In light of accusations which led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment, Paul eventually had his opportunity to present his case to King Agrippa. Nearing the end of his statement before the king, Paul said, "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do?"
In so many words, King Agrippa said, "Not so fast there, Paul!" In his own words which continue to ring out some two thousand years later, the king replied, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" It was with these words that King Agrippa let all the world know that he would not exchange his worldly crown for eternal life. Mark 8:36 says, "For what shall it profit a man (or woman), if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" King Agrippa with his kingship, his kingdom, and rule over all of his subjects sold his heavenly home for his worldly accomplishments on earth. Not to worry, pilgrim, people have sold their homes in heaven for a lot less.
The crown of King Agrippa on anybody's head is studded with the diamonds of this world, those falsely precious things which vary from person to person but seem valuable enough over which to lose one's soul. The sum total of the value of those precious stones equals a decision to choose the distractions of this world over Christ. King Agrippa was almost persuaded, almost convinced, almost sold on salvation. But like all who do not cross the finish line first in any race, he lost out on eternal life. He who passes on the invitation to become one of God's children wears King Agrippa's crown.
To sell your home in heaven as King Agrippa did for the peanuts that this life has to offer is done to the ecstasy of the Enemy. The gems on your King Agrippa's crown may be your chateau on Hollywood Boulevard, your six figure bank account, or those elixirs of this life which numb the brain and soothe the pain. On the arrogant side of town the crown may radiate self-blinding pride. On the jealous side of the village, the power in green may be the driving force. On the religious side of the community it may be doctrine that excludes the power in the blood of Christ for the remission of sins, the lack of need to be born again, and the list goes on. And, on the poor side of the city, the same gamut of weakness may rule but with less money to lavish upon them. Not one thing that any person bows to or pays homage to is worth the loss of one eternal soul in heaven. Nonetheless, immense losses do occur. The lesson in King Agrippa's crown is a two-kingdom lesson: The kingdom of darkness teaches, "If a king did not want heaven why should I?" The kingdom of Light teaches, "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?".
If you are thinking that the last thing you want to become is a Christian, then you will have "gained the whole world and lost your own soul." If today you are feeling almost persuaded, learn from King Agrippa. Surely, you would give up the world today for a home in heaven tomorrow? Why not? At some point you will have to give up the world anyway as it is appointed unto man once to die, after that the judgment. What glitters in your King Agrippa's crown? You know, it is not that you will get what you deserve, if you miss out on heaven; it is only that you will get what you have chosen.