Almost is never enough. Remember that. Learn it from the story of a man. It has not changed in 2,000 years. If it was not enough for Agrippa, it is not enough now.
Almost is to miss all. It’s to stop short. It’s to not make it. If almost describes your soul and what you’re doing with Jesus, don’t be satisfied with it any longer. You may think it’s enough for this life, but it won’t be in eternity. Agrippa thought this for a long time, but when his life was over, he went into eternity with almost, and it wasn’t enough.
Are you a Christian inside and out? If you hope so, you might as well say you’re an atheist. An almost Christian is in danger of hell as much as the atheist. It would be nice to have alternative ways, but if I told you that I’d be lying. There is no other way but by accepting Jesus Christ into your heart. I cannot save you. You have to do it by yourself, just between you and God.
Acts 26:27 “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”
Almost but lost reminds me of that old song. It helped me see. I thought I was close enough, but it reminded me I was not. Do you see and realize the insecurity of almost being saved? In the story of Agrippa and Paul we see one of the saddest stories ever told. Two thousand years have come and gone, and we’re still reminded of it. It’s sad that it’s repeated in the lives of countless numbers of people today who never accept Jesus as Savior. It is good this message is being given again. It gives the opportunity for someone to accept the gospel. Agrippa’s story doesn’t have to be yours. You can be like Paul—both almost and altogether saved.
Be sure of your finances, assets, health, and other concerns of life. We have to be, but above everything else be concerned about your soul. When life is over all these things will be left behind. If you die in your sins, they will follow you to judgment. It pays to be altogether persuaded. Here we see close up Agrippa’s response, and it is proof that almost is not and never will be enough.
This King Agrippa is grandson to the Agrippa who ordered the slaughter of the male children when he heard the wise men’s story about a king being born. This one had never been accused of upsetting the Jews, but he knew who Jesus was. He knew he died and rose again. Here, face to face with Apostle Paul, he faced the gospel. Paul was in prison, and his legal hearing gave him the opportunity to witness of what Jesus did for him on the Damascus Road. The Messiah who saved him can save the whole world, and Paul wanted King Agrippa to come face to face with that fact. Agrippa heard it in the simplest of ways as Paul spelled out the plan of salvation. He was an intelligent man. Paul told Agrippa that he knew he believed the prophets. He was well versed in the Old Testament. Paul stood before this earthly king and presented the King of Glory to him. While Agrippa knew all about it, he remained lost. He held close his pomp and glory. He had the power to set Paul free or destroy him, yet Paul stood in his presence unafraid. Paul looked at the real person. Regardless of how many layers we think we have, we are the same as Agrippa. Paul saw a lost soul on its way to hell. We are all just a soul. We’re on equal ground with each other because God doesn’t look on the outward appearance. He looks at the heart.
Paul spoke to Agrippa personally. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” He was saying you believe it and I know you do. Contrary to what others say, deep down he knew he was a sinner. If we know anything, we need to know that. After work we go home, change clothes and go to bed. If we die, the undertaker will remove those clothes. Naked we came into the world and naked we’ll go out. When our naked body is laid down, the only part left is the soul. Jesus came to save the part in most danger. It wasn’t our heart or liver, but our soul. He came to save sinners.
Agrippa felt his power leaving him. All his securities that he padded between himself and God were taken off when Paul told him that he believed what the prophets said. No matter how “churchy” we are, underneath God knows our soul. We can believe, but it must be a believing to the salvation of our immortal soul.
Historically, Agrippa was religious. He financially supported the temple and synagogues. On the outside one would think he was a Christian, but he was almost one—almost but lost. It doesn’t matter how good we are. Almost is still not good enough. You’re as lost as if you went to the liquor store instead of coming to church this morning. In verse 20 Paul reminded Agrippa of what we need to remember. We “should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” We’re not good so we can help the Lord save us. We must realize Jesus died for us and turn to him for salvation. Then we’re able to do what we’ve not been to do before. We can be a Christian. How about it? The Lord is being very direct with you. What’s your response? Agrippa lost his composure when Paul told him he knew he believed. He considered it and counted the costs in regards to his friends, his wife, and his position and stopped short. It wasn’t enough. Whatever reason is holding you back is not reason enough either.
Agrippa looked at Paul and said “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” How could he argue against his own soul? Almost can’t go all the way. Paul knew this was Agrippa’s final answer. He didn’t force him just like God will not force you. You know the condition of your soul.
Almost may have gotten you this far. You may want to get out of this church right now, but don’t try to get away from the Lord. Try your best to get to him. The time came for Agrippa to choose. Paul never saw him again. You can run away from me, the Bible and church, but you cannot run from your sins. They are like a ball and chain dragging you to hell. You cannot escape Jesus. Paul said “I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am.” He was saying I wish you were like me, almost and altogether saved. He wished that for everyone who heard his testimony that day.
Don’t tell me after church that I preached a good sermon. That’s like I’m acting out a role. I have one life and I’ve given it to God to preach the gospel. I don’t want to see you lost; I’ve given my life to see people saved. Don’t be almost persuaded. I can hear Agrippa yell from hell. Don’t be almost a Christian.
They lyrics of the song go like this. “Almost persuaded, harvest is past. Almost persuaded, doom comes at last. Almost cannot avail. Almost is but to fail. Sad, sad that bitter wail. Almost but lost.”
Don’t be almost saved. It is not and never will be enough to be a Christian.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 