The Pilgrim's Progress is made available to read for free in the 2014 release by Desiring God. The film can be purchased from revelation media here.
The passage of time is an unavoidable aspect of human existence on Earth, often leading to feelings of despair, especially for Christians on their journey towards eternal life in the presence of their saviour. This phenomenon is arguably as certain as divine revelation. I once encountered a quote, possibly shared on Facebook, which I cannot locate now, but it conveyed the essence of change in our world:
"In this world, change is inevitable. The structural beams of our homes weaken over time. Loved ones age. Precious memories gradually fade into the background. The computer I use will eventually cease to function. My body is ageing, moving closer to its inevitable end. Everything appears to be in a state of flux. When I look at a photo of myself from over a decade ago, it feels like I'm looking at someone else. My appearance and thoughts have evolved; I've experienced more and, hopefully, gained wisdom. Despite these changes, there is one constant that remains unchanged throughout this journey of transformation:"
But You [God] are the same, And Your years will not come to an end.
Psalm 102:27
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
God's essence and His love for His people are constants in an ever-changing world. R.C. Sproul highlighted the significance of the Hebrew word "hesed" in the Old Testament, which he believes is best translated as "loyal love." This term encapsulates God's genuine, immutable, and loyal affection for His people. According to Sproul, love and loyalty are inherently intertwined; it's impossible to exhibit true loyalty without love, just as genuine love cannot be capricious. God's unwavering support for His people is a testament to His unchanging nature.
Our anchor in this flux is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Despite the transformations we undergo externally and mentally, comparing our current selves to images from when we were 2, 10, or 24 years old, our core identity remains intact. We are fundamentally the same individuals God intended us to be, and our identity in Him is unaltered.
Ultimately, the only steadfast foundation we can cling to in this ever-evolving world, marked especially by decay, is God and His Word.
The Pilgrim's Progress
I recently watched the newly released animation titled "The Pilgrim's Progress," which debuted in April this year. It's based on the best-selling novel by John Bunyan, sharing the same name.
The story follows Christian, the protagonist, on his allegorical journey from the City of Destruction (symbolizing sin) to the Celestial City (representing paradise). Throughout his journey, Christian's faith is put to the test. He encounters numerous temptations that challenge his commitment to the straight and narrow path, as well as various individuals who either hinder or support his quest.
The film offered me a fresh perspective on life, one that aligns more closely with Biblical teachings. It also provides insightful reflections on how to navigate the passage of time and its inevitable challenges.
In our spiritual journey, much like Christian's, we Christians are on our pilgrimage to the Celestial City. Along the way, we face temptations that test our resolve:
Fear and despondency, which erode our hope and courage
Legality, or an overreliance on legalism rather than faith
The allure of comfort, which can divert us from challenging but necessary paths
Pride, which blinds us to our own vulnerabilities and need for divine guidance
Despair, which can make us lose sight of our ultimate goal
The relentless march of time can sometimes lead us into depths of despair, causing us to lose hope and courage. In the film adaptation of "The Pilgrim's Progress," Christian represents every believer on their spiritual journey. He is constantly reminded to keep his focus on the Celestial City's light, avoiding distractions from his past or the temptations to stray from his path. Despite this guidance, Christian, influenced by both external pressures and his own doubts, deviates from his path and finds himself imprisoned in the Castle of Despair. An earlier vision showed him trapped in a cage within the castle, endlessly screaming "No hope!" even though the cage door was open, symbolizing that the escape was within reach all along.
This imagery resonates deeply as it mirrors our encounters with despair, especially when we reminisce. We may grieve for the carefree days under our parents' protection or yearn for times spent with now-departed loved ones, feeling trapped in a cage of our making as time continues its inexorable advance.
The most poignant revelation from Christian’s ordeal is that he possessed the key, named "Promise," all along. This key, representing God's promises, signifies that he, and by extension, all of us, have no reason to succumb to despair. Trusting in God and His promises liberates us from the shackles of doubt and despair.
Similarly, we have access to God's promises through His Word, offering us a way to overcome the despair that can come with the passage of time.
Reflecting on this, there are two insights I gained from the film that could help us, as Christians, navigate the passage of time:
1. God's Promises
The film "The Pilgrim's Progress" highlights a powerful moment when Christian, trapped in the Castle of Despair, realizes he possesses the key named 'Promise.' This key symbolizes the unbreakable promises of the Celestial King (Jesus) who has unfailingly guided Christian throughout his journey towards the Celestial City. Christian's realization underscores a vital lesson: there was never any basis for doubting the King's promises of protection and guidance.
This theme resonates deeply with the teachings of the Bible, which is replete with promises made to God's children. Paul Washer pointed out the profoundness of these promises, suggesting that if we were to document each one and truly ponder their significance, our lifetimes would not suffice to encompass them all.
Among these numerous divine assurances, two particularly well-known yet profoundly relevant promises can be found in Romans 8. These promises not only offer comfort but also serve as a guiding light for Christians navigating the complexities of faith in the face of time's unrelenting passage.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 8:28-30
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
We worship a sovereign God who reigns supreme over all of creation, including the realm of time. His control over time is absolute, allowing it to progress solely by His divine will. The continued march of time serves a purpose, advancing according to God’s grand design for creation. In Romans 8, we are reassured that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose"—a promise that emphatically includes the passage of time. By embracing the Celestial King’s assurance, we understand that the vicissitudes of life and the relentless passage of time are not causes for despair. Instead, they are part of the divine orchestration working towards our ultimate good as we journey toward Him, transforming our perspective on change.
Moreover, the King has assured us that nothing can sever us from His love. It is essential to cling to this truth, to remain steadfast in our faith in the King and His eternal promises. It is only by holding tightly to these truths that we can navigate life without succumbing to despair, for the Celestial King is the one constant who will never fail us.
This realization brings me to a second insight that may offer guidance:
2. Pilgrimage to Where?
"The Pilgrim's Progress" offers a profound depiction of the Christian life as a pilgrimage, starting from the City of Destruction, which symbolizes sin, and leads to everlasting life. In this allegory, the journey of life itself is the road travelled, with death representing the final hurdle to eternal existence.
A particularly striking aspect of the film for me was the deliberate nature of the events and the people Christian encounters. There are no incidental characters; everyone plays a specific role. The individuals Christian meets are either agents of the City of Destruction, intent on deterring his progress or tempting him to return, or they are allies who aid him on his journey, acting under the guidance of the Celestial King. This duality underscores the intentional design of Christian's path by the Celestial King, highlighting the journey's orchestrated challenges and divine interventions.
Our journey as pilgrims signifies that we are on a purposeful voyage, with the ultimate aim of reaching our destination, not merely traversing the road. This journey invites us to embrace the passage of time, as each moment brings us closer to the Celestial City—a place of eternal fellowship with the King, devoid of sorrow and filled with unending joy. In our lives, the events we encounter, the people we meet, and the experiences we undergo are intricately woven into our journey as either challenges to surmount or aids to strengthen us for the completion of our pilgrimage. In God's sovereign design, nothing we encounter is neutral or without significance; every aspect of our lives has been purposefully ordained since the creation of the world.
However, it's crucial to remain vigilant, as the devil constantly seeks to derail us. One of his tactics involves enticing us into the Castle of Despair. Here, we might find ourselves pining for the past blessings and joyful moments granted by the Celestial King to sustain us on our journey. This fixation on the past, rather than maintaining our gaze on the King himself—who is our ultimate destination—can arrest our progress. This stagnation not only jeopardizes our journey but may also lead some to abandon their path entirely, mistakenly attributing their despair to the King.
Reflecting on past "better," "carefree," or "golden" times can paradoxically anchor us to periods when we were farther from the Celestial City than we are today. Such nostalgia runs counter to the essence of the Christian pilgrimage, which is a journey of progress towards our heavenly destination, not a retreat into the comfort of memories. The heart of this pilgrimage is the relentless pursuit of life with the Celestial King, which demands our unwavering focus on the journey ahead. To successfully navigate this path, we must cultivate a desire for the Celestial City that surpasses all else, steadfastly adhering to the straight path and continually moving forward.
The key to maintaining this forward momentum lies in anchoring ourselves to the King's promises. This involves dedicating time to immerse ourselves in His Word, living out its teachings, and engaging in regular prayer. It's about reflecting deeply on the promises God has made, sharing insights and encouragements with fellow pilgrims, and fostering a communal spirit of perseverance. Vigilance is crucial; we must avoid complacency at all costs, always remaining alert to the spiritual journey we're on. Only by embracing these practices can we ensure our progression towards our ultimate goal: eternal life in the presence of the Celestial King.
In conclusion, if you have the time, listen to the late Dr Greg Bahnsen's final sermon a week before his death. This will also be able to grant some perspective. The sermon is titled: "For me, to live is Christ, but to die is gain".
Discussion
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