Chapter 20 The Pilgrims Enter the Celestial City

Chapter 20 The Pilgrims Enter Celestial City

Summary

We reach the end of the journey with Christian and Hopeful.  Upon entering into the Country of Beulah, “Christian with desire fell sick,” and “Hopeful also had a fit or two of the same disease.”  After being refreshed, the pilgrims sleep and then prepare to cross over the river of Death, their last enemy.  Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:1), they arrive on the other side of the river.  At the Lord’s command the gate of glory is opened to them and they are admitted to the glorious city.  We take one last look at the awful delusion of Ignorance, whereby we may assess our own hope to find out whether it is a vain hope or a hope founded only upon our union with Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

1.       As the pilgrims continue on the Way, they enter the Country of Beulah.  Beulah means “married”; the name is taken from Isaiah 62:4.  What part of the Christian’s pilgrimage do you think the country of Beulah represents?

2.       Christian and Hopeful must cross a river before they can arrive at the gate to the Celestial City.  Describe how each man crosses this river.

3.       Why are the pilgrims able to go up the mighty hill on which the city stands with ease?

4.       What type of welcome are Christian and Hopeful given as they draw near the gate?

5.       Why is Ignorance able to cross the river “without half the difficulty which the other two men met with”?

6.       What happens to Ignorance at the gate of the city? 

Application:

Christian and Hopeful enter the country of Beulah.  This land is meant to represent the sweet peace and confidence that believers should experience towards the close of their lives.  After a delightful stay in the country of Beulah the pilgrims proceed towards the Celestial City.  Two men approach and tell them that they must still meet with two more difficulties.  We learn that these difficulties are death without and unbelief within.  The unbelief within is what makes death distressing to us.

So finally the pilgrims meet their last enemy, death.  When death stares them in the face, their fears arise, but through the river they must go.  They must look only to Jesus, who has conquered death for his redeemed children and can and will overcome the fear of death in them.  Faith in Jesus and in what he has done for them supplies the solid ground they need to walk on in order to pass through the river of death.

After lifting us up to the very heights of heaver, Bunyan then brings us to a very solemn and instructive portion of the story as he shows us what becomes of Ignorance.  Vain-Hope had been Ignorance’s companion all his life and he did not desert him at death.  Ignorance had set out on his journey relying on his own presumed righteousness, and God had given him over to this evil, satanic delusion and left him to perish in this lie.  And so Ignorance, who had been instructed by Christian and Hopeful that the righteousness of Christ is the only hope for sinful man, trusts in his own works and deeds and crosses the river of death on the boat belonging to Vain-Hope.  Finally our dreamer describes the end of Ignorance, how he is bound and carried to the door in the side of the hill leading to Hell.

We must take from this the need to take stock of our lives, to look inward at our faith and verify that it is resting on Christ alone and not on our own righteousness.

Chapter 19 The Pilgrims Deal With Ignorance

In this section Christian and Hopeful have another encounter and discourse with Ignorance.  Ignorance reveals his blindness to the corruption of his own heart and his vain confidence in himself instead of complete reliance on Christ’s active and passive obedience for pardon and justification.  After speaking to Ignorance about salvation and pressing him to trust Christ, Christian and Hopeful leave him to himself and continue their journey.  A profitable conversation ensues about the way in which God uses conviction of sin and the punishment due sin to direct sinners to the cross. Next the pilgrims discuss an acquaintance of theirs who became a backslider because he was a total stranger to his own heart, the truths of God’s laws, and the glorious gospel.

Ignorance’s hope is based ultimately on one authority, his heart.   What should it be based on?

Ignorance asks “What are good thoughts of God?”  How does Christian respond?

How do Ignorance’s “Good Thoughts” compare with a verse like Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

What is Ignorance’s definition of justification?

“I believe that Christ died for sinners,” answered Ignorance, “and that I’ll be justified before God from the Curse through His gracious acceptance of my obedience to his Law. Or this: I believe Christ makes my religious duties acceptable to His Father by virtue of His merits. In that way I will be justified.”

Christian gives a 4 point correction to Ignorance’s confession of faith:

1.       First—you believe with a bizarre faith, for this faith is not described anywhere in the Word.

2.       Second—you believe with a false faith because it takes justification away from the personal righteousness of Christ and applies it to your own.

3.       Third—this faith doesn’t make Christ a justifier of your person but of your actions, and of your person for your actions’ sake, which is false.

4.       Fourth—therefore, this faith is deceitful, even such as will leave you under wrath in the Day of God Almighty.¹⁴  [1]

Christian and Hopeful have a conversation about the role of Fear in leading a person to Christ.  Which one jumps out at you, or had a role in your conversion process?

1.       Proper fear is recognized by its rise, for its caused by saving convictions of sin

2.       It drives the soul to lay a firm hold of Christ for Salvation

3.       It produces and continues in the soul a great reverence for God, His Word, and His ways, keeping the soul tender and making it afraid to turn from them … toward anything that may dishonor God, break its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the enemy to speak reproachfully.

Christian lists nine steps to backsliding.  Were any of these warning signs to you?  Which ones particularly?

1.       First—they direct their thoughts—all that they can—away from the remembrance of God, death, and judgment to come.27

2.       Second—they gradually quit performing private duties, such as room-prayer,28 curbing their desires,29 watching,30 sorrow for sin,31 and the like.

3.       Third—they shun the company of lively and warm Christians.32

4.       Fourth—then they grow cold to public duty such as hearing,33 reading,34 and godly consultation.

5.       Fifth—in a devilish manner they begin to pick holes, as we say, in the coats of some of the godly for some weakness they’ve seen in them, so they may have a seemingly good reason to throw religion behind their backs.35

6.       Sixth—they begin to adhere to and associate themselves with worldly, careless, and unrestrained people.36

7.       Seventh—they give way to doing worldly and unrestrained things in secret and are glad if they can see such things in anyone who is recognized as an honest person, so they may more boldly do it through their example.37

8.       Eighth—after this, they begin to play with little sins openly.

9.       Ninth—then being hardened, they show themselves as they are.

Application:

We need to think “Good thoughts” that correspond to scripture of ourselves.  The pride of our nature is one of the last evils revealed to ourselves.  Though God’s truth is clear, Ignorance’s depraved mind dims and distorts this truth and makes a religious system in which he cooperates (by his works) with Christ for his right standing with God.  We must guard against even the smallest changes to the gospel of grace that lead in this direction.  It is good to look back as Hopeful did at our condition before conversion, for it causes us to be thankful to God because it is his mercy and grace only that have made us different from those who are living in the delusion of pride and self-righteousnes.  We must be open to true Christian fellowship that allows others the freedom to ask difficult questions.  This kind of honesty between believers is a strong preventive measure against backsliding.

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[1] Bunyan, John; Hazelbaker, L. Edward (1998-07-01). The Modern English Edition of Pilgrim's Progress (Kindle Locations 4639-4643). Bridge-Logos. Kindle Edition.

Lesson 9 completed Hopeful Tells of His Conversion

Hopeful Tells of His Conversion (Chapter 18)

The pilgrims then come to the enchanted ground, and here they are inclined “to grow drowsy in soul,” for upon these grounds all things go easily, smoothly and well.  Determined not to fall asleep, they manage their fellowship well and engage in a lively conversation.

1)      Christian and Hopeful come to the enchanted ground.  By the enchanted ground Bunyan is illustrating those periods in the Christian life when there is ease and little difficulty.  There are no financial problems, good health is enjoyed, and there are harmonious relationships with friends and family.  There are no major problems or afflictions.  Hopeful wants to lie down and nap.  Why will Christian not let him sleep?

2)      What do you think happens when Christians sleep on the enchanted ground?

3)      We learn to prize the company of good Christian friends as we consider the story of Christian and Hopeful in the enchanted ground.  How does Christian suggest that they prevent drowsiness?  Do you have someone in your life that will challenge you this way?

4)      As Hopeful shares his testimony, several valuable insights are shared.  What brought conviction of sin to him?

5)      When he endeavored to mend his life by good works, why did Trouble come tumbling upon him again?

6)      What caused Hopeful to believe Faithful’s statement that the needed to “obtain the Righteousness of a man that never had sinned”?

7)      What was Hopeful instructed to say when he went before the Mercy Seat?

8)      There are several key phrases in this prayer that make it theologically correct.  What are they?

9)      Do you see any difference between the typical way one is helped to receive Christ today and Hopeful’s conversion experience?

10)   How did Hopeful answer his own question, “but Lord, what is Believing?”

11)   What effect did the revelation of Christ to Hopeful’s soul have upon his spirit?

Pilgrims are liable to become weary with the struggle towards the end of their journey, and this is why the enchanted ground is placed so near to the borders of the Celestial City.  Sleep is good for the physical body, but for the soul it can be deadly. 

How are we to be kept from this slumber (I.E., lukewarm formality in worship, spiritual coldness in prayer and Bible reading and hearts shut to a vivid view of spiritual realities)?  Pray to God that it may be as it was with Christian and Hopeful, who “managed well” by fellowship rather than by affliction and persecution.  Certainly troubles make us watchful, and a distressed soul does not sleep, but all would agree that lively conversation about the ways of the Lord is much to be preferred.

Note that Hopeful had reformation but his actions were not enough to save him.  He needed a work of the Holy Spirit and to be justified by faith alone.

My application this week is to connect with an accountability partner.  To share your struggles with them and pray for each other to fight against the enchanted ground that we walk every day.

The Pilgrims Meet the Flatterers

The Pilgrims Meet the Flatterers (Chapter 17)

Next our pilgrims meet the Flaterer.  We observe that not only gospel hypocrites but also real disciples are sometimes led astray by delusions not examined in the light of Scripture, leading to self-righteousness and spiritual pride.  Graciously rescued from the net of their error, Christian and Hopeful are disciplined and go softly along the right way singing.  A man with his back towards Zion comes up to them.  This so-called seeker of twenty years proves to be another enemy of the cross.

1.       The Pilgrims came to an intersection where they meet a dark skinned man in a light colored robe who said he was on his way to the Celestial City and they should follow him.  How is this man like 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”

2.       How could the Pilgrims have avoided the net?

3.       Who rescues Christian and Hopeful and how? The Shining One, but who does this represent?

4.       What means did he use to correct and caution them?

5.       Next the pilgrims meet “a man with his back toward Zion.”  What is his name, what advice does he give to Christian and Hopeful, and why does he give it?

6.       I did not really appreciate the way in which Christian tests Hopeful on what Atheist said.

After dealing quite triumphantly, in their opinion, with Little-Faith, haughty Christian and Hopeful continue on their way.  This attitude of superiority to weak Christians quickly leads to a bad situation for both of them.  Their high-mindedness causes them to lean to their own knowledge and choose a way that seems to lie as straight as the way by which they should go.  This choice is made without consulting Scripture and without prayer.  The black figure clothed in white is the white devil of self-righteousness and is more dangerous than the black devil of open  sin.  We see that by small degrees the pilgrims’ faces are turned away from Christ and the correct path and that they are soon entangled in the net of their own prideful error.

A shining one then comes to their rescue.  This shining one is meant to represent the Holy Spirit who is the leader and guide for all believers.

When tempted to disbelief, we should do as Christian and Hopeful do; remember past visions of Mount Zion (lean on past experiences of God’s deliverance) and remember corrections for past mistakes.

Lesson 9 The Pilgrim's Discussion about Little Faith

Lesson 9

The Pilgrim’s Discussion About Little Faith (Chapter 16)

Ignorance has come out of the country of Conceit but still observes many of its customs and traditions, believing that he can in some way contribute to his righteousness before God.  Individuals such as Ignorance, Jesus calls thieves and robbers, for they rob him of the glory of his grace and trivialize the complete sufficiency of his atoning sacrifice.  As Christian and Hopeful travel on, Christian relates a story about the robbery of a man named Little-Faith, from which we catch a glimpse of the seed of true faith, however weak, and learn a lesson in diligence and dependence on the grace that Christ bestows.

1.       The pilgrims meet ignorance, from the country of Conceit.  When Christian asks Ignorance on what he bases his hopes of heaven, how does Ignorance respond?

2.       Have you ever had any experience with someone like Ignorance?

3.       What did Christian and Hopeful decide would be the best way to witness to Ignorance?  Do you agree with it or would you have done something differently?

4.       Christian and Hopeful enter into a very dark lane.  What do they see?

5.       From the inscription on this man’s back, what clue do you get as to how he deserved his fate?

6.       Christian tells a story about a man by the name of Little-Faith.  What do you think the following elements of the story represent?

a.       His bag of silver and spending money

b.      His jewels

c.       His certificate

d.      Mr. Faint-Heart

e.      Mr. Mistrust

f.        Mr. Guilt

g.       Great Grace

7.       How do the “three sturdy Rogues” work in the lives of Christians today as they did in the story of Little-Faith?

8.       Whom were they afraid of?

9.       Though Little-Faith was able to keep his certificate and jewels, why did he make little use of them?

10.   “When we hear that such Robberies are done on the King’s Highway” what two things should we do?

11.   Briefly what is the meaning of this story?

Notes on Chapter 16

So long as people think they can do anything towards making themselves righteous before God, their name is Ignorance and they are full of self-righteous conceit.

Selfishness and carnal delights are not compatible with love for God and spiritual delights.  Too soon sin will cause the warmth of love for God to cool, and we will fall into a cold, dead formalism resulting in hypocrisy and finally apostasy.  The redeemed realize that there is no compatibility with the nature of Turn-Away’s profession if God has set up his kingdom in a heart, and they take from this a warning to examine their own lives.

Little faith was robbed of their assurance, peace and joy (spending money).  The robbery in the story would never have taken place if Little-Faith had been diligent in his pursuit of God.  Instead he goes to sleep in Dead-man’s lane, as relaxed and carefree as if he had already arrived at the end of his pilgrimage.  When three rogues attack him, he is unable to ward them off, for his has been such a casual, comfortable journey thus far that he has never had to stretch and exercise his spiritual muscles by digging deep into God’s Word or by spending a night in agonizing prayer.  When disaster comes to believers whose spiritual muscles are flabby they are easily overcome, for they have no hidden life of prayer, Bible study, and communion with God by which to gain strength for the conflict.

Though the robbers took Little-Faith’s spending money, they did not steal his jewels, for these are the graces by which a believer’s soul is united to Christ (his adoption into God’s family and Christ’s robes of righteousness which have been bestowed on him by the Holy Spirit).  From the ineffectiveness of the church today we can see how often these same rogues must be attacking careless, weak believers.  When difficult circumstances come, Mr. Faint-Heart kidnaps many believers, causing them to be discouraged and fearful; Mr. Mistrust holds hostage even more Christians trembling with doubts and lack of faith; and Mr. Guilt paralyzes pilgrims who continue to condemn themselves for past sins even though God, through Christ, has forgiven them.

Little-Faith, robbed and wounded, spends the rest of his life begging, that is, riding on the coattails of other believers’ experiences of joy, zeal, and knowledge.

Little-Faith had a weak faith, but it was a real faith, for he had no trust in his own merits at all and it is better to have little faith, even with the lack of comfort and joy, than to have none at all.

Lesson 8 The Pilgrims Reach the Delightful Mountains

Lesson 8

The Pilgrims Reach the Delightful Mountains (Chapter 15)

After Christian and Hopeful leave Doubting Castle and the giant Despair, we are made aware that the Christian life is a continual series of ups and downs, prosperity and adversity, which Christians must go through on their way to heaven.  Hebrews 5:8 says that Christ learned obedience by the things that he suffered.  Certainly if the Son of God learned in this way, we may expect the same.    The Pilgrims now reach the Delectable Mountains (Immanuel’s Land), where they are “shown some wonders” by the four shepherds.  The Shepherds names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchfulness, and Sincerity.  The 4 wonders were the hill called Error, a mountain called Caution, the Hypocrites door to Hell and the gates of the Celestial City.

1.       What do you think the Celestial Mountains represent?

2.       The Puritans called the Sabbath a “market day for the soul.”  Could these mountains represent the Sabbath and all that Sabbath rest entails (i.e., a day set aside for instruction in Sunday School, for sitting under the preaching of godly ministers, and for meditation on Scripture and prayer)? 

3.       The four shepherds names imply what about the responsibilities of pastors to their flocks?

4.       What is the significance of each of the wonders the shepherds showed the pilgrims?

a.       Hill called Error: The hill is made up of intricate speculations not backed up by Scripture and deceptive reasonings founded on human theories.  These falsehoods lead men from the clear truthes found in the Bible into dangerous and destructive errors, causing them to climb too high on loose gravel and unstable lookouts, to fall, and to be dashed to pieces.

b.      Mountain called Caution: We have a great need to gaze constantly from Mount Caution, to see what awful things have happened to others and to learn from their mistakes.

c.       Door to Hell: It is explained that this is a by-way to hell, a way that hypocrites enter.  With sadness, we see how much some men and women can be exposed to the truth and yet in the end reject it because of the perverseness of their hearts and the bondage of their wills to sin.  Should these examples not cause us to walk humbly, yet diligently, ever looking to Jesus, who is able to keep us from falling?

d.      The hill called Clear:  How thankful we should be to our pastors, who give us glimpses of heaven each Sunday and invite us to walk in the suburbs of the Celestial City with their clear teachings!  Christian and Hopeful’s view of the Celestial City is hampered by their shaking hands as they look through the glass of God’s Word.  Often our unbelief and fear, not to mention our constant gazing with love in the wrong direction, cause us to be unable to appreciate or to see clearly the beauty of all that awaits us as joint heirs with Christ of the everlasting kingdom of God.

Lesson 8 Summary

On the Delectable Mountains pilgrims are given a chance to “have their souls catch up with their bodies” after a hectic, difficult exhausting week.  How we should prize and guard the Sabbath, which is to be a foretaste of heaven, and use it to worship God and nourish our eternal souls!

Lesson 7 Hopeful Joins Christian

The Pilgrims and the Deceitfulness of Riches (Chapter 13) and The Pilgrims Deal with Giant Despair (Chapter 14)

After leaving Vanity Fair, Christian is given another excellent companion in Hopeful.  As they strike up a conversation with By-ends, they are exposed to his fatal and soul – deceiving error of being double-minded in all his ways.  Christian and Hopeful withdraw from By-ends when they perceive his condition.  By-ends then finds three new companions with whom he makes an agreeable friendship.  They attempt to unite the love of money with the love of Christ.  Though God graciously preserves Christian and Hopeful as they pass by Demas and the hill Lucre, the two pilgrims trust their own wisdom (make a sinful choice_ and fall into the hands of the giant named Despair.

1.       After leaving Vanity Fair, Hopeful and Christian meet By-ends.  How would you describe this character?

2.       By-ends tries to go two ways at once.  He has two goals: to be religious and to hold on to the world at the same time.  Why is this impossible (Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon)

3.       How does By-ends describe Christian and Hopeful to his new friends?

“but the men ahead of us are so rigid and love their own notions so much, and so lightly esteem the opinions of others, that although a man be extremely godly, yet if he doesn’t agree with them in all things, they thrust him quite out of their company.”

4.       By-ends suggests this question: If a preacher or layman has a chance to gain an advantage by appearing more zealous in some points of religion than he has previously been, can he not do so and still be honest?  What are the 4 reasons he gives in the affirmative?

a.       Desire of a higher salary is lawful.

b.      The desire for that salary makes him more studious, a more zealous preacher.  It makes him improve himself which is according to the mind of God

c.       Compromising principles in order to serve shows self-denial, an influential demeanor and that he is more fit for the ministry.

d.      He is not covetous for seeking advancement, but He pursues his calling and the opportunity to put his hand into doing good.

Christians response:  If it’s unlawful to follow Christ to obtain loaves, as shown in John six, how much more abominable is it to make of Him and religion a stalkinghorse7 to get and enjoy the world? Nor do we find anyone but heathen, hypocrites, devils, and sorcerers who hold this opinion.

He then goes on to describe each of the types with examples from scripture.

He concludes with this:

“don’t think this simply a fabrication of my own mind that a man who becomes religious for the purpose of gaining the world will be just as willing to throw away religion to obtain it. As surely as Judas had designs on the world in becoming religious, he just as surely sold religion and his Master for the same thing. To answer the question in the affirmative, therefore, as I perceive you have done, and to accept such an answer as correct, is irreligious, hypocritical, and devilish. Your reward will be according to your works.”

5.       What does Demas invite them to do, and why does Christian refuse?  Have you ever accepted Demas’s invitation?

6.       After a pleasant interlude by the river of God, Christian and Hopeful set out on their pilgrimage again.  The river and the Way part.  Why do they wish for a better way?

The path away from the river was rough, and their feet were tender because of their travels, so they grew impatient on the way. As they continued on, therefore, they wished for a better road.

7.       How do Christian and Hopeful illustrate Proverbs 14:12?  “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death”

8.       When we are tempted to sin, as Christian and Hopeful are in stepping out of the Way, Satan says: “Go ahead and sin.  God loves you, and repentance is an easy thing.”  However, once we have sinned, Satan’s tune changes and he says, “What a miserable sinner you are.  Repentance is impossible.  God will never forgive you.”  How do Doubting Castle and the giant Despair illustrate the truth of the above statements?

9.       Why is it that we seldom read about such despair over sin in our own day?

Lesson 7 Summary

Before we judge Mr. By-any-ends let’s look at how we might be called by that name.  How deep down in our hearts can those ulterior motives hide!  Until we learn to serve Christ and love him because “he is altogether lovely” and not only for the benefits we receive from Him, we have some of By-ends in ourselves. 

When believers have full proof that someone’s profession of faith is false, they must reprove such a person and then, if this has no effect, withdraw themselves from that person. 

The Doubting castle part of Pilgrim’s Progress shows us the depth of misery into which sin may plunge the Christian and also the depth to which the mercy of God in Christ may reach.  Though despair is not good, it is infinitely better than indifference to sin.  When believers turn to prayer in Doubting Castle, deliverance is close at hand.  Though the pilgrims had sinned greatly in leaning to their own understanding, God had graciously taught them some valuable lessons from this bitter experience.  They had learned never to depart from God’s Way and anything that he desired them to go through, to value the light of God’s countenance and to distrust themselves more thoroughly.

In conclusion I would like each of you to consider the brotherly covenant that Christian and Hopeful enter into and seek the same for yourselves.  What details were involved in this covenant?  We see that the two agreed to have one goal – the advancement of God’s Kingdom and his glory.  We see that godly advice was exchanged between them and that they stirred up one another’s affections as they talked about the God they adored.  They spent time together in Prayer.  They agreed to confront each other with the sin they perceived in each other’s lives – a very much neglected act in Christian fellowships today.

Lesson 6 The Pilgrims Suffer at the Vanity Fair

Lesson 6

The Pilgrims Suffer at the Vanity Fair (12)

Evangelist warned the pilgrims of a difficult time to come in Vanity Fair.  Christian and Faithful are easily identified as different at the Fair and are persecuted for their pursuit of Truth.  They are put on trial by the ungodly men of Vanity Fair and a verdict is rendered against Faithful.

1.       Bunyan describes the merchandise sold at this fair by listing many items.  What are some of these items, and what types of sins do they represent?

2.       How are Christians today caught up in these same types of sin?

3.       Explain the meaning of this sentence: “But as in other fairs, some one commodity is as the chief of all the fair, so the ware of Rome and her merchandize is greatly promoted in this Fair: Only our English nation, with some others, have taken a dislike thereat.”

4.       Has there ever been an incident in your life like Christian and Faithful’s experience when the people of Vanity Fair “took them and beat them and besmeared them with dirt and then put them into a Cage, that they might be made a Spectacle to all the men of the Fair”?

5.       (Whyte, First Series Bunyan Characters p195) “If you lay your ear close enough to your own heart, you will sometimes hear something of that same hiss with which that human serpent sentenced to torture to death the men and women who would not submit to his command.  The same savage laughter also will sometimes all but escape your lips as you think of how your enemy has been made to suffer… the very same hell-broth … is in all our hearts also”.  Are there any areas of your own heart that resemble the character of Judge Hate-Good?

6.       After reading the names of the jurors, what did you think the verdict would be for Faithful?  Have you ever acted like any of the jurors?  Which one (or ones) and how?

7.       Were there any parts, themes, or people in this section that you did not understand? 

Lesson 6 Summary

The view we have had thus far of our pilgrim’s journey in this allegory has centered on the secret internal spiritual conflicts of the soul.  We now enter Vanity Fair, which represents the various external conflicts a Christian must face.  The seductive allurements of this world are presented in a tangible, visible form, and we see how real pilgrims conduct themselves among the various temptations of this fair.

“So the ware of Rome and her merchandise is greatly promoted in the fair” is a reference to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.  Remembering how recent the Reformation was in our author’s time will help us to understand this statement.  He declares that the merchandise (doctrine) of this church is “greatly promoted in this fair.”  And what a proud, unscriptural doctrine it is that barters with God and presumes to purchase entrance into heaven by good works and obedience, thus meriting heaven and justification and so exalting man and debasing the gracious work, glory, and honor of Christ.  How sad is it that these wares of Rome are still being sold!

Those who have nothing in their lives to distinguish them from the rest of the world have no reason to conclude that they are new creatures in Christ.

Christian and Faithful cause the town to be in a hubbub, for they are clothed in different rainment (Christ’s robes of righteousness), their speech is the language of Canaan (spiritual conversation), and they are unimpressed by the wares of the fair.

Christian and Faithful are dragged off by the men of Vanity Fair, who are astonished and indignant at the disinterest the pilgrims show to worldly things.  As the two are examined and declare their principles, the rage of the men of the fair is only increased and Christian and Faithful are beaten and then placed in a cage.  Though beaten and despised, they do not lose heart, for their attitude is that which Luther had when he said: “Joy in the Lord is more injurious to Satan’s empire than anything.  Come, let us sing a psalm and spite the devil”

After a time, Christian and Faithful are brought forth to stand trial.  Bunyan no doubt was well acquainted with such trials from his own life and times.  The indictment was as follows: “That they were enemies to, and disturbers of their trade: that they had made commotions and divisions in the town, and had won a party to their own most dangerous opinions, in contempt of the law of their prince.”  Could such an indictment be brought against you?

Judge Hate-Good’s court illustrates that the more godly Christians are, the more they will be hated for it.

Judge Hate-Good instructs the jury regarding cases of the past and the anti-Christian precedents they  have set.  From the names of the jurors, it is easy to guess the verdict.  May we also be convicted of the same crimes as those Faithful committed and receive a verdict such as is worthy of true pilgrims.

Faithful’s ordeal was not in vain, for “the martyrdom of Faithful had kindled a light in Vanity Fair that would not easily be put out, and many there were  that by his example would themselves, as Hopeful did, become pilgrims. 

Faithful’s sure, eternal reward awaits him as a chariot whisks him off to the Celestial Gate  to meet the king under whose banner he has so valiantly served.

Lesson 5

Two Pilgrims Meet (10)

Pilgrim catches up to Faithful.  Faithful begins telling the story of his journey up to that point.  He describes how Pliable is worse off than ever, how Faithful missed the swamp but was challenged by Wanton.  He described his run-in with Adam the first from the town of Deceit who offered to marry him to his daughters “Lust of the Flesh, Lust of the Eyes and Pride of Life”.  He spoke of being overtaken on the Hill of Difficulty by Moses who struck him with deadly blows until Jesus made him stop.  He passed the House Beautiful and met with Discontent and then Shame in the Valley of Humiliation.

1.       When Faithful met Adam the first who tried to persuade Faithful to go home with him.  What would have happened if Faithful had accepted the invitation?

2.       What was the warning written on the old man’s forehead, and what are the implications of this warning for us?

3.       On the hill of Difficulty Faithful meets Moses.  What does he represent and why does he strike Faithful down?

4.       In the Valley of Humiliation Faithful meets Discontent who tries to persuade him to go back and avoid the valley.  His argument is that it is without honor and that he would make a fool of himself to wade into the valley.  Have you ever had a conversation with Discontent?  What was your reply to him?

5.       Next Faithful is attacked by Shame.  What are some of the objections Shame brings against religion?  There is no stronger proof of our fallen, sinful condition than the fact that we are prone to be ashamed of the things of God.  Has this ever been true in your life?

6.       Is Christian violating Titus 3:2 when he tells Faithful about Talkatives’ true nature? 

Titus 3:2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

7.       How does Faithful turn the conversation with Talkative and make him uncomfortable?  How does Faithful say a work of grace in the soul is discovered?

The Pilgrims Meet Talkative (11)

The two Pilgrims meet a man named Talkative.  Faithful is quite taken with him, but when he drops back to talk to Christian he is warned that this man will deceive him.  He is warned about his character and Faithful starts up a conversation with Talkative with the intention of asking if there is evidence of the Power of God in his life.  Talkative feels trapped and soon loses interest in talking to them.  Finally the meet up with Evangelist who gives them a prophecy that one or both of them will seal with blood the testimony they profess in Vanity Fair.

8.       What is the first indication Talkative gives that shows that his heart is unchanged?

9.       What indications does Christian give of Talkative’s true condition?

Lesson 5 Summary

Spurgeon had this to say about Faithful’s run in with Wanton:

The probability is, that the temptations of the flesh, even when resisted, do us an injury.  If the coals do not burn us, they blacken us.  The very thought of evil, and especially of such evil, is sin. 

This just serves as further proof that we need to separate ourselves to such a distance that we do not come near her door.  Buster has a saying “At first we abhor, then we tolerate, then we embrace” when talking about how we become numb to cultural sins.  As Christians we need to be different, we need to protect ourselves and we need to pray that God will continue to plow up the hardened places in our hearts and let him perform his justifying works in us.  For that to happen we need to be honest with our introspections, ask Him to continue to draw us closer to himself and then be willing to make changes when we sense his leadership in our lives. 

Well Wanton and Lust of the Flesh are almost the same personification.  The second daughter is also a blight to men.  Spurgeon had this to say about her:

The eye can scarcely look upon a thing of beauty without desiring it.  We soon become covetous unless the Spirit of God keeps our mind under proper restraint.  “Thou shalt not covet,’ is a commandment which is often broken by us almost unconsciously.  Consequently, we do not repent as we should of our sin against that commandment which touches our thoughts and our desires.  As to the Pride of Life, I am afraid that many Christians trickle to this third daughter of the First Adam by self-indulgence in dress, in expenses, in all sorts of showiness.  Mark you, this Pride of Life, though the most respectable of the three, as people think, is as genuine a daughter of the Old Adam as is the Lust of the Flesh.  I cannot imagine our Lord Jesus Christ dressing Himself so as to attract attention.

Each of us should have a conscience alert enough to realize that self-indulgence is not right for followers of Christ, who gave us the opposite example while here on earth.

Lesson 4 The Pilgrim Goes through valleys

Lesson 4

The Pilgrim Goes Through Valleys (9)

Pilgrim leaves house beautiful and heads down into the Valley of Humiliation where he is assaulted by Apollyon.  He defeats Apollyon and heads into the Valley of the Shadow of Death and meets the two fleeing the valley.  A deep ditch was on the right hand side of the narrow path and a bog was on the left.  The path also became very dark and Christian passed the Mouth of Hell in the middle.  He is severely challenged by the deamons whispering in his ear until he hears another pilgrim and the day breaks.  He is able to get through the rest of the valley’s traps and passes Pope and Pagan without incident.

1.       A foul fiend meets Christian, What is his name? 

In Revelation 9:11, comes after the 7^th seal is broken.  Seven angles begin to sound their trumpets and each causes a plague of some kind.  When the 5^th angel sounds his trumpet, a star falls to earth and opens the abyss.  Apollyon is the king of the locust/scorpion monsters that emerge.  They are given the power to torture all those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads for 5 months.

2.       Apollyon calls Christian one of his subject and tries to sweet talk him into returning to his country.  What did Christian like better about “the prince under whose banner” he now stood?

3.       What were some of the subtle reasoning’s Apollyon used to try to talk Christian out of persevering on the way?  What questions would you add to the list from struggles you have had in your personal walk?

4.       Why was the battle between Christian and his foe so severe?

5.       Christian enters the Valley of the Shadow of Death.  What do you think is the meaning of this valley?

Matthew 15:14 “Leave them; they are blind guides.  If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit”

This verse was in reference to the Pharisees being offended that Jesus criticized them for breaking the command of God for the sake of their traditions. 

6.       What weapon did Christian find useful in the midst of the valley?

Even a thorough knowledge and use of “the Sword”—the Word of God—is not enough to vanquish some enemies of the Cross. This is an instance in his journey when Christian will have to resort to extra and continual prayer. Sometimes in our spiritual battles, prayer is our only solution.

7.       When Christian heard the voice say “Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me”   What were the three reasons Christian was glad?

Lesson 4 Summary

The takeaway for me this week is what we learn in the valley of the Shadow of Death.  Shall we not look back over the valley in the daylight and realize how sweet are the uses of adversity in God’s hand as they humble us, cause us to earnestly seek Him, and purge us of our sins?  What is strange, though, is that we are not available to learn by reading about the experiences of others in this valley but must be made to believe these truths from our own experience.  The great discipline which we need as pilgrims is mostly the experience of our own weakness, and the art of finding our strength in Christ;  but it is astonishing what severe treatment is oftentimes necessary to teach this, apparently the simplest and most obvious of all lessons, but yet the deepest and most difficult to be learned.  

Lesson 3 The path to House Beautiful

Lesson 3

The Pilgrim Reaches the Place of Deliverance

Pilgrim reaches the cross and his burden is released and rolls down into the tomb.  Three Shining ones came to him and 1) told him his sins were forgiven, 2) clothed him with rich garments 3) marked his forehead and gave him a document with a seal on it. 

Pilgrim continued on his way and meets Simple, Sloth and Presumption.  He offers to remove their leg irons and counsels them but they ignore him so he continues on.

Christian then meets Formality and Hypocrisy who jump the wall (called salvation).  They are from Boasting and are going to Mount Zion for praise (not to offer it).  Christian confronts them and calls them robbers and warns them that they will not be received, but they rely on their established customs for their salvation.

Who are the shining ones who met with Christian after his burden was released?

Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Zechariah 3:1-5 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.  The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”  Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel.  The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.”  Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.”  Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by. 

Ephesians 1:13-14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.”

We know Formality and Hypocrisy were from boasting and were heading to Mount Zion for praise.  What was the reason the two men gave for not coming in as Christian had and who does this represent?  What are they missing and how will they be received by the Lord?

The Pilgrim Climbs the hill of difficulty

Pilgrim reaches the cross road and chooses to climb the Hill of Difficulty.  Formality and Hypocrisy also reach the hill but choose to go down Danger and Destruction respectively.  Christian rests at the pleasant arbor and falls asleep.  When he wakes up he climbs the rest of the way to the top of the hill (minus his scroll) and meets Fearful and Mistrust who tell him about the lions blocking the way.  Christian chooses possible death by going forward verses certain death by going home to the city of destruction.  He then realizes the scroll is missing and has to retrace his steps to get it. 

The hill called Difficulty represents circumstances that require self-denial and exertion.  God provides places and times for rest, but allegorically speaking, there is no time for sleep.  What does sleep represent in our walk with Christ?

Before Pilgrim reaches the house beautiful he encounters two lions.  What do they represent and why were they placed there?

The Pilgrim Meets the Family

The porter named Watchful councils Christian, who does he represent?  What does house Beautiful represent?  Who does Discretion represent and what questions does she ask? Piety, Prudence and Charity also talk to him.  What are they trying to find out through their questioning, what is the purpose?

Lesson 3 Summary

After dinner with the family, Christian lies down in a large upper chamber called Peace.  Peace of conscience and serenity of mind are the results of a true profession of faith, communion with Christ, and fellowship with other believers.  Some of the most peaceful times I have ever experienced were after I confessed sin in my life, and felt forgiveness and restoration.  Each time we celebrate the Lord’s supper should be such an experience.  I used to believe that banks of phones should line the back of every sanctuary so that people could ask forgiveness of friends, family and co-workers they had wronged before taking the Lords Supper.  Now everyone has cell phones but we still don’t make things right and if we can’t do that on the horizontal with each other, how are we ever going to humble ourselves before the Holy God of the universe?  It’s my prayer that you lie in Peace tonight.  God Bless.

Lesson 2 Through the gate to a meeting with the interpreter

Lesson 2

The Pilgrim Enters the gate

1.       When Christian gets to the gate, Mr. Goodwill asks three questions: Who are you, where did you come from and where are you going?  Christian answers: “I’m a poor burdened sinner.  I’ve come from the City of Destruction, but I’m going to Mount Zion so I can be delivered from the wrath to come”.  What are the important implications of his answers?

2.       In discussing Pliable with Goodwill, Christian makes the comment, “it seems there isn’t any difference between him and me”.  What does this statement show about the condition of Christian’s heart?

The Pilgrim Meets the Interpreter

3.       What is represented by the Parlor that Christian is invited into covered in dust?

4.       What is represented by the two little children?

5.       What is represented by the fire burning against the wall with the man pouring water on it?

6.       What is represented by the stately palace?

7.       After illustrating several times in this book that heaven is not gained by good works, what then is the meaning behind the “man of stout countenance”.  Compare with Matthew 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force”.   Or John 16:16 “The law and the prophets were until John.  Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it”.  What are some indications that his was not a works salvation?  How does that match up to Ephesians 6:14-17 “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”

8.      What is represented by the dark room and the man in the iron cage?

9.      Is repentance something we produce, or is it something God gives us?

Romans 2:4 “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

2 Timothy 2:24-25 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, …

Acts 11:18 “When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.””

Acts 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

10.   What is represented by the man rising out of bed?

Week 2 Summary

For today’s summary I will read an excerpt from the writings of Alexander Whyte on the Narrow way:

There are many wide ways to hell, and many there be who crowd them, but there is only one way to heaven, and you will sometimes think you must have gone off it, there are so few companions; sometimes there will be only one footprint, with here and there a stream of blood, and always as you proceed, it becomes more and more narrow, till it strips a man bare, and sometimes threatens to close upon him and crush him to the earth altogether.  Our Lord in as many words tells us all that.  Strive, He says, strive every day.  For many shall seek to enter into the way of salvation, but because they do not early enough, and long enough, and painfully enough strive, they come short, and are shut out.  Have you, then, anything in your religious life that Christ will at last accept as the striving He intended and demanded?  Does your religion cause you any real effort – Christ calls it agony?  Have you ever had, do you ever have, anything that He would so describe?  What cross do you every day take up?  In what thing do you every day deny yourself?  Name it.  Put your finger on it.  Write it in cipher on the margin of your Bible.  Would the most liberal judgment be able to say of you that you have any fear and trembling in the work of your salvation?  If not, I am afraid there must be some mistake somewhere.  Christ has made it plain to a proverb, and John Bunyan has made it a nursery and schoolboy story, that the way to heaven is steep and narrow and lonely and perilous. (First Series, p 70)

Lesson 1 Introduction and chapters 1-3

Introduction Week 1

John Bunyan was born in Elstow, England in 1628.  He was from a poor family and had limited opportunity for education. His spiritual life seems to have begun around the age of twenty-five.  He was baptized and joined a Baptist church.  Three years later he was encouraged to preach at this same church.  Bunyan preached for six years before he was arrested and placed in prison for not conforming to worship as prescribed by the Church of England and for preaching the gospel without a license.  Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress  during the twelve years he was in prison.  Upon being released from prison, he continued writing and became the pastor of a church in Bedford.

John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress as an allegory, which is the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence or experience. 

Questions for discussion on Chapters 1

1.       Is there a favorite part or quote from the first chapter that you particularly enjoyed?[i]

2.       When Graceless meets Evangelist and is asked “Why not willing to die, since this life is attended with so many evils?” the man shows himself to be under the conviction of the Spirit of God as he feels the insupportable burden of sin upon his back and the dread of God’s wrath against sin.  Do you believe that these two elements are often absent in today’s presentations of the gospel in evangelistic efforts?  Explain.

3.       What do you believe the shining light represents?

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”

2 Peter 1:19 “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

Note that right after Evangelist points our Pilgrim to the light Obstinate and Pliable catch up with him and he is now called Christian.  We find out later that his name up to this point was Graceless.

Questions for discussion on Chapter 2

4.       What does the Slough of Despond represent?  Is passing through it a natural part of Christian Maturity? Or to phrase it another way, can a Christian mature without this kind of struggle?

5.       Note that Pliable had no burden on his back.  What does the burden represent and did that have any bearing on Pliable’s reaction to the Slough?

6.       Help rescues Christian from the Slough of Despond.  Who is he?

Reference Psalm 40:1-2

Questions for discussion on Chapter 3

7.       What belief system does Mr. Worldly Wiseman represent?  Can you give some examples?

8.       Mr. Worldly Wiseman does not like that Christian has been reading the Bible. Where does he send Christian and what view of salvation does this represent?

Week 1 Summary

As Christians we need to examine our lives daily by the light of the Scriptures to see if there is any part of the spirit of this world hiding in our hearts.  All of creation points to the existence of a Creator, but an understanding of who he is and of his plan of salvation can only be gained through the special revelation contained in the Bible.  Without the written Word to show us an absolute standard of right and wrong, we are lost in a sea of relativism.  I think it’s interesting that Evangelist does not try to persuade the man that his fears are groundless by presenting a view of God that is unbalanced, a view that presents the love and mercy of God but leaves out his holiness and justice (Exodus 34:7).  We must approach God on Christ’s merit and not in any part on our own merit.  I pray that you take an honest look at what is central in your life right now and ask if it is Christ on his throne, or something else.  Are you spending time in the word to know what that perfect will is, or are you traveling the way of Mr. Worldly Wiseman?  If a change needs to be made, what is stopping you from making it now?

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[i] The Pilgrim’s Progress Study Guide by Maureen L. Bradley.  Published in 1994 by the Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company.

Pilgrim's Progress introduction

Since many in our Community Group have not read Pilgrim's Progress I thought it would make an excellent choice for our next study.  In preparation for this study please read Chapters 1-3 for our meeting on August 15th 2012.  Each week I will post a summary of the chapters and some questions I would like to discuss when we meet.  You don't need to read the questions ahead of time, but if you are not able to make the meeting, you can at  keep up with us in the book and think through your own answers.  Please bring any questions you may want to discuss to the next meeting.  


In case your wondering, Anne-Marie picked up a book by the Bridge-Logos publisher: "The  Pilgrim's Progress  in modern English" 


This is one of my favorite books, and one Buster loves so much that he reads through it once a year.  I hope that during this study you will enjoy it as much as I do and find through this allegory, an example and challenge that draws you closer to Christ than you have ever been before.


Your brother in Christ,
Jim