Almost Persuaded

This morning I am mindful of the words of an old country song entitled “Almost Persuaded”. This cheating song describes marital disloyalty that almost happened, but indeed did not. In a sense, the song is good news to the imaginary partner as described in this piece of music.

A similar phrase in the Book of Acts in the Holy Bible actually was the stimulus for remembering the words to this song. In my opinion these words constitute some of the saddest commentary in the Bible. There is no good news in this instance

In Acts 26, the Apostle Paul has been brought before the Roman Governor Festus and King Agrippa who is accompanied by his wife Bernice. Paul has been charged with terrible crimes by his fellow Jewish brethren. Being a Roman citizen has enabled him to appeal his case to Caesar. He is soon to be sent to Rome for a final verdict that will end in his death.

Rather than plead for his life, Paul outlines the details of his conversion to Christianity and indeed preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ to those present. In response to his defence, Festus the governor suggests that Paul is mad and King Agrippa states in verse 28, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian”.

I don’t know much about the historical King Agrippa, but I do know that he was on the very edge of letting go and becoming a Christian. He was at the final step and indeed, like so many then and now decided to turn back from the decision to make Jesus his Lord and Saviour. He was “almost persuaded”.

What was it that he turned down? With those words he has declined a relationship with the Son of the God of the Universe. This relationship is made very real by the presence of the Holy Spirit to those who are believers. The Bible tells us in John 14:6 that you can only get to the Father through the Son. He has refused the forgiveness of his sins and has opted for the good works road to Heaven. Like so many, he believes that if you do more good than bad, you probably will go to heaven when you die. It does not work like that. We are saved by grace through faith. If indeed you do accept Jesus through faith, you don’t just hope to get to heaven. You are actually assured as an heir that you will join Jesus in heaven. King Agrippa has in one short sentence made a very sad decision, the consequences of which will last for all of eternity and that is a very long time!

Are you “almost persuaded”? While you still draw breath there is still time to become “persuaded”.