"Almost" is a sad word. In the different contexts where it is generally used, it denotes something that was expected, but that did not take place. It was almost a home run, but the outfielder caught it for the out. The pass receiver almost caught the pass for a touchdown, but now its fourth down and ten to go. The bullet almost missed its intended victim.

By far, the saddest "almost" concerns one who is almost saved. In the Bible we find King Agrippa using this word when he said, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28). He had just had the privilege of hearing the apostle Paul preach the Gospel to him. Wouldn't it have been a wonderful thing for any of us to have been in that audience? When one is "almost" saved, he or she is truly not far from the kingdom of God. All that friends and loved ones know to do has been done. Teaching has been done, prayers have ascended to the throne of God on behalf of such a one; even tears of strong crying have been shed, but still that person is not saved--has not obeyed the Gospel. Do you know that there are those who are earnestly praying for you to come to the knowledge of the truth of God, and obey that truth? We are told that many are reading these articles that come to you. We are told that you are learning the truth, and are indeed happy for this. May we implore you to not be "almost" but altogether persuaded to become what God wants you to be...what he offered his Son that you might become--a Christian, nothing more, nothing less.

The words of Jeremiah come to mind concerning those who are almost persuaded to become a Christian, yet have not done so. That prophet wrote, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved" (Jeremiah 8:20). To be almost saved is to be altogether lost. How truly, truly sad! What is your condition, my friend, and are you willing to make the changes necessary to become a Christian?