A Word of Encouragement From Pilgrims Progress
Then I saw in my dream, that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a place where was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it, always casting much water upon it, to quench it; yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.
Then said Christian, What means this?
The Interpreter answered, This fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he that casts water upon it, to extinguish and put it out, is the devil: but in that thou seest the fire, notwithstanding, burn higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. So he had him about to the back side of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, of the which he did also continually cast (but secretly) into the fire.
Then said Christian, What means this?
The Interpreter answered, This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of his grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart; by the means of which, notwithstanding what the devil can do, the souls of his people prove gracious still. 2 Cor. 12:9. And in that thou sawest that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire; this is to teach thee, that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul.
-John Bunyan-
7 Comments:
I just looked up 2 Corinthiands 12:9 My Grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, there-fore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ May dwell in me.
Good to hear that Christ can perfect even me.
Like Pilgrim it is great to be reminded how grace is maintained in the soul.
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Thanks for the reminders of what a classic this book is. These posts have motivated me to go back and read it again.
Just goes to show, you can have a great story, classic literature, and maintain sound doctrine.
I remember seeing the "movie" Pilgrims Progress in church when I was little. What a vivid image of our salvaltion. Thanks for the reminder.
I've never read this book. I think I'm going to though.
Thanks for the post and the prayer brother!
Awesome reminder that Christ alone is the finisher of our faith. Satan really has no power at all except what may be allowed him, for a time, by our Lord.
I am beginning to see that you have the gift of mercy. Thank you for sharing from "PILGRIMS PROGRESS".
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