Read Pilgrim's Chapter 15: The Raging River

After Christian and Hopeful fell to the ground from the Flatterer's trap, the King's Herald who had come to their rescue gave them some insight...

The Raging River Email 15 in a 16 part series on the 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. —Rom. 6:7-8 [ESV] After Christian and Hopeful fell to the ground from the Flatterer's trap, freed from the web of their own boasting, the King's Herald who had come to their rescue gave them some insight about the next step on the King's Path. At their next destination "where the old is left forever and newness of life begins," they would need to be bold. The Celestial City lays just beyond the next test. Christian and Hopeful come upon the Raging River, a towering wall of water. Beyond the water, they could see the light of the Celestial City. Their goal was in sight! Running back and forth along the beach, Christian searched for a way to cross: "I don't understand! There doesn't seem to be any way to get across. No way around it. No way over it." Hopeful responds knowingly, "Only through it." Hopeful understood that in order to reach the Celestial City, they would have to pass through the water: they would have to face death.  The Scriptures tell us that all people's lives will end, and all people will be judged by the Lord. There is no avoiding this truth. However, those who believe in Jesus will not be condemned. Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24) Jesus has made death itself a passage for Christians into eternal life through His own life, death, and resurrection. He has conquered the power of the Devil, and now brings us into an eternal relationship with Him through our bodily deaths. What once was the punishment for sin in the Garden of Eden is now the means by which God brings us back to Himself—back into a perfect relationship with Him—for all eternity.  What once was the punishment for sin in the Garden of Eden is now the means by which God brings us back to Himself–back into a perfect relationship with Him–for all eternity. People face the end of their lives in different ways. For some, it may be a tragic accident, or they may pass away in a time or war or terrorism. For another, it could be a terminal illness. And for many, it is simply old age. The Raging River is an allegory for the final stage of the Christian life; before a person enters into eternity with their Creator, they must breathe their last breath.  As the pathway into eternity, the Raging River will be different for every person. However, the difficulty of the trial will be in relationship to the depth of our faith. The King's Herald had said to the pilgrims, "You will find your step deeper or shallower as you believe in the superiority of the King." At the time of the writing of The Pilgrims Progress, John Bunyan was well-acquainted with the reality that people could also die by persecution. Martyrs were often killed for their faith, and though Bunyan himself was not ultimately killed in this way, he was still imprisoned. Martyrdom was likely on his mind as he spent his time behind bars. This may be the hardest test a person can face: standing strong for Jesus even if it could cost you your life.  Perhaps John Bunyan saw the Raging River as a test like this. Christian must face the enemy in the waters, and resolve to proceed anyway. He is confronted with the choice to plunge into the depths, or to stay on the shore. But if he stays, he cannot reach the Celestial City.  While on the shore, staring at the overwhelming wall of water, Christian thinks of his family and wants to save them. He is burdened by the fact that he must go without them, but as Evangelist explains, there are times in life that every person must journey alone. Entering eternal life is one of those things. No one can force another to accept the King or His promises. Yet, the same King who led Christian on the path is the same King who would also lead his family. The Scriptures are clear that we must remain faithful throughout our lives. In Revelation, when speaking to the church of Smyrna, knowing that they will be persecuted and suffer for their faith, Jesus says: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev. 2:10b)  We therefore must not become complacent. We must endure in the faith, trusting that the the Lord is faithful, and He will preserve us. But, we also must be sure to not turn away from the faith we have and reject the promises of God, or rely on our own power to be saved or to save others. This is a temptation that Christian faces at the Raging River: he thinks that he can save his family—that he has the responsibility to do so. He simply does not have that power. His family must take hold of the Book, trust in the King, and walk the same path that Christian walked to receive eternal life.  Some believe they can live the life they want now, and repent and believe later when they are old. By doing so, they tempt fate, and mock the goodness of God. Every day, we must be faithful on the path to the King. No person knows when they will breathe their last breath. Every day we face whatever trials and temptations are set before us, and we must continue following the Lord. We also become a witness and example to others that they may follow us in walking the King's path.  As those who trust in the Lord, we can make the choice to face the end of our lives with hope. We can look forward to being perfectly reconciled to our King, knowing that though we die, we will live eternally because of Jesus and what He has done for us. Our hope when facing the end of our lives can inspire others to trust in the superiority of our God who has conquered death. Christian saw Hopeful's faith on display as he dove first into the Raging River. After considering his family, his path traveled so far, and a heartfelt conversation with Evangelist, Christian is emboldened by his faith in the King, and he leaps into the water toward the Celestial City.  When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Cor. 15:54-57  WATCH THE PILGRILM'S PROGRESS ONLINE FOR FREE Help Produce The 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress and Reserve Your Free Copy! The 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress: The Journey Begins is a devotional book which contains 16 lessons and a video collection that guides individuals through Christian's journey from this world to that which is to come. It will feature The Pilgrim's Progress movie, broken into 16 powerful segments. These segments are designed to disciple the next generation to stay on the straight path. Each of the 16 chapters will also will feature all-new, exclusive video content with special guests, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Pilgrim's Progress movie. Help Produce the 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress Devotional Copyright © 2020 RevelationMedia, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. 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