Almost, but not yet

Scripture Reference: Acts Chapter 26 verses 24-29

The other side of the story

This story opens with the Apostle Paul being brought before Festus and King Agrippa, because the Jews sought to have him killed because of his teaching to the Jews and gentiles that salvation is by faith and not works.

After Paul told his side of the story (in essence Paul preach the Gospel of Christ) which tells the issue’s with the religious Jews to King Agrippa and all that was present in the open court. Then King Agrippa says to Paul in front of the council…

26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a
Christian.

Paul’s heart probably fell a few notches when Agrippa, replied you almost persuaded me to become a Christian. The Bible or history doesn’t tell us whether or not King Agrippa ever accepted Christ.

Many are called… few are chosen

King Agrippa’s, response is like most people of our day that hear the Gospel, yet they wrestle against the Holy Spirit who is calling them to Christ.

Why is this?

There are many reasons. However, most that I run into is because of religion. Like the religious Jews of Paul’s time “they had a form of godliness” (2Tim 3:5).
I had witnessed to a friend of mine, when I ask him if he wanted to accept Christ, he resisted and said he wasn’t ready. He wanted to quit smoking and straighten his affairs before he made Christ the Lord of his life.
He also felt that he should give his life to Christ in Church and not on the street.
Like King Agrippa, my friend was almost convinced to become a Christian and also like the religious Jews of Paul’s time he thought by his own righteousness of getting his house in order that his salvation experience would be more real.
Friend, there is nothing further from the truth. If you will allow Christ through the Holy Spirit, to have his way with you, he will take you as you are… poor, wretched, naked, blind and pitiful and then bring you to where he wants you to be, Victorious in Christ Jesus.