Taking the Kingdom by Force

Journey to the Celestial City #16. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, viewing the fifth sight of seven shown to him by the Interpreter. This fifth sight is of a stately palace guarded by armed men so that no one should enter it. There is a table not far from the palace where a man stands ready to take down the names of those who would overtake the palace. Still another man approaches him, asks for his name to be written down and then proceeds with helmet and sword to charge the palace. With fierce determination he fends off the deadly blows of the men standing guard who would stop him. Ultimately he breaks through and enters the palace and receives his reward. And if we would attain our place in glory with Christ we must do violently to opposing foes and display a spirit that won't be denied. "'And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.'" (Matthew 11:12) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to "Pilgrim's Progress Series" in the left sidebar.) pp 25-26