In an age when some affirm there are no absolutes, seeking to justify loose moral and spiritual practices under the umbrella of toleration, it seems wise to note some biblical facts about people who miserably faltered and failed because they were almost obedient! After King Agrippa heard Paul’s testimony about Christ, he responded, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28 NKJ). There is no record that he ever did!

     Almost hot is lukewarm, which made the sinless Savior sick! He labeled such a soul as “the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Rev. 3:15-17). Almost becoming a Christian is like Micah, who thought himself all right before God (even with a graven image and household idols), after he hired a Levitical priest to come into his house (Judg. 17:8-13;18:18). Being almost a Christian is like the Ephraimities, who thought they were all right until they were called on to properly pronounce Shibboleth (resulting in 42,000 being killed—Judg. 12:4-7). When such a massive disaster resulted from inability to properly pronounce one word, what about people who try to justify a failure to properly do or declare some specific doctrine or decree (such as baptism for remission of sins-Acts 2:38;10:47f; Mk. 16:15,16; or to willfully sin by forsaking to assemble as the custom of some is-Heb. 10:24-31)? Being almost a Christian is like Ananias and Sappphira (both being struck dead by God), who got into Christ, gave a little and kept back a little, resulting in their being labeled as liars (Acts 5:1-11; Rev. 21-8). Being almost a Christian is like Eli’s sons, who, though they served as priests, polluted their service with the sacrifices they offered (I Sam. 1:3; 2:12-34;3:12-14;4:11). They died in shame! Being almost a Christian is like the five virgins, who carried lamps as they went to meet the bridegroom, but without any oil. They failed to prepare though they knew: 1. How to prepare; 2. Where to get the oil; 3. What they needed to be ready; 4. What was going to happen. They had a responsibility to do something, but they went to sleep, doing nothing! Thereafter, their pleading cry, “Lord, Open to us!” was greeted with the eternally sobering statement, “I know you not!” Matt. 25:1-13). Being almost a Christian is like the unwilling (to obey) son, who said he would work in the vineyard, but did not do what he promised. Jesus sternly said to such a soul, “Verily, I say unto you that the publicans and harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you” (Matt. 21:28-32).

     Good intentions are the Devil’s invention to stop short of spiritual service. An Almost Assumption can be deceptive and dangerous when dealing with the Almighty’s Absolutes (such as, He is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him [Heb. 5:8f], or Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” [Rev. 2:10]). No one will enjoy defending pretending when he or she stands before the Savior!  What a terrifying cost for those the Devil caught with Almost!