The Savior is Waiting is a timeless Christian invitation hymn that calls individuals to open their hearts to Christ, emphasizing His patience, love, and the promise of salvation. With a gentle yet urgent appeal, the song reminds listeners that Jesus stands at the door, waiting for a response, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who receive Him.
VERSE 1
The Savior is waiting to enter your heart,
Why don’t you let Him come in?
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart,
What is your answer to Him?
CHORUS
Time after time He has waited before,
And now He is waiting again,
To see if you’re willing to open the door,
Oh, how he wants to come in.
VERSE 2
If you’ll take one step toward the Savior, my friend,
You’ll find His arms open wide,
Receive Him and all of your darkness will end,
Within your heart He’ll abide.
Story Behind the Song
In 1958, Ralph Carmichael, serving as the minister of music at Temple Baptist Church in Los Angeles, was approached by Pastor J. Lester Harnish with a request. They were preparing for an evangelistic series and needed a new hymn for the invitation at the end of each service. Responding to this need, Carmichael composed The Savior Is Waiting, aiming to convey Christ’s gentle call to individuals.[1]
During the revival, a ladies’ trio performed the song nightly, and it resonated deeply with the congregation. Its impact extended beyond the church when Bob Pierce of World Vision attended one of the meetings. Impressed by the hymn’s message, he invited Carmichael to serve as music director for a month-long evangelistic campaign in Japan, where The Savior Is Waiting was featured each evening.[2]
The hymn’s heartfelt appeal led to its inclusion in numerous hymnals and songbooks worldwide. Its widespread adoption underscores its enduring message of Christ’s patient invitation to all.
Open Your Heart to Christ
The Savior is Waiting speaks of Christ’s invitation to salvation, highlighting God’s patience, human responsibility, and the promise of transformation. The Savior is waiting to enter your heart reflects Revelation 3:20, where Jesus knocks and calls for a response. The song presents salvation as an open invitation, but Scripture clarifies that responding to Christ requires repentance and faith (Romans 10:9-10). Salvation is not simply about inviting Jesus into one’s heart; it is about surrendering to His lordship and trusting in His work on the cross.
Time after time He has waited before emphasizes God’s patience, aligning with 2 Peter 3:9, which says that God does not wish for any to perish but desires all to come to repentance. However, the idea of Christ continually waiting may suggest passivity, whereas Scripture teaches that God actively draws people to Himself (John 6:44). While the invitation is always available, salvation is ultimately a work of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Worship involves recognizing that God is not merely waiting; He is calling, convicting, and transforming those who respond in faith.
Receive Him and all of your darkness will end points to the truth that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Accepting Him does bring deliverance from the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13), but it does not mean an immediate end to all struggles. Believers still battle sin and trials (Romans 7:21-25). The Christian life is a journey of sanctification, where God continually works to make believers more like Christ (Philippians 1:6). Worship is not about expecting instant change but about walking in the light of Christ daily, trusting in His power to transform.
The song captures the heart of God’s invitation but simplifies salvation as a decision rather than a work of grace through faith. While Christ’s call is real, worship involves more than just responding once—it is a lifelong surrender to Him. The message of salvation is not just that Christ is waiting, but that He is calling sinners to repentance, offering not only entrance into their hearts but complete renewal through His Spirit. What is your answer to Him?
How to download free PowerPoint worship songs?
Register or login now to download the free PowerPoint files and access all available free resources! The song The Savior is Waiting is available in the FREE DOWNLOAD BOX below—just click the ellipsis icon (three dots) next to the PowerPoint file or hover over it to download. Keep in mind that FREE users have a daily limit on downloads, but you can remove all restrictions by purchasing the Amen Vault Lifetime Download Access and Updates plan.
✅ About Amen Vault
✅ Amen Vault Premium Access
✅ Add to Cart Amen Vault
Bible Readings for Worship
- The Savior is Waiting (Hymn)
- Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness (Hymn)
- Savior Again to Thy Dear Name (Hymn)
More Free Downloads
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
- Church in Sardis: Strengthen The Things That Remain (Revelation 3:1-6)
- Church in Philadelphia: Because You Have Kept My Word (Revelation 3:7-13)
Related themes you might want to include (The Savior is Waiting) in your list of songs for worship that centered around Love of God, Power of God, Salvation, Songs of Response to God’s Call
The Savior is Waiting lyrics and music by Ralph Carmichael, (1958) Public Domain
Have any encouraging thoughts or concerns about the lyrics of The Savior is Waiting? Feel free to share your comments below!
