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Book Summary

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Main Idea

Originally published in 1678 under the title The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come, Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream, this book has been a staple among Christian literature for nearly 350 years. It was written during a time of great suffering by John Bunyan as he was placed in jail for being unwilling to cease his gospel preaching.

An unnamed narrator falls asleep one day and dreams a dream of a man once named Graceless from the City of Destruction who is renamed Christian and begins his journey toward the Celestial City. The book is an allegory of the Christian life as it tells the story of a man’s pilgrimage toward heaven, recounting his preconverted state, his conversion to Christ, and the perils of his journey on to heaven.

Bunyan writes this book with a pastoral heart seeking to have his readers understand both how to become a Christian and what the Christian life really looks like, including its blessings and dangers. This book is for Christians from all walks of life. It has even served for centuries as a favorite among parents to read to their children.

Every age deals with discussions on what truly constitutes a genuine Christian and what the Christian life really looks like. The Pilgrim’s Progress takes readers on a fictional journey that is grounded in biblical truth.

“Then I saw in my Dream that the Shining Men had them call at the gate as they did, some from above looked over the gate, and it was Enoch, Moses, and Elijah. The Shining Men said to them, ‘These Pilgrims have come from the City of Destruction for the love they bear to the King of this place.'” (p. 232)

This allegorical tale encourages and equips true believers on their Christian walk. In doing so, it also helps convict and perhaps even convert those who have seen Christianity as something less than how the Bible defines it. Scripture saturates every page as verses, references, or concepts from Holy Writ are woven into each aspect of the story.

Every Christian should read The Pilgrim’s Progress (perhaps multiple times!) as it will help strengthen their resolve to follow Christ, warn them of the dangers that can befall even the most seasoned of believers, fuel their joy in Christ, and enlarge their hope for heaven. It can be used in evangelistic endeavors as well as with children to help explain some of the great truths of the Christian faith.

Key Insights

Key Insight 1

Scripture is Sufficient

The Bible is the highest and sufficient authority Christians must appeal to for all doctrine and manner of life

Pilgrim's Progress Key Insight #1

“If you do not believe me, read here in this Book. And for the truth of what is expressed in it, look, all is confirmed by the blood of Him who made it.” (p. 10) So says Christian to his neighbor Pliable as he seeks to persuade him to join him on his journey toward the Celestial City to escape the coming judgment.

The significance of the Book Christian refers to is exemplified by the fact that countless references are made to Scripture throughout the work. Any argument stands or falls so far as it aligns with the truthfulness of God’s Word. Thus, The Pilgrim’s Progress makes the appeal to the Bible as its highest authority. Every situation, character, and plot is intended to symbolize biblical truth. 

Vastly more important than this allegory is “God’s Book” (p. 197) which is the Christian’s sufficient source of truth by which to try all experiences. “‘And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true?’ ‘Yes, truly. For it was made by him who cannot lie.'” (p. 11)

True, the Bible was written by men, but  the Holy Spirit of God breathed in and through these men in their work in such a way that every jot and tittle is the very voice of God Himself in written form. The Christian’s hope for understanding the Christian life must ultimately be derived from Scripture.

All pilgrims will make their progress by seeing Scripture alone as their highest and sufficient authority for judging all actions, experiences, and doctrines. This book is really a giant arrow pointing readers to understand that Book.

Key Quotes

“Pliable replied, ‘Come, Neighbor Christian, since it is only us two here, tell me now further what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, where we are going.’ ‘I can better conceive of them with my mind than speak of them with my tongue. But, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my Book,’ Christian said.”

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// (Page 11)

“Then he gave me a Book written by Jesus and about Jesus, to encourage me more freely to come. He told me that regarding the Book, every single bit of it was firmer than Heaven and Earth.”

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// (Page 199)

“When our thoughts of God agree with what the Word says about him (and by that I mean, when we believe what the Word teaches about his Being and Attributes are true), then we have right thoughts of God.”

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// (Page 209)

“Blessed are they who do his Commandments. They may have [the] right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City.”

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// (Page 232)

Application Questions

  • In what ways have you allowed your own feelings, experiences, or the opinions of others to shape your understanding of the Christian life? Why it is it so crucial that you weigh these things against Scripture?
  • How does the Bible being ‘written by Jesus and about Jesus’ affect our interpretation of Scripture?
  • In what ways can you deepen your habits of reading and meditating on Scripture so that you might be like Bunyan and, in the words of Charles Spurgeon, “bleed bibline”?

Key Insight 2

Biblical Order of Conversion

A lost person must be convicted by the law of God for personal sin and in response look for justification by faith alone in Christ alone who is revealed to sinners by the Father.

Pilgrim's Progress Key Insight #2

No one comes to Christ without feeling his or her need for Christ. No one feels his or her need for Christ if they think their heart anything other than dreadfully sinful. And no one will see the true nature of the heart without being exposed to God’s righteous laws from His Word (every person’s conversion in The Pilgrim’s Progress is explicitly tied to an exposure to Scripture).

Christian tells Ignorance that he has a “Faith that’s a fantasy…” and “a false Faith” (p. 210). His reasoning is that Ignorance has concluded that he can be a true believer simply because he believes “Christ died for sinners” (p. 210).

It is not enough for people to believe right things about Jesus. They must also see Christ as their only hope for the forgiveness of sins and right standing with God. Furthermore, “Christ is so hidden in God from the natural tendencies of flesh, that he cannot be known by any unless God the Father reveals him to them” (p. 212).

In other words, men cannot simply decide one day to reform their ways and thus become a Christian. There must be a conviction of sin in their life about breaking God’s laws. They must see Jesus as their only hope of salvation and receive His righteousness by faith alone. And because of the depravity of man, all of this is brought about through the grace of the Father in revealing Christ to sinful men. 

Yet, the mercy of Christ invites all men to come (see p. 199). The sad truth is that no man desires to come to Christ in and of himself because of the evil of the heart. The good news is that God continues to work in the gospel so as to convict men of sin and show them their great need of Christ. 

Thus, the order of conversion is conviction of sin, the revealing of Christ from the Father, and the sinner placing his or her faith in the finished work of Jesus. Jesus is the only way. All must come through Him by remaining on the narrow path if they hope to see the Celestial City.

Key Quotes

"As he stood looking and weeping, three Shining Ones came to him and saluted him with Peace. The first said to him, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ The second stripped him of his Rags and clothed him with Change of Raiment. The third set a mark in his forehead and gave him a Roll with a Seal upon it, which he told him look on as he ran, and that he should give it at the Celestial Gate.”

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// (Page 48)

“‘How can you,’ Christian exclaimed, ‘think you must believe in Christ when you cannot see your need of him! You see neither your original sin or your actual sin, but think so highly of yourself and what you do, that how could you ever need Christ’s personal righteousness to justify you before God?’”

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// (Page 210)

“No man can know Jesus Christ except through the revelation of the Father.”

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// (Page 212)

Application Questions

  • How does the truth that sinners must be convicted of their personal sin before becoming a Christian affect the way we share the gospel?
  • Why is justification by faith alone in Christ alone such good news?
  • Does the necessity of the Father to reveal the Son to sinners concern you or fill you with hope? Why should it fill you with hope?

Key Insight 3

Pilgrims Progress Personally not Privately

While every believer’s progress in the faith happens a little differently, no Christian is meant to journey alone.

 

Every believer must have a personal relationship with Jesus. No one can enter the “wicket gate” through anyone else. It must be a personal decision, by grace, to repent and believe the gospel. This personal relationship, however, is not to be understood as a private one.

Christian is helped initially in his conversion with Evangelist telling him to “fly from the wrath to come” (p. 7). Then at nearly every stage of Christian’s journey, he both is helped by others to mature in the faith and helps others in their walk with the Lord.

The local church plays a key roll in a believer’s life. Christian states, “Truly, if it had not been for the good man, the Porter standing at the Gate, I do not know whether I would have kept going” (p. 62). The porter represents a pastor who is charged to watch over his flock. The local church is a prominent point of examination, equipping, and encouragement for the new believer.

Christian spends much of his journey toward the Celestial City with either Faithful or Hopeful. Christian both encourages and is encouraged by these other believers as they take turns instructing one another in the faith. Particularly, they are not afraid to ask difficult and probing questions about the Christian life. These relationships are more than a surface level acquaintanceship that many believers have with members of their local church. These relationships offer accountability, encouragement, and strength for the Christian life.

Later, the role of pastors (and thus also the local church) is emphasized again in the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains. The Shepherds guide and instruct Hopeful and Christian on their way to their journey’s end.

The point in all of this is that the Christian journey is not meant to be traveled alone. Believers need deep relationships with other Christians. They need the local church for accountability and encouragement. Christians need pastors to instruct and guide them.

Pilgrims progress personally but not privately. Lone ranger Christianity is foreign to Scripture.

Key Quotes

“Thus [Christian and Faithful] went on talking of what they had seen along the way, and it made the path easier which otherwise would have been tedious.”

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// (Page 116)

“Christian said sadly: ‘I am sorry I have brought you out of the way and that I have put you into such danger. Please, my Brother, forgive me. I did not have evil intentions in my heart, I promise.’ ‘Be comforted, my brother,’ Hopeful said back. ‘I forgive you and believe this shall be for our good.’”

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// (Page 159)

“Now in my Dream, I saw also when the Shepherds realized the Pilgrims were way-faring men, they asked the same questions of them which they had been asked many times up until then. Questions like; Where did you come from? How did you get here? And how have you persevered up until now? For only a few who began the Journey had gotten this far. But when the Shepherds heard their answers, they were very pleased and they looked lovingly upon them, saying, ‘Welcome to the Delectable Mountains.’”

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// (Page 169)
// (Page )

Application Questions

  • What Christian friend do you have in your life who is willing to truly challenge you to grow in your walk with the Lord? How can you move beyond the superficial relationships we too often have with other believers?
  • Why is the Christian commitment to the local church so vital to his or her walk with the Lord? How can your commitment increase?
  • Who have you encouraged in their walk with Jesus lately?

Chapter Ideas

Chapter 1

The Beginning of Christian’s Journey and the Burden He Carried

His burden of sin became unbearable. He did not merely feel burdened but was literally  weighed down by the physical presence of the pack of sin upon his back. The man, Christian, after reading God’s Book, feared the coming judgment against sinners but did not know how to escape it. Thankfully, one named Evangelist came to his aid and implored him to run to “yonder Wicket gate” (p. 8).

Thus begins Christian’s journey. His pilgrimage is difficult from the beginning as he followed Evangelist’s instructions despite his own family and friends calling him back. Then, the Slough of Despond almost ended his journey before it began. This slough is where one gets caught in despair for conviction without then looking to Christ.

Next, Worldly-Wiseman attempted to convince Christian to erase his burden with the works of the Law. This only made Christian miserable. Once again Evangelist stepped in and pointed Christian toward the gate. At this point, Christian wasn’t sure what this gate had in store, but he became convinced that it was the only place where his burden could be lifted.

Key Quotes

“Sir, I see by the Book in my hand, that I am condemned to die, and after that come to Judgment, and I find that I am not willing to do the first, nor able to do the second.”

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// (Page 7)

“Then Evangelist said to him, ‘Your sin is very great, you have forsaken the way that is good to tread in forbidden paths. Yet will the man at the Gate receive you, for he has goodwill for men. Only,’ said he, ‘take heed that you turn not aside again, in case you perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled a little.’”

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// (Page 26)

Chapter 2

The Interpretation of Things Christian Will Need to Know

With his dangerous excursion out of the way, Christian was resolute to enter the gate Evangelist had pointed him to. Upon arriving at the gate he questioned his worthiness to enter, but the keeper of the gate gladly pulled him inside.

The keeper then pointed Christian to the house of the Interpreter. The Interpreter prepared the pilgrim by showing him the necessity of avoiding worldly lusts and pursuits. He warned him to stay only and always on the narrow way and reminded him of Christ’s preserving grace even when it can’t be seen or felt. He exhorted him of the futility of law-keeping for remission of sins, while encouraging him with the sufficiency of the gospel.

While Christian’s burden hadn’t been removed, he was now ready for the journey ahead. He continued on the narrow path toward the Celestial City.

Key Quotes

“Look before you. Do you see this narrow way? That is the way you must go. It was cast upon by the Patriarchs, Prophets, Christ, and his Apostles, and it is as straight as a rule can make it. This is the way you must go.”

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// (Page 33)

“When the gospel comes in, there are sweet and precious influences of it to the heart...so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soul made clean, through the faith of it, and consequently fit for the King of Glory to inhabit.”

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// (Page 36)

Chapter 3

Christian Loses His Roll and Meets Three Damsels

The pack fell from his back. The burden of sin Christian had been made aware of by the Book finally fell away simply by looking to the Cross. By the cross alone Christian was forgiven of sins, clothed in new garments, and given a roll with a seal upon it that was the assurance of his salvation.

As Christian joyfully continued his journey he looked frequently at that roll. But in a time of slothfulness he lost the roll and bewailed his lack of assurance. After repenting, he found the roll again and journeyed on to a palace built by the lord of the hill (a local church).

At this house, damsels examined the pilgrim’s testimony and then admitted him gladly into the Family. Here he was encouraged with sweet fellowship, sound doctrine, and biblical instruction. After a few days stay, he was clothed in the Armor of God and sent on his way further equipped to continue toward the Celestial City.

Key Quotes

“Just as Christian came up to the Cross, his Burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell off from his back. It began to tumble and continued to tumble until it came to the mouth of the Sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.”

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// (Page 47)

[From the damsels’ examination] “‘And what is it that makes you so desirous to go to Mount Zion?’ ‘Why, there I hope to see him alive who hung 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 the Company I like best. To tell the truth, I love him, because I was by him eased of my Burden, and I am weary of my inward sickness. I desire to be where I shall die no more, and with the Company that shall continually cry, Holy, Holy, Holy.’”

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// (Page 64)

Chapter 4

Christian Fights with Apollyon and Experiences Many Dark Things

As Christian traveled toward the Celestial City he met a great and wicked demon named Apollyon. This evil one attempted to persuade Christian to turn back to the City of Destruction he had fled from.

After Apollyon was unable to convince Christian to renounce his loyalty to Christ, he attacked him. With the armor of God, Christian was able to hold his ground, but as the battle raged he found himself growing weaker. Finally, with the sword of truth, he injured Apollyon who left him and “Christian, for a season, saw him no more” (p. 78).

Next, Christian found himself walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. He was terrified by many unseen evils and had nothing to rely on but prayer. The Lord rescued Christian from this valley and strengthened his faith all the more for having been through it.

Why he was spared Christian did not know, but he resolved all the more to continue that narrow way toward his great end in the Celestial City. The Christian struggle against Satan and his army is real, but not insurmountable because of Christ, His Word, and the whole armor of God.

Key Quotes

“But now, in this Valley of Humiliation, poor Christian had a harder time. In only a little while he saw a foul Fiend coming over the field tomee thim, whose name is Apollyon. Then Christian began to be afraid, and to wonder whether he should go back or stand his ground. But he considered again that he had no Armor for his back and because of that, he realized that to turn back might give Apollyon the greater advantage to pierce him with his Darts. Therefore he resolved to venture on and stand his ground. For, thought Pilgrim, it would be the best way to stand.”

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// (Page 74)

“When Christian had traveled in this disorienting condition for some time, he thought he heard the voice of a man, going before him saying, ‘Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear none ill, for you are with me.’ Then he was glad for these reasons: First, because he gathered that some who feared God were also in this Valley with him. Secondly, because he saw God was with them, though in that dark and dismal state. And why wouldn’t he be with me as well, even if I cannot see him? Thirdly, because he hoped if he could catch up to those ahead of him, he would have company along the Way. So he went on, and called out to them. But he did not know what to say, for he also thought he was by himself. Soon though, the day broke. Then said Christian, ‘He has turned the Shadow of Death into morning.’”

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// (Page 84)

Chapter 5

Christian and Faithful Testify to One Another and Talk with Talkative

Christian found glad companionship in a fellow pilgrim named Faithful. He and Faithful discussed their pilgrimage together and found edification in one another’s testimonies of their journey and the goodness and grace of the Lord.

Soon, these men came upon another traveler named Talkative. This man spoke many great words about the faith. Faithful even temporarily believes that Talkative is a fellow Pilgrim on the way. Soon, however, Talkative is exposed for the man he really is: all talk and no fruit of faith. Walking with the Lord is more than a mere profession of faith, but is also living for Christ as King.

Talkative departed from the travelers and they once again met up with Evangelist who warned them of what lies ahead in their journey. They pressed on nonetheless toward the Celestial City edified and strengthened by one another’s company.

Key Quotes

“Fools for the Kingdom of Heaven are wisest, and...the poor man who loves Christ is richer than the greatest man in the world that hates him.”

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// (Page 100)

“Talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit is indeed in the heart and life. Let us not forget that at the day of Doom men will be judged according to their fruits.”

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// (Page 108)

Chapter 6

Christian and Faithful in the Fair and the Witness of Faithfulness

Believers are in the world but not of the world. Christian and Faithful lived out this truth as they entered the town called Vanity. This town lies directly upon their route toward the Celestial City and there was no way to avoid it.

In this town was a yearlong fair known as Vanity Fair. These pilgrims were so different from the world in the way they dressed, talked, and acted that they soon caused a serious stir. The world desired these men to conform, but they would not, and soon a fight broke out. Christian and Faithful were placed in a cage and a trial ensued. The town could not stand that these men’s words and actions had condemned them. Faithful was sentenced to die and met a cruel death but was then carried off to the Celestial City in a Chariot. Christian was set free and continued his journey now alone.

Key Quotes

“Now Faithful play the Man, speak for your God: Fear not the wicked’s malice, nor their rod: Speak boldly man, the Truth is on your side; Die for it, and to Life in triumph ride.”

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// (Page 127)

“Faithful began his defense…’Whatever Rule, or Laws, or Customs, or People were flat against the Word of God are diametrically opposite to Christianity...whatever is in the Worship of God that cannot co-exist with Divine Revelation is only done with human faith, which is not profitable to Eternal Life.’”

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// (Page 130)

Chapter 7

Hopeful Joins Christian and They Encounter the Entrapments of Life

No Christian suffering is in vain. The testimony of Christian and Faithful in Vanity Fair impacted some men in that city so that they too became followers of the King of kings. One of these men was named Hopeful, and joined Christian as they made their way toward the Celestial City.

Christian and Hopeful encountered travelers who did not like that these Pilgrims were so rigid in their convictions, calling them “overly righteous” (p. 142). These travelers were also convinced it was a noble endeavor to use Religion as a means to worldly gain. Christian rebuked them and then helped save Hopeful from being lured away from the narrow way by worldly riches.

These pilgrims then enjoyed moments of peace and tranquility on their way toward their Journey’s end. When believers enjoy fellowship with one another it helps protect them from the lures of this world and brings them joy in the faith.

Key Quotes Test

“One died as a Testimony to the Truth and another rose out of his ashes to be a Companion with Christian to his Pilgrimage.”

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// (Page 137)

“If it is unlawful to follow Christ for loaves, as it is John chapter six, how much more abominable is it to make of him and Religion a Stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world...The man who takes up Religion for the World will throw away Religion for the World.”

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// (Page 146)

Chapter 8

The Pilgrims Take the Easy Path and Become Prisoners of Doubt

The narrow road pilgrims traverse is not always easy. Christian and Hopeful’s feet had become weary from the long journey and they chose to go off the path in order to enjoy easier footing. Soon, they realized their mistake of going out of the way, but it was too difficult to make it back quickly. They were captured by a giant named Despair and tossed into Doubting Castle.

The pilgrims were beaten and discouraged and Christian even considered taking his own life (and might have if not for Hopeful’s encouragement). Then Christian remembered he had the Key of Promise to escape. Believers possess the great promises of the gospel to free them from times of great despair and hopelessness.

After escaping, the Pilgrims made it back to the King’s Highway and met the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains who warned and instructed them and sent them along on their journey toward the Celestial City. The Lord is good to His people in giving them those who will teach them sound doctrine and godly living.

Key Quotes

“It is always easier going out of the way than going back in when we are out.”

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// (Page 159)

“‘My Brother,’ said [Hopeful], ‘remember how valiant you’ve been up until now? Apollyon could not crush you, nor could all you heard, or saw, or felt in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. What hardship, terror, and amazement have you already gone through, and now you’re nothing but fear? You see that I am in the Dungeon with you, a far weaker man by nature than you are, also this Giant has wounded me as well as you, and has also cut off Bread and Water from my mouth too. With you I mourn without the light. But let’s exercise some more patience. Remember what a man you were at Vanity Fair, and how you were not afraid of the Chain, Cage, or of bloody Death? Let us bear in patience, or at least avoid the shame of quitting.’”

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// (Page 164)

Chapter 9

The Pilgrims Travel on Meeting Flatterers and Hopeful Shares His Testimony

As Christian and Hopeful get ever closer to their journey’s end, they continue to talk about the things of Christ between themselves and others they meet along the way. They talk about how there is only one way to begin this journey, through the wicket-gate. They discuss how a little faith is enough to gain entrance into the Celestial City even though it may create hardships at times in this life.

Suddenly, the Pilgrims are led away by Flatterer and caught in a Net. Yet, they are rescued and disciplined in love for leaving the way again. As they are more resolved than ever to stay on the Path, Hopeful shares his testimony of conversion with Christian. Before his death, Faithful had shown Hopeful his sins and pointed him to Christ. After wrestling with conviction and trying to reform his outward life, Hopeful had eventually found solace in justification by faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone.

Key Quotes

“Because you and I are such footmen, let us never hope to meet with an enemy, nor boast that we could do better, when we hear that others have been foiled. Let us not be impressed at the thought of our own manhood.”

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// (Page 185)

“If I had a thousand gallons of blood in my body, I would spill it all for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

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// (Page 202)

Chapter 10

The Pilgrims Talk with Ignorance and Near the End of Their Journey

Another traveler Christian and Hopeful converse with is a man by the name of Ignorance. This man is sure that he is a true pilgrim because his heart tells him so. Christian and Hopeful warn him of the deceitfulness of the heart but he will have none of it.

Next, they explain to him the necessity of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. At this, Ignorance scoffs and departs their company. Then, these true pilgrims discuss subjects such as proper fear of the Lord and the reality of those who begin the journey only to turn back and perish.

A fear of Hell only and a confidence in one’s own righteousness will prevent many from entering heaven.

Key Quotes

“True Justifying Faith puts the soul (which is aware of its lost condition because the law has shown it) flying for refuge into Christ’s righteousness (which righteousness of his is not an act of grace, but his personal obedience to the Law, in doing and suffering for us what that required at our hands).”

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// (Page 211)

“True or right fear is made clear by three things: 1. When it comes, it comes with saving convictions for sins. 2. It drives the soul to lay hold fast to Christ for salvation. 3. It births and continues a great reverence of God, his Word, and Ways in the soul, keeping it tender and making it afraid to turn aside, to the right hand or to the left, or to anything that may dishonor God, break its peace with him, grieve the Spirit, or cause the Enemy to speak shamefully.”

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// (Page 214)

Chapter 11

The Pilgrims Arrive in the Celestial City and Meet Their King

As Christian and Hopeful travel closer and closer to the Celestial City the land around them grows more pleasant. The air is sweeter, the land is full of gardens and vineyards, and the longing for heaven grows ever more intense.

 

The final obstacle between these men and the gate of the city is a river. As they cross the river Christian is terrified and fears he won’t make it slipping under the water several times. Yet again, he is encouraged by his friend Hopeful, and they safely reach the other side together and are gladly and warmly welcomed into the great city by the Lord Himself. The joy and glory of that land is beyond human imagination.

 

The journey of a believer is wrought with many dangers, toils, and snares, but oh the wonder that awaits them when they see their King face to face and live with Him and His people forever!

Key Quotes

“The reflection of the Sun on the City, which was pure Gold, was so extremely glorious, that they could not face it with their eyes open.”

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// (Page 225)

“Now I saw in my Dream that the two Pilgrims went in at the Gate, and, as they entered, they were transfigured, and they had Raiment put on that shone like Gold. Also, Harps and Crowns were given to them, the Harps to praise and the Crowns as tokens of Honor. Then I heard in my Dream that all the Bells in the City rang for joy again, and that it was said to them, ‘Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ I also heard the men singing themselves with a loud voice, saying, ‘Blessing, Honor, Glory, and Power, be to him who sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever.’”

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// (Page 233)

  

Conclusion

The Christian life is fraught with many perils and dangers. The world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly at believers’ heels seeking to impede their progress or cause them to slip up or bring reproach upon the name of Christ. It is not a journey that should be taken without considering the cost.

And yet, the reward is very great. The Celestial City is the place where Christians will rejoice with one another in the presence of their King for all eternity. The Christian life is worth it and then some. The Pilgrim’s Progress is a wonderful reminder that Christ is worthy of a devoted life.

Scripture is Sufficient

The Bible is the highest and sufficient authority Christians must appeal to for all doctrine and manner of life

Tweet

Biblical Order of Conversion

A lost person must be convicted by the law of God for personal sin and in response look for justification by faith alone in Christ alone who is revealed to sinners by the Father.

Tweet

Pilgrims Progress Personally not Privately

While every believer’s progress in the faith happens a little differently, no Christian is meant to journey alone.

  Tweet

Book Review & Analysis

AccelerateBooks Score: 4 / 5

What Makes It Unique?

The final obstacle between these men and the gate of the city is a river. As they cross the river Christian is terrified and fears he won’t make it slipping under the water several times. Yet again, he is encouraged by his friend Hopeful, and they safely reach the other side together and are gladly and warmly welcomed into the great city by the Lord Himself. The joy and glory of that land is beyond human imagination.

Strengths

The Christian life is fraught with many perils and dangers. The world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly at believers’ heels seeking to impede their progress or cause them to slip up or bring reproach upon the name of Christ. It is not a journey that should be taken without considering the cost.

 

Weaknesses

And yet, the reward is very great. The Celestial City is the place where Christians will rejoice with one another in the presence of their King for all eternity. The Christian life is worth it and then some. The Pilgrim’s Progress is a wonderful reminder that Christ is worthy of a devoted life.

Final Review

Yet again, he is encouraged by his friend Hopeful, and they safely reach the other side together and are gladly and warmly welcomed into the great city by the Lord Himself. The joy and glory of that land is beyond human imagination.

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Pilgrim's Progress

John Bunyan

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