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.