In Acts 26, Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and was being held by Festus, the procurator of Judea, in Caesarea of Israel. He was awaiting transport across the sea to Rome, because he had appealed to Caesar when the Jewish leaders sought his life. In the meanwhile, Festus entertained a guest who was much acquainted with the ways of the Jews and he was anxious to have him meet Paul and hear his story.
Paul gave a testimony concerning his experience on the road to Damascus, where the risen Christ had appeared to him, and where Paul came to know Him as Savior and Lord. His story was so convincing that when Festus’ guest, King Agrippa, heard it, he said, “Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Acts 26:28).” There is diversity of opinion as to what Agrippa meant by these words, whether he was answering Paul in jest to side step the conviction in his heart, or whether he was admitting to being near a decision for Christ himself. Either way, Paul responded with, “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).”
I meet people quite often who have heard the story of God’s love: how He gave Christ to die and purchase their redemption, how He rose from the grave to be the Captain of their souls today and forever. Many of these individuals have been so close to placing their trust in Christ for forgiveness, but at the last moment have pulled back, desiring to live in their sins rather than be saved from them.
Imagine for a moment that individual standing before our holy God trying to explain what happened. Imagine for a moment that scene where the eternal Judge says to them, “I tell you, I know you not… depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (Luke 13:27).” Imagine being without God or His influence forever.