change is experienced. We cannot make ourselves better or worthy. The question is, are we ready to receive the Lord’s love that is already present with us?

Enquire about joining Logopraxis Life Groups, in person at Carmel New Church or online from anywhere. Life Groups support you coming as you are to the Word, and allowing the Lord to guide you on your path.