Accelerate Pilgrims Progress Book Brief

S U M M A RY
THE PILG RIM ’ S

P R O G RESS
by John Bunyan
• Key Insights
• Best Quotes
• Study Questions
BOOK BRIEF BY
AccelerateBooks.com
The Pilgrim’s Progress
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Main Idea 4
Key Insights
Key Insight 1 6
Key Insight 2 10
Key Insight 3 14
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1 18
Chapter 2 20
Chapter 3 22
Chapter 4 24
Chapter 5 27
Chapter 6 29
Chapter 7 31
Chapter 8 33
Chapter 9 35
Authorized Use For Registered Members Only 2 © 2018 Accelerate Books. All Rights Reserved.
The Pilgrim’s Progress
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 10 37
Chapter 11 39
Conclusion 41
About Accelerate 42
MAIN IDEA The Pilgrim’s Progress
The Pilgrim’s
Progress
MAIN IDEA
E
very age deals with discussions on what truly constitutes a genuine
Christian and what the Christian life really looks like. The Pilgrim’s
Progress takes readers on a fictional journey that is grounded in
biblical truth.
“Then I saw in my Dream that the Shining Men had them call at the gate as
they did, some from above looked over the gate, and it was Enoch, Moses,
and Elijah. The Shining Men said to them, ‘These Pilgrims have come from
the City of Destruction for the love they bear to the King of this place.’” (p.
232)
MAIN IDEA The Pilgrim’s Progress
This allegorical tale encourages and equips true believers on their Christian
walk. In doing so, it also helps convict and perhaps even convert those
who have seen Christianity as something less than how the Bible defines it.
Scripture saturates every page as verses, references, or concepts from Holy
Writ are woven into each aspect of the story.
Every Christian should read The Pilgrim’s Progress (perhaps multiple times!)
as it will help strengthen their resolve to follow Christ, warn them of the
dangers that can befall even the most seasoned of believers, fuel their joy
in Christ, and enlarge their hope for heaven. It can be used in evangelistic
endeavors as well as with children to help explain some of the great truths
of the Christian faith.
KEY INSIGHT 1 The Pilgrim’s Progress
INSIGHT
Scripture is
1 Sufficient
The Bible is the highest and sufficient
authority Christians must appeal to for all
doctrine and manner of life.
“I
f you do not believe me, read here in this Book. And for the truth
of what is expressed in it, look, all is confirmed by the blood
of Him who made it.” (p. 10) So says Christian to his neighbor
Pliable as he seeks to persuade him to join him on his journey toward the
Celestial City to escape the coming judgment.
The significance of the Book Christian refers to is exemplified by the fact

that countless references are made to Scripture throughout the work.
Any argument stands or falls so far as it aligns with the truthfulness of
God’s Word. Thus, The Pilgrim’s Progress makes the appeal to the Bible as
its highest authority. Every situation, character, and plot is intended to
symbolize biblical truth.
Vastly more important than this allegory is “God’s Book” (p. 197) which is
the Christian’s sufficient source of truth by which to try all experiences.
“‘And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true?’ ‘Yes,
truly. For it was made by him who cannot lie.’” (p. 11)
True, the Bible was written by men, but the Holy Spirit of God breathed in
and through these men in their work in such a way that every jot and tittle
is the very voice of God Himself in written form. The Christian’s hope for
understanding the Christian life must ultimately be derived from Scripture.
All pilgrims will make their progress by seeing Scripture alone as their
highest and sufficient authority for judging all actions, experiences, and
doctrines. This book is really a giant arrow pointing readers to understand
that Book.
KEY QUOTES
• “Pliable replied, ‘Come, Neighbor Christian, since it is
only us two here, tell me now further what the things are,
and how to be enjoyed, where we are going.’ ‘I can better
conceive of them with my mind than speak of them with
my tongue. But since you are desirous to know, I will read

of them in my Book,’ Christian said.” (p. 11)
• “Then he gave me a Book written by Jesus and about

Jesus, to encourage me more freely to come. He told me
that regarding the Book, every single bit of it was firmer
than Heaven and Earth.” (p. 199)
• “When our thoughts of God agree with what the Word says
about him (and by that I mean, when we believe what the
Word teaches about his Being and Attributes are true),
then we have right thoughts of God.” (p. 209)
• “Blessed are they who do his Commandments. They

may have [the] right to the Tree of Life and may enter in
through the Gates into the City.” (p. 232)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
• In what ways have you allowed your own feelings,
experiences, or the opinions of others to shape your
understanding of the Christian life? Why it is it so crucial that
you weigh these things against Scripture?
• How does the Bible being ‘written by Jesus and about Jesus’
affect our interpretation of Scripture?
• In what ways can you deepen your habits of reading and

meditating on Scripture so that you might be like Bunyan and,
in the words of Charles Spurgeon, “bleed bibline”?
INSIGHT
Biblical Order
2 of Conversion
A lost person must be convicted by the
law of God for personal sin and in response
look for justification by faith alone in Christ
alone who is revealed to sinners by the
Father.
N
o one comes to Christ without feeling his or her need for Christ.
No one feels his or her need for Christ if they think their heart
anything other than dreadfully sinful. And no one will see the
true nature of the heart without being exposed to God’s righteous laws from
His Word (every person’s conversion in The Pilgrim’s Progress is explicitly
tied to an exposure to Scripture).
Christian tells Ignorance that he has a “Faith that’s a fantasy…” and “a false
Faith” (p. 210). His reasoning is that Ignorance has concluded that he can
be a true believer simply because he believes “Christ died for sinners” (p.
210).
It is not enough for people to believe right things about Jesus. They must
also see Christ as their only hope for the forgiveness of sins and right
standing with God. Furthermore, “Christ is so hidden in God from the
natural tendencies of flesh, that he cannot be known by any unless God
the Father reveals him to them” (p. 212).
In other words, men cannot simply decide one day to reform their ways
and thus become a Christian. There must be a conviction of sin in their
life about breaking God’s laws. They must see Jesus as their only hope of
salvation and receive His righteousness by faith alone. And because of the
depravity of man, all of this is brought about through the grace of the Father
in revealing Christ to sinful men.
Yet, the mercy of Christ invites all men to come (see p. 199). The sad truth is
that no man desires to come to Christ in and of himself because of the evil
of the heart. The good news is that God continues to work in the gospel so
as to convict men of sin and show them their great need of Christ.
Thus, the order of conversion is conviction of sin, the revealing of Christ

from the Father, and the sinner placing his or her faith in the finished work
of Jesus. Jesus is the only way. All must come through Him by remaining on
the narrow path if they hope to see the Celestial City.
KEY QUOTES
• “Then was Christian glad and lightsome and said with
a merry heart, ‘He has given me rest by his sorrow, and
life by his death.’ Then he stood still awhile to look and
wonder, for it was very surprising to him, that the sight of
the Cross should thus ease him of his Burden. He looked
therefore, and looked again, until the springs in his head
sent the waters down his cheeks. As he stood looking and
weeping, three Shining Ones came to him and saluted him
with Peace. The first said to him, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’
The second stripped him of his Rags and clothed him with
Change of Raiment. The third set a mark in his forehead
and gave him a Roll with a Seal upon it, which he told
him look on as he ran, and that he should give it at the
Celestial Gate.” (p. 48)
• “‘How can you,’ Christian exclaimed, ‘think you must

believe in Christ when you cannot see your need of him!
You see neither your original sin or your actual sin, but
think so highly of yourself and what you do, that how
could you ever need Christ’s personal righteousness to
justify you before God?’” (p. 210)
• “No man can know Jesus Christ except through the

revelation of the Father.” (p. 212)
• How does the truth that sinners must be convicted of their
personal sin before becoming a Christian affect the way we
share the gospel?
• Why is justification by faith alone in Christ alone such good

news?
• Does the necessity of the Father to reveal the Son to sinners

concern you or fill you with hope? Why should it fill you with
hope?
Pilgrims
INSIGHT
3 Progress
Personally
not Privately
While every believer’s progress in the faith
happens a little differently, no Christian is
meant to journey alone.
E
very believer must have a personal relationship with Jesus. No
one can enter the “wicket gate” through anyone else. It must be a
personal decision, by grace, to repent and believe the gospel. This
personal relationship, however, is not to be understood as a private one.
Christian is helped initially in his conversion with Evangelist telling him to

“fly from the wrath to come” (p. 7). Then at nearly every stage of Christian’s
journey, he both is helped by others to mature in the faith and helps others
in their walk with the Lord.
The local church plays a key roll in a believer’s life. Christian states, “Truly,
if it had not been for the good man, the Porter standing at the Gate, I do
not know whether I would have kept going” (p. 62). The porter represents
a pastor who is charged to watch over his flock. The local church is a
prominent point of examination, equipping, and encouragement for the
new believer.
Christian spends much of his journey toward the Celestial City with either
Faithful or Hopeful. Christian both encourages and is encouraged by these
other believers as they take turns instructing one another in the faith.
Particularly, they are not afraid to ask difficult and probing questions
about the Christian life. These relationships are more than a surface level
acquaintanceship that many believers have with members of their local
church. These relationships offer accountability, encouragement, and
strength for the Christian life.
Later, the role of pastors (and thus also the local church) is emphasized
again in the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains. The Shepherds guide
and instruct Hopeful and Christian on their way to their journey’s end.
The point in all of this is that the Christian journey is not meant to be traveled
alone. Believers need deep relationships with other Christians. They need
the local church for accountability and encouragement. Christians need

pastors to instruct and guide them.
Pilgrims progress personally but not privately. Lone ranger Christianity is

foreign to Scripture.
KEY QUOTES
• “Thus [Christian and Faithful] went on talking of what they
had seen along the way, and it made the path easier which
otherwise would have been tedious.” (p. 116)
• “Christian said sadly: ‘I am sorry I have brought you out of

the way and that I have put you into such danger. Please,
my Brother, forgive me. I did not have evil intentions in my
heart, I promise.’ ‘Be comforted, my brother,’ Hopeful said
back. ‘I forgive you and believe this shall be for our good.’”
(p. 159)
• “Now in my Dream, I saw also when the Shepherds

realized the Pilgrims were way-faring men, they asked
the same questions of them which they had been asked
many times up until then. Questions like; Where did you

come from? How did you get here? And how have you
persevered up until now? For only a few who began the
Journey had gotten this far. But when the Shepherds
heard their answers, they were very pleased and they
looked lovingly upon them, saying, ‘Welcome to the
Delectable Mountains.’” (p. 169)
• What Christian friend do you have in your life who is willing to
truly challenge you to grow in your walk with the Lord? How
can you move beyond the superficial relationships we too
often have with other believers?
• Why is the Christian commitment to the local church so vital

to his or her walk with the Lord? How can your commitment
increase?
• Who have you encouraged in their walk with Jesus lately?
CHAPTER 1 The Pilgrim’s Progress
CHAPTER
The Beginning
1 of Christian’s
Journey and
the Burden
He Carried
H
is burden of sin became unbearable. He did not merely feel
burdened but was literally weighed down by the physical
presence of the pack of sin upon his back. The man, Christian,
after reading God’s Book, feared the coming judgment against sinners but
did not know how to escape it. Thankfully, one named Evangelist came to
his aid and implored him to run to “yonder Wicket gate” (p. 8).
Thus begins Christian’s journey. His pilgrimage is difficult from the

beginning as he followed Evangelist’s instructions despite his own family
and friends calling him back. Then, the Slough of Despond almost ended
his journey before it began. This slough is where one gets caught in despair
for conviction without then looking to Christ.
Next, Worldly-Wiseman attempted to convince Christian to erase his burden

with the works of the Law. This only made Christian miserable. Once again
Evangelist stepped in and pointed Christian toward the gate. At this point,
Christian wasn’t sure what this gate had in store, but he became convinced
that it was the only place where his burden could be lifted.
KEY QUOTES
• “Sir, I see by the Book in my hand, that I am condemned to
die, and after that come to Judgment, and I find that I am
not willing to do the first, nor able to do the second.” (p. 7)
• “Then Evangelist said to him, ‘Your sin is very great, you

have forsaken the way that is good to tread in forbidden
paths. Yet will the man at the Gate receive you, for he has
goodwill for men. Only,’ said he, ‘take heed that you turn
not aside again, in case you perish from the way, when his
wrath is kindled a little.’” (p. 26)
CHAPTER
The Interpretation
2 of Things
Christian Will
Need to Know
W
ith his dangerous excursion out of the way, Christian was
resolute to enter the gate Evangelist had pointed him to.
Upon arriving at the gate he questioned his worthiness to
enter, but the keeper of the gate gladly pulled him inside.
The keeper then pointed Christian to the house of the Interpreter. The
Interpreter prepared the pilgrim by showing him the necessity of avoiding
worldly lusts and pursuits. He warned him to stay only and always on the
narrow way and reminded him of Christ’s preserving grace even when
it can’t be seen or felt. He exhorted him of the futility of law-keeping for
remission of sins, while encouraging him with the sufficiency of the gospel.
While Christian’s burden hadn’t been removed, he was now ready for the
journey ahead. He continued on the narrow path toward the Celestial City.
KEY QUOTES
• “Look before you. Do you see this narrow way? That is
the way you must go. It was cast upon by the Patriarchs,
Prophets, Christ, and his Apostles, and it is as straight as a
rule can make it. This is the way you must go.” (p. 33)
• “When the gospel comes in, there are sweet and precious
influences of it to the heart...so is sin vanquished and
subdued, and the soul made clean, through the faith of it,
and consequently fit for the King of Glory to inhabit.”
(p. 36)
CHAPTER
Christian
3 Loses His Roll
and Meets
Three Damsels
T
he pack fell from his back. The burden of sin Christian had been
made aware of by the Book finally fell away simply by looking to
the Cross. By the cross alone Christian was forgiven of sins, clothed
in new garments, and given a roll with a seal upon it that was the assurance
of his salvation.
As Christian joyfully continued his journey he looked frequently at that

roll. But in a time of slothfulness he lost the roll and bewailed his lack of
assurance. After repenting, he found the roll again and journeyed on to a
palace built by the lord of the hill (a local church).
At this house, damsels examined the pilgrim’s testimony and then

admitted him gladly into the Family. Here he was encouraged with sweet
fellowship, sound doctrine, and biblical instruction. After a few days stay,
he was clothed in the Armor of God and sent on his way further equipped
to continue toward the Celestial City.
KEY QUOTES
• “Just as Christian came up to the Cross, his Burden loosed
from off his shoulders, and fell off from his back. It began
to tumble and continued to tumble until it came to the
mouth of the Sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no
more.” (p. 47)
• [From the damsels’ examination] “‘And what is it that

makes you so desirous to go to Mount Zion?’ ‘Why, there
I hope to see him alive who hung dead on the Cross. And
there I hope to be rid of all those things that to this day
are in me an annoyance to me. There, they say, there is no
death. And there I shall dwell with the Company I like best.
To tell the truth, I love him, because I was by him eased of
my Burden, and I am weary of my inward sickness. I desire
to be where I shall die no more, and with the Company
that shall continually cry, Holy, Holy, Holy.’” (p. 64)
CHAPTER
Christian Fights
4 with Apollyon
and Experiences
Many Dark Things
A
s Christian traveled toward the Celestial City he met a great
and wicked demon named Apollyon. This evil one attempted
to persuade Christian to turn back to the City of Destruction he
had fled from.
After Apollyon was unable to convince Christian to renounce his loyalty to

Christ, he attacked him. With the armor of God, Christian was able to hold
his ground, but as the battle raged he found himself growing weaker. Finally,
with the sword of truth, he injured Apollyon who left him and “Christian,
for a season, saw him no more” (p. 78).
Next, Christian found himself walking through the Valley of the Shadow of
Death. He was terrified by many unseen evils and had nothing to rely on
but prayer. The Lord rescued Christian from this valley and strengthened
his faith all the more for having been through it.
Why he was spared Christian did not know, but he resolved all the more
to continue that narrow way toward his great end in the Celestial City. The
Christian struggle against Satan and his army is real, but not insurmountable
because of Christ, His Word, and the whole armor of God.
KEY QUOTES
• “But now, in this Valley of Humiliation, poor Christian
had a harder time. In only a little while he saw a foul
Fiend coming over the field tomee thim, whose name
is Apollyon. Then Christian began to be afraid, and to
wonder whether he should go back or stand his ground.
But he considered again that he had no Armor for his back
and because of that, he realized that to turn back might
give Apollyon the greater advantage to pierce him with his
Darts. Therefore he resolved to venture on and stand his
ground. For, thought Pilgrim, it would be the best way to
stand.” (p. 74)
• “When Christian had traveled in this disorienting condition

for some time, he thought he heard the voice of a man,
going before him saying, ‘Though I walk through the Valley
of the Shadow of Death, I will fear none ill, for you are with
me.’ Then he was glad for these reasons: First, because
he gathered that some who feared God were also in this
Valley with him. Secondly, because he saw God was with
them, though in that dark and dismal state. And why
wouldn’t he be with me as well, even if I cannot see him?
Thirdly, because he hoped if he could catch up to those
ahead of him, he would have company along the Way. So
he went on, and called out to them. But he did not know
what to say, for he also thought he was by himself. Soon
though, the day broke. Then said Christian, ‘He has turned
the Shadow of Death into morning.’” (p. 84)
CHAPTER
Christian and
5 Faithful Testify to
One Another
and Talk with
Talkative
C
hristian found glad companionship in a fellow pilgrim named
Faithful. He and Faithful discussed their pilgrimage together and
found edification in one another’s testimonies of their journey
and the goodness and grace of the Lord.
Soon, these men came upon another traveler named Talkative. This man
spoke many great words about the faith. Faithful even temporarily believes
that Talkative is a fellow Pilgrim on the way. Soon, however, Talkative is
exposed for the man he really is: all talk and no fruit of faith. Walking with
the Lord is more than a mere profession of faith, but is also living for Christ
as King.
Talkative departed from the travelers and they once again met up with
Evangelist who warned them of what lies ahead in their journey. They
pressed on nonetheless toward the Celestial City edified and strengthened
by one another’s company.
KEY QUOTES
• “Fools for the Kingdom of Heaven are wisest, and...the
poor man who loves Christ is richer than the greatest man
in the world that hates him.” (p. 100)
• “Talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit is indeed in the

heart and life. Let us not forget that at the day of Doom
men will be judged according to their fruits.” (p. 108)
CHAPTER
Christian and
6 Faithful in the Fair
and the Witness
of Faithfulness
B
elievers are in the world but not of the world. Christian and Faithful
lived out this truth as they entered the town called Vanity. This
town lies directly upon their route toward the Celestial City and
there was no way to avoid it.
In this town was a yearlong fair known as Vanity Fair. These pilgrims were
so different from the world in the way they dressed, talked, and acted that
they soon caused a serious stir. The world desired these men to conform,
but they would not, and soon a fight broke out. Christian and Faithful were
placed in a cage and a trial ensued. The town could not stand that these
men’s words and actions had condemned them. Faithful was sentenced to
die and met a cruel death but was then carried off to the Celestial City in a
Chariot. Christian was set free and continued his journey now alone.
KEY QUOTES
• “Now Faithful play the Man, speak for your God:
Fear not the wicked’s malice, nor their rod:
Speak boldly man, the Truth is on your side;
Die for it, and to Life in triumph ride.” (p. 127)
• “Faithful began his defense…’Whatever Rule, or Laws, or

Customs, or People were flat against the Word of God are
diametrically opposite to Christianity...whatever is in the
Worship of God that cannot co-exist with Divine Revelation
is only done with human faith, which is not profitable to
Eternal Life.’” (p. 130-131)
CHAPTER
Hopeful Joins
7 Christian and
They Encounter
the Entrapments
of Life
N
o Christian suffering is in vain. The testimony of Christian and
Faithful in Vanity Fair impacted some men in that city so that
they too became followers of the King of kings. One of these
men was named Hopeful, and joined Christian as they made their way
toward the Celestial City.
Christian and Hopeful encountered travelers who did not like that these
Pilgrims were so rigid in their convictions, calling them “overly righteous”
(p. 142). These travelers were also convinced it was a noble endeavor to
use Religion as a means to worldly gain. Christian rebuked them and then
helped save Hopeful from being lured away from the narrow way by worldly
riches.
These pilgrims then enjoyed moments of peace and tranquility on their

way toward their Journey’s end. When believers enjoy fellowship with one
another it helps protect them from the lures of this world and brings them
joy in the faith.
KEY QUOTES
• “One died as a Testimony to the Truth and another rose
out of his ashes to be a Companion with Christian to his
Pilgrimage.” (p. 137)
• “If it is unlawful to follow Christ for loaves, as it is John

chapter six, how much more abominable is it to make of
him and Religion a Stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the
world...The man who takes up Religion for the World will
throw away Religion for the World.” (p. 146-147)
CHAPTER
The Pilgrims Take
8 the Easy Path and
Become Prisoners
of Doubt
T
he narrow road pilgrims traverse is not always easy. Christian and
Hopeful’s feet had become weary from the long journey and they
chose to go off the path in order to enjoy easier footing. Soon, they
realized their mistake of going out of the way, but it was too difficult to
make it back quickly. They were captured by a giant named Despair and
tossed into Doubting Castle.
The pilgrims were beaten and discouraged and Christian even considered
taking his own life (and might have if not for Hopeful’s encouragement).
Then Christian remembered he had the Key of Promise to escape. Believers
possess the great promises of the gospel to free them from times of great
despair and hopelessness.
After escaping, the Pilgrims made it back to the King’s Highway and met
the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains who warned and instructed
them and sent them along on their journey toward the Celestial City. The
Lord is good to His people in giving them those who will teach them sound
doctrine and godly living.
KEY QUOTES
• “It is always easier going out of the way than going back in
when we are out.” (p. 159-160)
• “‘My Brother,’ said [Hopeful], ‘remember how valiant

you’ve been up until now? Apollyon could not crush you,
nor could all you heard, or saw, or felt in the Valley of the
Shadow of Death. What hardship, terror, and amazement
have you already gone through, and now you’re nothing
but fear? You see that I am in the Dungeon with you, a
far weaker man by nature than you are, also this Giant
has wounded me as well as you, and has also cut off
Bread and Water from my mouth too. With you I mourn
without the light. But let’s exercise some more patience.
Remember what a man you were at Vanity Fair, and how
you were not afraid of the Chain, Cage, or of bloody Death?
Let us bear in patience, or at least avoid the shame of
quitting.’” (p. 164)
CHAPTER
The Pilgrims
9 Travel on Meeting
Flatterers and
Hopeful Shares
His Testimony
A
s Christian and Hopeful get ever closer to their journey’s
end, they continue to talk about the things of Christ between
themselves and others they meet along the way. They talk about
how there is only one way to begin this journey, through the wicket-gate.
They discuss how a little faith is enough to gain entrance into the Celestial
City even though it may create hardships at times in this life.
Suddenly, the Pilgrims are led away by Flatterer and caught in a Net. Yet,
they are rescued and disciplined in love for leaving the way again. As they are
more resolved than ever to stay on the Path, Hopeful shares his testimony
of conversion with Christian. Before his death, Faithful had shown Hopeful
his sins and pointed him to Christ. After wrestling with conviction and
trying to reform his outward life, Hopeful had eventually found solace in
justification by faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone.
KEY QUOTES
• “Because you and I are such footmen, let us never hope
to meet with an enemy, nor boast that we could do better,
when we hear that others have been foiled. Let us not be
impressed at the thought of our own manhood.” (p. 185)
• “If I had a thousand gallons of blood in my body, I would

spill it all for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” (p. 202)
CHAPTER
The Pilgrims Talk
10 with Ignorance
and Near the End
of Their Journey
A
nother traveler Christian and Hopeful converse with is a man by
the name of Ignorance. This man is sure that he is a true pilgrim
because his heart tells him so. Christian and Hopeful warn him
of the deceitfulness of the heart but he will have none of it.
Next, they explain to him the necessity of justification by faith alone in

Christ alone. At this, Ignorance scoffs and departs their company. Then,
these true pilgrims discuss subjects such as proper fear of the Lord and the
reality of those who begin the journey only to turn back and perish.
A fear of Hell only and a confidence in one’s own righteousness will prevent
many from entering heaven.
KEY QUOTES
• “True Justifying Faith puts the soul (which is aware of its
lost condition because the law has shown it) flying for
refuge into Christ’s righteousness (which righteousness of
his is not an act of grace, but his personal obedience to the
Law, in doing and suffering for us what that required at our
hands).” (p. 211)
• “True or right fear is made clear by three things: 1. When

it comes, it comes with saving convictions for sins. 2. It
drives the soul to lay hold fast to Christ for salvation. 3. It
births and continues a great reverence of God, his Word,
and Ways in the soul, keeping it tender and making it
afraid to turn aside, to the right hand or to the left, or to
anything that may dishonor God, break its peace with him,
grieve the Spirit, or cause the Enemy to speak shamefully.”
(p. 214-215)
CHAPTER
The Pilgrims
11 Arrive in the
Celestial City and
Meet Their King
A
s Christian and Hopeful travel closer and closer to the Celestial
City the land around them grows more pleasant. The air is
sweeter, the land is full of gardens and vineyards, and the
longing for heaven grows ever more intense.
The final obstacle between these men and the gate of the city is a river. As
they cross the river Christian is terrified and fears he won’t make it slipping
under the water several times. Yet again, he is encouraged by his friend
Hopeful, and they safely reach the other side together and are gladly and
warmly welcomed into the great city by the Lord Himself. The joy and glory
of that land is beyond human imagination.
The journey of a believer is wrought with many dangers, toils, and snares,
but oh the wonder that awaits them when they see their King face to face
and live with Him and His people forever!
KEY QUOTES
• “The reflection of the Sun on the City, which was pure
Gold, was so extremely glorious, that they could not face it
with their eyes open.” (p. 225)
• “Now I saw in my Dream that the two Pilgrims went in at

the Gate, and, as they entered, they were transfigured,
and they had Raiment put on that shone like Gold. Also,
Harps and Crowns were given to them, the Harps to praise
and the Crowns as tokens of Honor. Then I heard in my
Dream that all the Bells in the City rang for joy again, and
that it was said to them, ‘Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ I
also heard the men singing themselves with a loud voice,
saying, ‘Blessing, Honor, Glory, and Power, be to him who
sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever.’”
(p. 233)
CONCLUSION The Pilgrim’s Progress
CONCLUSION
T
he Christian life is fraught with many perils and dangers. The
world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly at believers’ heels
seeking to impede their progress or cause them to slip up or bring
reproach upon the name of Christ. It is not a journey that should be taken
without considering the cost.
And yet, the reward is very great. The Celestial City is the place where
Christians will rejoice with one another in the presence of their King for all
eternity. The Christian life is worth it and then some. The Pilgrim’s Progress
is a wonderful reminder that Christ is worthy of a devoted life.
The main 3 Key Insights in this book are:
1
Scripture is Sufficient
The Bible is the highest and sufficient authority Christians must
appeal to for all doctrine and manner of life.
CONCLUSION The Pilgrim’s Progress
2
Biblical Order of Conversion
A lost person must be convicted by the law of God for personal
sin and in response look for justification by faith alone in
Christ alone who is revealed to sinners by the Father.
3
Pilgrims Progress Personally not Privately
While every believer’s progress in the faith happens a little
differently, no Christian is meant to journey alone.
ACC E LE RATE
This book brief was written by Accelerate Books, a TCB Media company.
Accelerate distills top theology books to their key insights.
Accelerate members get access to 8 new book briefs every single month
and access to our entire library of previous book briefs.
For more information, visit our website at
https://www.AccelerateBooks.com
T RY AC C ELERATE
F OR F REE

Accelerate Pilgrims Progress Book Brief

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Accelerate Pilgrims Progress Book Brief

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

S U M M A RY

THE PILG RIM ’ S

The significance of the Book Christian refers to is exemplified by the fact

my tongue. But since you are desirous to know, I will read

• “Then he gave me a Book written by Jesus and about

• “Blessed are they who do his Commandments. They

• In what ways can you deepen your habits of reading and

Thus, the order of conversion is conviction of sin, the revealing of Christ

• “‘How can you,’ Christian exclaimed, ‘think you must

• “No man can know Jesus Christ except through the

• Why is justification by faith alone in Christ alone such good

• Does the necessity of the Father to reveal the Son to sinners

Christian is helped initially in his conversion with Evangelist telling him to

the local church for accountability and encouragement. Christians need

Pilgrims progress personally but not privately. Lone ranger Christianity is

• “Christian said sadly: ‘I am sorry I have brought you out of

• “Now in my Dream, I saw also when the Shepherds

many times up until then. Questions like; Where did you

• Why is the Christian commitment to the local church so vital

• Who have you encouraged in their walk with Jesus lately?

Thus begins Christian’s journey. His pilgrimage is difficult from the

for conviction without then looking to Christ.

Next, Worldly-Wiseman attempted to convince Christian to erase his burden

• “Then Evangelist said to him, ‘Your sin is very great, you

As Christian joyfully continued his journey he looked frequently at that

At this house, damsels examined the pilgrim’s testimony and then

• [From the damsels’ examination] “‘And what is it that

After Apollyon was unable to convince Christian to renounce his loyalty to

• “When Christian had traveled in this disorienting condition

• “Talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit is indeed in the

• “Faithful began his defense…’Whatever Rule, or Laws, or

These pilgrims then enjoyed moments of peace and tranquility on their

• “If it is unlawful to follow Christ for loaves, as it is John

• “‘My Brother,’ said [Hopeful], ‘remember how valiant

• “If I had a thousand gallons of blood in my body, I would

Next, they explain to him the necessity of justification by faith alone in

• “True or right fear is made clear by three things: 1. When

• “Now I saw in my Dream that the two Pilgrims went in at

The main 3 Key Insights in this book are:

You might also like