The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions
Many people have good intentions toward God—but good intentions won’t save you. King Agrippa almost believed, but almost saved is still lost. Learn why true salvation requires surrender and obedience.
You’ve heard the saying:
“The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”
That’s not just a clever phrase. It’s true. The Bible shows us example after example of people who meant well, felt stirred, maybe even believed something—but never acted on it. One of those people was King Agrippa.
Acts 26:28
“Agrippa replied to Paul, ‘In a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself.’”
Some versions say, “Almost thou persuadest me.”
He was close. He had good intentions. But almost saved is still lost. Scripture never says he made a decision. As far as we know, Agrippa walked away from the truth that day.
A person might feel convicted. They might say, “One day, I’ll follow God. I just need time.”
But good intentions don’t lead to salvation. Surrender does.
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
Jesus didn’t say those who meant to follow Me. He said those who do the will of the Father.
Luke 6:46
“Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
Good intentions say, “I know I should.”
Obedience says, “Yes, Lord.”
James 4:17
“So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.”
It’s not enough to know the truth. It’s not enough to agree with it. If a person delays obedience, if they ignore God’s voice—they’re still on the wrong road.
James 1:22
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.”
Some deceive themselves by thinking they’re okay just because they go to church, or agree with the Bible, or feel bad about their sin. But if there’s no change… no surrender… no following Jesus—then it’s just good intentions.
Romans 10:9
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
John 1:12
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
Salvation takes faith and surrender. It takes receiving Him—not almost, but all the way.
Don’t be like Agrippa. Don’t settle for “almost.”
Good intentions might sound noble, but they won’t save you. Jesus will.
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
