The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions

Many people have good intentions toward Godâbut good intentions wonât save you. King Agrippa almost believed, but almost saved is still lost. Learn why true salvation requires surrender and obedience.
Youâve heard the saying:
âThe road to Hell is paved with good intentions.â
Thatâs not just a clever phrase. Itâs true. The Bible shows us example after example of people who meant well, felt stirred, maybe even believed somethingâbut never acted on it. One of those people was King Agrippa.
Acts 26:28
âAgrippa replied to Paul, âIn a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself.ââ
Some versions say, âAlmost thou persuadest me.â
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, âOne day, Iâll follow God. I just need time.â
But good intentions donât lead to salvation. Surrender does.
Matthew 7:21
âNot everyone who says to Me, âLord, Lord,â will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.â
Jesus didnât say those who meant to follow Me. He said those who do the will of the Father.
Luke 6:46
âNow why do you call Me, âLord, Lord,â and do not do what I say?â
Good intentions say, âI know I should.â
Obedience says, âYes, Lord.â
James 4:17
âSo for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.â
Itâs not enough to know the truth. Itâs not enough to agree with it. If a person delays obedience, if they ignore Godâs voiceâtheyâre still on the wrong road.
James 1:22
âBut prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.â
Some deceive themselves by thinking theyâre okay just because they go to church, or agree with the Bible, or feel bad about their sin. But if thereâs no change⊠no surrender⊠no following Jesusâthen itâs just good intentions.
Romans 10:9
âThat 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.â
John 1:12
âBut as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.â
Salvation takes faith and surrender. It takes receiving Himânot almost, but all the way.
Donât be like Agrippa. Donât settle for âalmost.â
Good intentions might sound noble, but they wonât save you. Jesus will.
âWhat I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.â â Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing Godâs Wisdom: Paulâs 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 â Deanâs Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
âI thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.â (1 Timothy 1:12)