The Pilgrim's Progress

[Davies]

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to those who don't believe in Jesus,

I wanted to comment on excerpts from John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. There is so much Scripture in it, and I believe every Christian should be encouraged by it if they read it. For the unbeliever, I hope you will see, by reading The Pilgrim's Progress, how good God is. If you've read the book, please feel free to share your favorite section. I think any part of it is relevant for us today.

- Davies

 

[Davies]

Good evening,

What Christian doesn't know the experience of starting out in their faith strong only to grow discontent? Temptation comes to leave the faith, and one such character in The Pilgrim's Progress is Obstinate. Perhaps you've heard people say these things to you or maybe you've thought them yourself. Christian is fleeing the City of Destruction and Obstinate and Pliable have come to persuade Christian to come back.

Christian: Then said the man, "Neighbours, wherefore are you come?" They said, "To persuade you to go back with us." But he said, "That can by no means be, You dwell," said he, "in the City of Destruction [Isaiah 19:18] (the place also where I was born). I see it to be so, and dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone, Be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.

"What!" said Obstinate, "and leave our friends and our comforts behind us!"

"Yes," said Christian (for that was his name), "because, that all which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that that I am seeking to enjoy, and if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there where I go is enough and to spare, Come away and prove my words,"

Obstinate. "What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?

Christian. "I seek an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,' [I Peter 1:4] and it is laid up in Heaven, and fast there, to be bestowed at the time appointed on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book."

Obstinate. "Tush," said Obstinate, "away with your book; will you go back with us or no?"

Christian. "No, not I," said the other, "because I have laid my hand to the plow." [Luke 9:62]

See how Obstinate is unwilling to leave his friends or comforts behind? Also see how Obstinate devalues the Scriptures? One of the first things that happens when a person starts down the road of abandoning their faith, is they have a low view of Scripture. That's the first sign of backsliding in my opinion. It could be that a person was never really converted. I think there are period of times that a Christian goes through that are very dark, and the Christian may even fall exposing his shame for all to see. But the Christian will get back up because he or she is in the hands of God and His grace is not removed from a person born again. Rather, grace abounds all the more. God is good.

- Davies

 

[Blazin Bones]

I've always enjoyed the portion of the story from Vanity Fair, and the role of faithful. Doubting castle is another great scene.

 

[farouk]

I love the lines from The Pilgrim's Progress:

'Blest Cross, blest sepulchre, yea, blest rather be
The One who there was put to shame for me.'

 

[Davies]

Good Night,

After coming through wicket gate and leaving Good Will, Christian comes to the house of the Interpreter. One of my favorite scenes from the Interpreter's house is a beautiful picture of God's grace at work in the heart of the believer.

"Then I saw in my dream that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a place, where was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it always, casting much water upon it to quench it. Yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.

Then said Christian, "What means this?"

The Interpreter answered, "This fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he that cast water upon it to extinguish and put it out is the Devil; but in that thou seest the fire, notwithstanding, burn higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that." So he had him about to the back side of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand of the which he did also continually cast, but secretly, into the fire. Then said Christian, "What means this?" The Interpreter answered, "This is Christ, who continually with the oil of his grace maintains the work already begun in the heart, by the means of which, notwithstanding what the Devil can do, the souls of his people prove gracious still. And in that thou sawest that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire; this is to teach thee that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul."" - John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

I think we are often blind to how God works. God has said that we should not lean on our own understanding, but we should acknowledge Him in all our ways, and we will be guided in the way we should go. Even if we are tempted, and are blinded by our own desires, God does not abandon us. He knows we are weak. Didn't he tell Paul that His power was made perfect in his weakness? God is gentle. When we see perverse behavior, hear sinful speaking, or even the waywardness of our own hearts, Jesus' grace abounds. To think that God pardons with joy and not reluctantly is such a warming thought. If only I would be always mindful of God's grace, then the troubles of this life would be like the waters that crash on the rocks, the Rock of our faith which can never be moved.

- Davies

 

[Davies]

I don't know that I have a favorite part of it, when I read it, I couldn't put it down and finished it in like two days. It's an awesome book. I had never heard of it and a door to door salesman came with it to the door and told me how it was a dream of John Bunyans after he was in jail for 10 years. That fact coupled with a quick leafing through it and I knew I had to buy it. It's like it was delivered to me or something. Great book!

Hi Edward,

When I took my first serious thoughts about God back in the early 90s, a friend of mine told me to buy it. I was in the military at the time. I read it and loved it, but I didn't head the Biblical advice that was in it. I lived a debauched life afterwards in rebellion to God, and confess even today to trembling before God because of my sins. I think that's because I haven't learned to trust God like I should. I know the Holy Spirit has worked with me. I love The Pilgrim's Progress more because I find so much encouragement in it because it's filled with Scripture. We need fresh visions of God's grace everyday, and we'll find it in the narrow way.

I'm really glad you liked the book.

- Davies

 

[farouk]

There is something very vigorous and immediate about the language of Pilgrim's Progress. A far cry from the sound-bites from a lot of contemporary discourse.

 

[Davies]

Good evening,

Have you known anyone who has a formal profession of faith, but they more or less just go to church on Sunday, and that's about it. We all know the hypocrite I imagine. Here is a good description of both.

Christian. " Gentlemen, whence came you, and whither do you go?"

Formalist and Hypocrisy. "We were born in the Land of Vainglory, and are going for praise to Mount Zion."

Christian. "Why came you not in at the gate which standeth at the beginning of the way? Know you not that it is written that he cometh not in by the door, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." [John 10:1]

Formalist and Hypocrisy. They said that to go to the gate for entrance was by all their countrymen counted too far about, and that therefore their usual way was to make a short cut of it and to climb over the wall as they had done.

Christian. "But will it not be counted a trespass against the Lord of the city whither we are bound, thus to violate his revealed will?"

Formalist and Hypocrisy. They told him that as for that, he needed not to trouble his head thereabouts; for what they did they had custom for, and could produce, if need were, testimony that would witness it for more than a thousand years. (this is self-justification)

Christian. "But," said Christian, "will your practice stand a trial at law?"

Formalist and Hypocrisy. They told him that custom, it being of so long a standing, as above a thousand years, would doubtless now be admitted as a thing legal, by any impartial judge. "And besides," said they, "so be we get into the way, what's matter which way we get in; if we are in, we are in. Thou art but in the way, who, as we perceive, came in at the gate; and we are also in the way that came tumbling over the wall. Wherein now is thy condition better than ours?"

Christian. "I walk by the rule of my Master; you walk by the rude working of your fancies. You are counted thieves already by the Lord of the way; therefore I doubt you will not be found true men at the end of the way. You come in by yourselves without his direction, and shall go out by yourselves without his mercy." - John Bunyan, The Pilgrims Progress

Christian is talking about Jesus when he talks about the gate that stands at the beginning of the way. Another way of saying this is repenting of one's sin and trusting in the finished work of Jesus for your redemption. The formalist and hypocrite is the one who professes Christ, but he trusts in his own works; he trusts in tradition or custom, tradition and customs that have existed for over a thousand years. Sound like any denomination you know? To say your own works merit you an ounce of justification is to rob Jesus of His glory. By one's works, or fancies, a person attempts to enter the kingdom of God by his own direction; he serves God for his own praise.

A person must be willing to be cleansed from his sin by the blood of Jesus. Think of all your sin, as much as you can stand to think of, and realize the righteous Judge of the universe knows it perfectly. Now, believe the holy and righteous Judge promises to forgive you if you repent and put your trust in His Son, Jesus. To explore the depths of our sin is very difficult, and trusting in Jesus is difficult too. We need the gentleness, and uncompromising nature of the Holy Spirit to do it. You cannot do it by yourself!!

- Davies

 

[Davies]

Good evening,

Prudence. "And what is it that makes you so desirous to go to Mount Zion?"

Christian. "Why, there I hope to see him alive, that did hang dead on the cross; and there I hope to be rid of all those things that to this day are in me, an annoyance to me. There they say there is no death, and there I shall dwell with such company as I like best. For to tell you truth, I love him, because I was by him eased of my burden, and I am weary of my inward sickness; I would fain be where I shall die no more, and with the company that shall continually cry, 'Holy, Holy, Holy.'" John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

I think it is comforting that Bunyan describes the Christian with things in him that are an annoyance and inward sickness. What better describes sin in the Christian than this? Some people say they are not perfect, yet they claim they are not sinners. Paul put it this way, "But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." If this is what they mean,...ok. As imperfect as we are, I hope we will discern the amazing nature of God's grace and that we will see Jesus more precious than the day we began our pilgrimage.

- Davies

 

[farouk]

Yes, I love John Bunyan's writings; there have a vigor and relevance for today; so different from contemporary evangelical sound bites.

 

[Davies]

Yes, I love John Bunyan's writings; there have a vigor and relevance for today; so different from contemporary evangelical sound bites.

Hi farouk,

The language is a bit different, but it is very understandable. Bunyan is very direct in his writings, and because it includes so much Scripture, you have to love it.

- Davies

 

[farouk]

Hi farouk,

The language is a bit different, but it is very understandable. Bunyan is very direct in his writings, and because it includes so much Scripture, you have to love it.

- Davies

Davies:

Yes, I find it gripping; there is an elemental warmth to it, and always a refreshing, heavenward perspective.

And he was a poor preacher that the wretched authorities kept putting in jail.

 

[Davies]

Good evening,

When someone points out your sins, don't be afraid to acknowledge them or fly in in a rage to defend yourself, but rather you should confess your sins openly and confide in the Lord Jesus because He is worthy and just to forgive you your sins!!

Apollyon, a reference to Satan, accuses Christian of his sins. This is how Christian answers him.

Apollyon. "Thou hast already been unfaithful in they service to him, and how dost thou think to receive wages of him?"

Christian. "Wherein, O Apollyon, have I been unfaithful to him?"

Apollyon. "Thou didst faint at first setting out, when thou wast almost choked in the Gulf of Despond. Thou didst attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden, whereas thou shouldest have stayed till thy Prince had taken it off. Thou didst sinfully sleep, and lose thy choice thing; thou was also almost persuaded to go back at the sight of the lions; and when thou talkest of thy journey, and of what thou hast heard, and seen, thou art inwardly desirous of vainglory in all that thou sayest or doest."

Christian. "All this is true, and much more, which thou hast left out; but the Prince whom I serve and honour is merciful, and ready to forgive. But besides, these infirmities possessed me in thy country, for there I sucked them in, and I have groaned under them, been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon of my Prince." John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

If your reaction to an accusation, whether it's true or not, is to get angry, defend yourself or to lesson the degree of guilt, then pride is your sin. An accusation is the perfect opportunity to witness to the forgiveness found in Jesus, not an occasion to be angry or argumentative.

- Davies

 

[farouk]

Good evening,

When someone points out your sins, don't be afraid to acknowledge them or fly in in a rage to defend yourself, but rather you should confess your sins openly and confide in the Lord Jesus because He is worthy and just to forgive you your sins!!

Apollyon, a reference to Satan, accuses Christian of his sins. This is how Christian answers him.

Apollyon. "Thou hast already been unfaithful in they service to him, and how dost thou think to receive wages of him?"

Christian. "Wherein, O Apollyon, have I been unfaithful to him?"

Apollyon. "Thou didst faint at first setting out, when thou wast almost choked in the Gulf of Despond. Thou didst attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden, whereas thou shouldest have stayed till thy Prince had taken it off. Thou didst sinfully sleep, and lose thy choice thing; thou was also almost persuaded to go back at the sight of the lions; and when thou talkest of thy journey, and of what thou hast heard, and seen, thou art inwardly desirous of vainglory in all that thou sayest or doest."

Christian. "All this is true, and much more, which thou hast left out; but the Prince whom I serve and honour is merciful, and ready to forgive. But besides, these infirmities possessed me in thy country, for there I sucked them in, and I have groaned under them, been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon of my Prince." John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

If your reaction to an accusation, whether it's true or not, is to get angry, defend yourself or to lesson the degree of guilt, then pride is your sin. An accusation is the perfect opportunity to witness to the forgiveness found in Jesus, not an occasion to be angry or argumentative.

- Davies

Great dialogue, yes.

Then there are the dialogues with Christiana and her children, in The Holy War, I think it is.

 

[Davies]

Good morning,

Apollyon. Then Apollyon broke out into a grevious rage saying, "I am an enemy of this Prince. I hate his person, his laws, and people. I am come out on purpose to withstand thee.

Christian. "Apollyon , beware what you do, for I am in the King's highway, the way of holiness; therefore take heed to yourself."

Apollyon. "Then Apollyon straddled quite over the whole breadth of the way, and said, "I am void of fear in this matter; prepare thyself to die, for I swear by my infernal den that thou shalt go no further. Here will I spill thy soul." And with that he threw a flaming dart at his breast; but Christian had a shield in his hand, with which he caught it, and so prevented the danger of that. Then did Christian draw, for he saw 'twas time to bestir him; and Apollyon as fast made at him, throwing darts as thick as hail, by the which, notwithstanding all that Christian could do to avoid it, Apollyon wounded him in his head, his hand and foot; this made Christian give a little back. Apollyon therefore followed his work amain, and Christian again took courage and resisted as manfully as he could.This sore combat lasted for above half a day, even till Christian was almost quite spent. For you must know that Christian, by reason of his wounds, must needs grow weaker and weaker.

The Apollyon, espying his opportunity, began to gather up close to Christian, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and with that Christian's sword flew out of his hand, Then said Apollyon, "I am sure of thee now," and with that, he had almost pressed him to death, so that Christian began to despair of life. But as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching of his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, Christian nimbly reached out his hand for his sword and caught it, saying, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy! When I fall, I shall arise"; [Mica 7:8] and with that, gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound. Christian, perceiving that, made at him again, saying, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." [Romans 8:37] And with that, Apollyon spread forth his dragon's wings and sped him away, that Christian saw him no more. John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

Even with our shield of faith, we our wounded by Satan, or perhaps our sin, or even call it our falling short of God's glory, and we are weaker for it. If our salvation depended on our performance of doing good, acquiring of salvation, or to make up for our sins, then we shall learn we have built our house upon the sand. Living faithfully to Jesus requires a dependence on God, a giving up of pride, a learning to trust in God's promises. There are no shortcuts. When you witness in your life that the forces that be, whether in yourself or from others, that would send an arrow to kill you, to kill your faith and you understand what is against you hates you with no conscience, then you will understand that faith is a life and death matter.

- Davies

 

[Davies]

Good morning,


In this light therefore he came to the end of the valley. Now I saw in my dream that at the end of this valley lay blood, bones, ashes, and mangled bodies of men, even of pilgrims that had gone this way formerly. And while I was musing what should be the reason, I spied a little before me a cave, where tow giants, Pope and Pagan, dwelt in old time, by whose power and tyranny the men whose bones, blood, ashes, &c. lay there, were cruelly put to death. But by this place a Christian went without much danger, whereat I somewhat wondered; but I have learnt since that Pagan has been dead many a day; and as for the other, though he be yet alive, he is by reason of age and also of the many shrewd brushes that he met with in his younger days grown so crazy and stiff in his joints, that he can now do little more than sit in his cave's mouth, grinning at pilgrims as they go by, and biting his nails, because he cannot come at them.

So I saw that Christian went on his way, yet at the sight of the Old Man that sat in the mouth of the cave, he could not tell what to think, especially because he spake to him, though he could not go after him, saying, "You will never mend, till more of you be burned." But he held his peace, and set a good face on't. and so went by, and catched no hurt. Then Christian sang,

O world of wonders! (I can say no less.)
That I should be preserved in that distress
That I have met with here! O blessed be
That hand that from it hath delivered me!
Dangers in darkness, devils, hell, and sin,
Did compass me, while I this vale was in.
Yea, snares, and pits, and traps, and nets did lie
My path bout, that worthless silly I
Might have been catched, entangled, and cast down.
But since I live, let Jesus wear the crown. - John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

 

[Davies]

Good afternoon,

Here is an excerpt of a discussion between Faithful and Christian.

Faithful. "I had thought, dear friend, to have had your company quite from our town, but you did get the start of me; wherefore I was forced to come thus much of the way alone."

Christian. "How long did you stay in the City of Destruction, before you set out after me on you pilgrimage?"

Faithful. "Till I could stay no longer; for there was great talk presently after you was gone out that our city would in short time with fire from heaven be burned down to the ground.

Christian. "What? Did your neighbours talk so?"

Faithful. "Yes, 'twas for a while in everybody's mouth."

Christian. "What, and did no more of them but you come out to escape the danger?"

Faithful. "Though there was , as I said, a great talk thereabout, yet I do not think they did firmly believe it. For in the heat of the discourse, I heard some of them deridingly speak of you and of your desperate journey (for so they called this your pilgrimage), but I did believe, and do still, that the end of our city will be with fire and brimstone from above; and therefore I have made mine escape." - John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

It is a tragedy when people think nothing of the danger we are actually in. Can you imagine? We have billions of people alive today who do not believe in hell or the lake of fire, and for those who do, I'm guessing a large segment of that group does not believe they are going to hell even though they don't believe in the eternal, personal Creator, Jesus Christ. We all have to leave our homes in that city, the City of Destruction, instead of living in the town of Legality or Civility.

- Davies

 

[farouk]

I like the way Bunyan's Christian breaks out into song, and some of these songs are suddenly very familiar.

"He who would valiant be, 'gainst all disaster.
Let him in constancy, follow the Master.
There's no discouragement shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a Pilgrim.'

 

[Davies]

farouk,

It makes you sigh with contentment. It encourages you in your faith in Jesus. It's setting your mind on things above.

Thanks farouk,

- Davies

 

[farouk]

farouk,

It makes you sigh with contentment. It encourages you in your faith in Jesus. It's setting your mind on things above.

Thanks farouk,

- Davies

YW, Davies, and I love the last verse, too, maybe edited a little from John Bunyan's day;
(part of the effect is the resonance of the familiar tune that people sing it to.):

'Since, Lord, Thou dost defend us with Thy Spirit,
We know we at the end, shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away! I’ll fear not what men say,
I’ll labor night and day to be a pilgrim.'