Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and PILGRIMS, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” – 1 Peter 2:11

THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS, a most impactful Christian book of all time, illustrates The PILGRIM’S IMPACT: Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and PILGRIMS, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:13). The concepts of “pilgrim” and “progress” in John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” are strongly connected to the biblical idea of Believers in Christ as sojourners or strangers in this world. As citizens of a heavenly Kingdom, Believers are empowered and expected to live in a way that reflects that reality – actively rejecting worldly desires and focusing on spiritual growth and a heavenly destination. 

“The Pilgrim's Progress,” a Christian allegory, tells the story of Christian, a sin-burdened man on spiritual pilgrimage from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, who faced several trials, temptations, and distractions along the way, symbolizing the challenges of the Christian life. The book highlights the primacy of perseverance, faith, and trust on God's Word for spiritual growth and salvation. He had gruelling encounters with characters and locations that represent various aspects of the Christian faith and human experience. He battled inner demons, faced external opposition, and learnt valuable lessons along the way. 

Both "the Pilgrim’s Progress" and today’s meditation passage use the pilgrim’s metaphor to describe the Believer’s relationship to the world. This implies a temporary residence, a focus on a future home, and a distinct way of life that sets Believers apart from those who belong to this world. Believers are called to lay “aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” and to crave “the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (vv.1-2). As “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,” we are encouraged to “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (vv.9-11). Living as Sojourners and Pilgrims implies avoiding worldly desires and focusing on spiritual development. 

The story includes a second part where Christiana, the wife, embarked on a similar pilgrimage with their children, highlighting the importance of family and community in the Christian life. Key lessons from the book include: the importance of continuous spiritual growth, marked by overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes; persevering in faith despite difficulties; the value of community and mutual support; and the ultimate goal being the Celestial City, symbolizing heaven and eternal life.

"The Pilgrim's Progress" has had a profound impact on Christian literature and thought. It has been translated into numerous languages and has been a source of inspiration and guidance for believers for centuries.  The book’s accessible allegory and relatable characters have made it a foundational text for various Christian denominations. Its enduring acceptance stems from its powerful message about the Christian life and the universal human desire for spiritual fulfillment and heaven as home.