Defending the Faith

Journey to the Celestial City #58. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, the latter having faced his accusers, Envy, Superstition and Pickthank, he now makes his defense. To Envy he replies, "I never said aught but this, that what rules, or laws, or custom, or people, were flat against the word of God, are diametrically opposite to Christianity." To Superstition he continues, "[W]hatever is thrust into the worship of God, that is not agreeable to divine revelation (in other words, does not measure up to the pattern of Jesus Christ), cannot be done but by a human faith, which faith will not be profitable to eternal life (in other words, such a person will find himself separated from God after he dies). To Pickthank he concludes, "[T]he prince of this town (Vanity Fair), with all the rabblement (disturbance), his attendants, by this gentleman named, are more fit for being in hell than in this town and country." And faith in Jesus is to find it's defense in those who call upon His name. And where is the man - where is the woman - who will take their stand for the Gospel during these last days? And where is the man - where is the woman - in the neighborhood, in the marketplace, in the schools, in politics - in the apostate church! - who will not apologize (say they're sorry for) but instead "apologize" (offer strong and conclusive evidence) to unbelievers? We are here. It is us. "[B]ut sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3:15) "'For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?'" (Esther 4:16) 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 87-88