THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – INTRODUCTION – THE UPWARD CALL
"… this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13b-14).
The Pilgrim's Progress is a classic allegory written by John Bunyan that has encouraged Christians through the centuries.
John Bunyan (1628-1688) was in jail for 12 years from 1661-1673 because his religious convictions were at odds with the Church of England. While in prison, he wrote this story, using only his imagination and his Bible as sources. It is written in allegory form, and should be understood in that sense. The various characters represent forces that try to discourage "Christian" from reaching the Celestial City.
The Pilgrim's Progress is the tale of a man who has come to understand that the city he lives in is doomed for destruction because of its wickedness. So he leaves his family and friends to begin the pilgrimage to the Celestial City. Along the way, he meets with various trials and temptations that try to deter him from continuing along the path to the heavenly destination.
As one reads the story, he or she might identify with many of the situations and characters in the book. But the Pilgrim endures and stays true to his upward calling, despite many distractions and battles. So let's join Pilgrim on his journey.
Love, Dad
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