the Celestial City

YESSSS! Welcome to the last post on Pilgrim’s Progress! It’s bitter sweet but mainly sweet, haha.

It’s been such a good book even though it’s been confusing at times; it’s also taught me a lot and encouraged me in my own walk with God 🙂

Well, enjoy this last post on Pilgrim’s Progress 😀

context

Alright, so we kind of left of weirdly but let’s just continue on – remember I’m just focusing on one section so afterwards all my thoughts are focused on that.

Right now, Christian is basically on the verge of death, nearly drowning. I didn’t get to that part last time, but the last challenge for Christian and Hopeful was the giant deep river. So here Christian is, feeling hopeless and lost.

But Hopeful was there. He stayed and tried to encourage his good friend, Christian. Through the chaotic waters he comforted.

I love this:

then said Hopeful…

“these troubles and distresses that you go through in these waters are no sign that God has forsaken you; but are sent to try you, whether you will call to mind that which heretofore you have received of His goodness, and live upon him in your distresses.”

Finally, they get through the river and meet angels from the Celestial City. They talked a bit while the ‘Shining Ones’ as Bunyan calls them, escorted them to the gate. I don’t really know why, but I like this…

the city stood upon a mighty hill… they therefore went up here with much agility and speed, though the foundation upon which the city was framed was higher then the clouds. They therefore went up through the regions of air, sweetly talking as they went, being comforted, because they safely got over the river, and had such glorious companions to attend them.

I’ll note on why I like it in the ‘my thoughts’ section 🙂

Alright, so basically, Christian and Hopeful make it and are at peace and see the Celestial City where they will now dwell in peace and love and in relationship with the one true King.

It was all that they wanted and more. So ineffable. To good for words.

my thoughts

Okay! Let’s go back to where Christian was struggling in the waters. Go back and read the quote from Hopeful.

Sometimes life feels like chaotic waters; drowning us – life is crazy. But when you’re a Christian, we can rely on God. We know whatever life throws at us, we will forever have Jesus. The section immediately made me think about 3 of my absolute FAVORITE passages in the Bible. Go check them out!

Psalm 18

(verses 4-6) The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.

Psalm 46

(verses 1-2) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea

Isaiah 43:1-7

(verse 2) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you.

I referenced part of each of them, but I encourage you to read all of each of them 🙂 But yeah, those are my notes for that part.

For the second, part… I love that it’s on a mountain. Set above everything in the clouds! The whole section I just wanted to quote the entire thing! So I really just encourage you to go read it because it is just so beautiful. Here’s just a bit more of the Celestial City image…

“you are going now,” they (the angels) said “to the Paradise of

God, wherien you shall see the Tree of Life, and eat the

never–fading fruits thereof; and when you come there, you

shall have white robes given to you, and your walk and talk shall be every day with the King, even all the days of eternity.”

conclusion

Well thank you so much for sticking with me and reading these posts! I hope you enjoyed them very much and maybe will even re read some!

Just remember

Jesus is THE ONLY way to life

Thanks for reading! 🙂