2021 Seems to be the year to regroup and reboot. 2020 was definitely a challenge for many, and today being Day 1 of a fast seems to be a good day to also begin walking through one of my favorite books again – The Pilgrim’s Progress – From This World, to That Which is to Come by John Bunyan. A Christian classic that was first written, from a jail cell, in 1678.
I want to walk through this classic again, this time focusing on who he meets and where he finds himself during this journey. Hopefully – I’ll get through one chapter each day and let the accompanying scripture speak to me.
The Pilgrim’s Progress – Chapter 1
A man, clothed in rags, is holding the Book and he is heavily burdened – not willing to die, unprepared to face judgment. He is convinced of his eternal destination, hell. Evangelist asks him, “why are standing still?” as he explains to the man the way to the Narrow Gate.
The man, named Christian, begins to run, fingers in his ears, to eternal life. Family, friends, neighbors plead for his return. Two are determined: Obstinate and Pliable. But Christian will not return to the City of Destruction – the place where he was born.
Obstinate will not leave his friends and comfort, despite Christian’s statement of faith. Pliable likes what he hears and decides to give it a try. He asks Christian to tell him more but Christian can better conceive of these things with his mind than to find the words to talk about them.
Christian – But since you are interested, I will read about them from my book.
Pliable – And do you think that the words of your book are true?
Christian – Yes, very sure, for the words were written by the One who cannot lie…
Christian – I cannot go as fast as I would like because of this burden on my back.
They were not paying attention to where they were walking and suddenly fell into The Swamp of Despond. Pliable gives up and returns, leaving Christian to struggle alone until Help offers his hand, sets him on solid ground and tells him to continue on his way.
Thoughts for Consideration
It always seems to be a personal, single moment when God convicts you that you are clothed in rags, burdened by sin, bound for death and judgment. There is a single moment that you know you are being called to choose. It is not an easy choice. Those familiar with your old way of life will not like your new commitment. Your newly birthed spirit of enthusiasm and commitment will not persuade anyone else who does not see themselves clothed in rags or burdened by sin.
Supporting Scriptures
Isaiah 64:6 – All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Hebrews 9:27 – Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Matthew 7:13-14 – Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Titus 1:2 – in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,
Hover over these other scripture verses to reference for this chapter:
| Luke 14:33 | Psalm 38 | Habakkuk 2:2 |
| Acts 2:36-37 | Acts 16:31-32 | Job 16:21-22 |
| Ezekiel 22:14 | Isaiah 30:33 | Matthew 3:7 |
| Psalm 119:105 | 2 Peter 1:19 | Luke 14:26 |
| 2 Corinthians 4:18 | Luke 15:17 | 1 Peter 1:4 |
| Hebrews 11:16 | Luke 9:62 | Proverbs 26:16 |
| Hebrews 13:20-21 | Hebrews 9:17-21 | Isaiah 65:17 |
| John 10:27-29 | 2Timothy 4:8 | Revelation 3:4 |
| Matthew 13:43 | Isaiah 25:8 | Revelation 7:17 |
| Revelation 21:4 | Isaiah 6:2 | 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 |
| Revelation 5:11 | Revelation 4:4 | Revelation 14:1-5 |
| John 12:25 | 2 Corinthians 5:2-4 | Isaiah 55:1-2 |
| Isaiah 55:12 | John 6:37 | Revelation 21:6 |
| Revelation 22:17 | Psalm 40:2 | Isaiah 35:3-4 |
| 2 Samuel 7:23 |
There is a single moment that you know you are being called to choose. It is not an easy choice. Those familiar with your old way of life will not like your new commitment. Your newly birthed spirit of enthusiasm and commitment will not persuade anyone else who does not see themselves clothed in rags or burdened by sin.
———-This makes a LOT of sense….
For me…I’m running as fast as I can…with my fingers in my ears crying out, “Life Life…eternal Life!”
Jesus is the answer to every question I’ve ever had or ever will have! He is enough and more than enough!
Thank you for walking us through Pilgrim’s Progress. Although I read most of the book, I didn’t finish it. Please don’t read anything into that confession. lol
LOL… How could I? I thought I’d go through a chapter a day, then I got to Chapter 2!
I’ve read this book multiple times and there’s still stuff that I just never really saw before.