Acts 26: Almost or Altogether?

There’s an old quote by the prolific author anonymous that captures the heartbreak of a relationship that never came to be.

“We were almost in love, almost forever, almost happy. Almost.”

Almost. “It’s a sad word, isn’t it? In a way, it’s a promise that never got made.” Indeed. As Beau Taplin opined, “It is the ‘almosts’ that break your heart.”

Today’s text reveals the ultimate loss, the unrealized reward, and unfulfilled relationship, in the words spoken by King Agrippa to the apostle Paul in Acts 26:28: “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

The context is Paul’s conversion account. In it he recounts his past life as a persecutor of Christians. He relates his conversion story summed in three sentences. “I saw a light.” “I heard a voice.” “I was not disobedient.” Recorded in Acts 9 is the detailed narrative when Saul of Tarsus met Jesus on the Damascus road. Realized he was wrong. Then responsed to the gospel message by the preacher Ananias and was baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).

Paul’s weaves his conversation story into a challenge for his hearers, particularly the Roman governor, Festus and the Jewish King Agrippa, to accept Jesus as the Christ. Festus explodes, “Paul, you are crazy.” But Agrippa is more reflective. Although he wouldn’t admit it, he knew the prophetic writings pointing to the Messiah.

To Agrippa’s “almost” lament, Paul responded, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

Almost or Altogether? That’s the crossroad of decision where so many people find themselves.

How many times have we almost made it? He almost hit the winning shot. But he missed. He almost made the sale. But he didn’t. She almost said “yes.” But she said no. They almost bought Apple stock at the ipo in 1980. But were indecisive and didn’t. He almost hit a hole in one. But the ball fell two inches short of the cup. Almost. Doesn’t cut it. It’s not altogether. Almost may be close, but its not enough. Almost falls short. Almost is failure.

Worse than almost finding some material or physical success is almost becoming a Christian.

“Almost” reminds us of the danger of hesitation, indecision, and wavering. There’s no record that Agrippa ever obeyed the gospel. The time to do what is right is when we’re convicted and convinced. Procrastination is the thief of success.

“Almost” reminds us of the importance of commitment. Almost is irresponsibility. Negligence. Carelessness. Inattention.

“Almost” reminds us of the need for action. Becoming a Christian is doing what is right, not just knowing it.

“Almost” reminds us of what he missed. Agrippa almost accepted Jesus. Almost received forgiveness of sins. Almost was saved by grace. Almost became a child of God. Almost made it to heaven. Almost, but….

Sadly, some who read these words may be “almost” Christians. Why not become a Christian altogether?

Others, may have obeyed the gospel, but are not living a Christian life. Think about the word “become.” What have you become? Dedicated” Faithful? Obedient? Committed? Growing? Involved? Are you a Christian altogether? Or almost living a Christian Life.

There’s an old hymn I remember from childhood, not sung much any more, by the 19th century hymnist Philip Bliss that speaks to the heart-break and tragedy of an “almost Christian.”

Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last;
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail—
“Almost—but lost!”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman