Almost persuaded

“You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). These were the sad words spoken to Paul by King Agrippa after Paul had given Agrippa the account of his conversion. By giving Agrippa the account of his conversion he is able to show Agrippa how he became a Christian, thus showing Agrippa how to become one as well. Paul makes a final statement in Acts 26:27: “Do you believe the prophets, I know you do believe.” This came close to persuading Agrippa to become a Christian, but still failed. It wasn’t because Paul just didn’t do a good enough job of persuading Agrippa; it was because Agrippa refused to obey the gospel like most people in this world do. Although Agrippa came close, he was still lost!

There are so many people in today’s world just like Agrippa that are almost persuaded, but because of their love for this world and the things in it, they refuse to obey the gospel. We may believe as Agrippa did, but if we refuse to follow everything else God has commanded us to do, we will still be lost. This is why if we are convinced the gospel is true and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, we must not refuse to obey the gospel as Agrippa did. We cannot wait! We must do as Paul did, when he was told by Ananias to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins. Do it immediately as Paul did (Acts 9:18). If you are not a Christian, and you believe, do not refuse as Agrippa did. Be fully persuaded and become a Christian today, or you may have to suffer the consequences. Almost … but lost!

Jonathan Glaesemann