The word “almost” means that you are very near or not quite there. You came very close but still missed the mark of success. There are many things in life that I have almost achieved but fell short of the mark. Some things would have been bad: I have almost fallen asleep while driving, almost taken the wrong medication, and almost put salt instead of sugar in a recipe. If I had not caught myself before I did these things, there would have been bad consequences. Today, we will look at an “almost” that has serious consequences. This would be almost missing the opportunity to surrender my heart to Jesus for salvation. Almost getting saved still results in eternal damnation of my soul.
The first instance of someone getting close to the kingdom but not making the correct decision is in Acts 24. Paul was before Felix, the Roman governor, and as he spoke in verse 22, he brought to Felix’s attention that he was already familiar with “the Way.” This was an expression often used to refer to the Christian faith. Luke uses it in Acts 9:2 when Saul (Paul) was persecuting Christians, he “asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” In this exchange, Felix trembled. The commentator Albert Barnes explains, “He was alarmed and terrified, and looked with deep apprehension to the coming judgment. This was a remarkable instance of the effect of truth on the mind of a man unaccustomed to such alarms, and unused to hear such truth. It shows the power of conscience when thus, under the preaching of a prisoner, the judge is thrown into violent alarm.” Instead of surrendering to Jesus as Savior, he sends Paul away and tells him he will call him again when it is convenient. We never read of him calling Paul again.
Act 24:22-27 “And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.”
In Acts 26, Paul was brought before King Agrippa. He started his speech in his usual manner: he shared his testimony. He told how Jesus saved him on the road to Damascus. In verse 26, Paul stated that he knew King Agrippa had probably already heard of the things which he would tell him. King Agrippa had been in that region for many years, so the assumption was that what Paul said would not be a surprise. Agrippa was also a Jew; therefore, he would have heard about the prophets, so Paul had a springboard to jump into a presentation of the gospel. In verse 28, the King said the saddest words possible when he said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” He came very close, but he did not open his heart to the truth about Jesus. Paul had done his best to persuade the King, and with a heavy heart, he proclaims in verse 29, “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.”
Acts 26:26-29 “For the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 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.”
Another sad story is when Jesus told of the rich young man who wanted to know how to inherit eternal life. Jesus mentioned keeping of the commandments and the young man was happy to say he had done all of those things. Then, Jesus told him to go sell all that he had and come follow Him. Until this request was made, the young man was anxious and ready. Now, he leaves Jesus sad and grieved because he did not love Jesus more than his possessions. He almost was saved but left lost.
Mark 10:17-22 “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why call thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”
Agrippa was almost persuaded; Felix was troubled but wanted a more convenient time; and the young rich man wanted it his way. All three were close to the kingdom, but as the saying goes, “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” In horseshoes, you get a point for getting close to the peg. When throwing a hand grenade, you can destroy the target if you get close, but to have eternal life in Heaven, you must do it God’s way. Those who do not want to see Jesus as the only way will not be allowed to enter. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” We must place our faith in Him, and by His grace, we are saved. No money can buy it, no power can will it, no works can gain it, and no man can grant it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
