The words of this hymn, which I love, stands in stark contrast to the Cain based religions of the World. Cain was angry because God said that his offering was not acceptable... God even provided a sin offering for Cain, but Cain rejected God's way.
Jesus Christ paid the full price of our salvation. It is a humbling thing to receive such a great gift.. As for my own personal experience... I just "gave up" trying to earn God's salvation on my terms, and by the grace of God, and prompted by the Spirit of God, and the word of God just simply accepted God's free gift on His terms.
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
And why was Cain's offering not acceptable? Do you remember the verse from Genesis 4 I cited?
The problem with Cain (and, to use your definition, "Cain-based" religions) is that he tried to earn a favorable position in God's eyes; "If I offer you this, you owe me blessings, God". This is not the inner disposition of a lover - which is what God seeks in man.
As for my own personal experience... I just "gave up" trying to earn God's salvation on my terms, and by the grace of God, and prompted by the Spirit of God, and the word of God just simply accepted God's free gift on His terms.
That's just the beginning. However, with this freedom comes responsibility of fulfilling the royal law - the law of love, which is "not a heavy burden". It is one that the Spirit inspires within us to will to fulfill. Thus, God provides the faith AND the love necessary for eternal union with Him who IS. Thus, faith ALONE does not save.
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" Gal 5:6
No salvation without faith and love. A loveless faith, as St. Paul says, is worthless (1 Cor 13:2)
Regards