The Spiritual Peril of Being Almost Persuaded

Acts 26:28

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

To be "almost persuaded" means to be convinced of the right path and to feel the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, yet ultimately refusing to submit the will to God or accept the cross of a crucified RedeemerULe 159.10+2. It is a state of spiritual peril where a person recognizes the truth and feels their need for a Savior but allows pride, worldly interest, or a lack of moral courage to prevent a full surrender6BC 1066.10+2.

The Spiritual Significance of Being "Almost Persuaded"

The experience of King Agrippa illustrates that being intellectually convinced of the truth is not enough for salvationEv 209.2+1. When Paul spoke before him, the power of the apostle’s reasoning and his testimony of the risen Christ forced Agrippa to acknowledge the truth of the gospelLP 255.1+2. However, "almost" is a fatal position because it leaves the soul outside the kingdom of God, choosing to continue in defiance of lightTT 34.4+1.

• A Refusal of the Cross: To be almost persuaded is to put aside proffered mercy and refuse the self-denial required by the gospelLP 260.1.

• The Loss of Conviction: If one does not make a decided effort to return to Christ when moved, the conviction of sinfulness will eventually leave themBDOC 4.46+1.

• The Victory of Satan: When a soul is almost persuaded but hesitates, Satan works upon the heart to gain the victory and lead them away from the truth12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 32.

Lessons from King Agrippa’s Trial

Agrippa had the opportunity to hear the offer of salvation from God’s own ambassadorULe 159.10+1. Although he was expert in Jewish customs and believed the prophets, his vanity and self-importance hindered him6BC 1066.10+2.

• Earthly Pomp vs. Eternal Truth: Agrippa was dazzled by the brilliant scene and the high rank of his audience, which helped banish nobler thoughts6BC 1066.10.

• The Warning of Family History: Agrippa might have remembered the disasters that befell his ancestors who fought against God, yet he still allowed pride to rule his heart6BC 1066.10.

• A Failed Decision: Despite being deeply affected and speaking his conviction involuntarily, he did not take the final step to become altogether a follower of ChristRH May 18, 1876, par. 44+2.

The Call to Full Persuasion

God requires a willing and intelligent service, and the heart must be fully persuaded in its own mindPTUK July 4, 1895, page 421.2+1. Genuine faith is inseparable from a transformation of character and a determined effort to follow the expressed will of GodPH096 10.1.

• Individual Responsibility: Each person must make a determined effort for themselves, as the Holy Spirit will not come upon those who do not cooperate with divine agenciesRH April 8, 1909, par. 12+1.

• The Danger of Delay: Like Felix, who waited for a "convenient season," many lose their souls by neglecting the present opportunity to yield to Jesus Acts 24:2514LtMs, Lt 21, 1899, par. 6.

• Total Surrender: The difference between being lost and saved is found in moving from "almost" to "altogether" such as the apostles, relying fully on the merits of the blood of ChristRH May 18, 1876, par. 44+1.

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

"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" Acts 26:29.