Good morning,
This week we will enjoy chapters 5-8 of Pilgrim’s Progress.
Chapter 5. The Narrow Gate (SermonAudio.com, 8 minute video)
Chapter 5. The Narrow Gate (YouTube, 8 minute video)
In John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, the Narrow Gate (often called the Wicket Gate) represents Jesus Christ and the start of the true path to salvation. It signifies that entering eternal life requires the deliberate, singular choice of faith and repentance, which can be difficult to find and follow. [1, 2, 3]
Here is how the event unfolds:
The Warning: Before reaching the gate, Christian encounters Evangelist, who points him toward the distant shining light of the gate to escape the destruction of his hometown. [1, 2]
The Attack: As Christian approaches the Wicket Gate, he faces a terrifying threat. Beelzebub (representing the devil) has a castle nearby and sends his archers to shoot at approaching sinners to destroy them before they can be saved. [1, 2]
The Gatekeeper: Despite his fear, Christian persists and knocks on the gate, reading the sign: “Knock and it shall be opened unto you.” A grave and graceful figure named Good-will answers the door, quickly pulling Christian safely inside. [1, 2]
No Rejection: Good-will assures Christian that despite his past misdeeds and sins, he will never be cast out, and no past faults are held against him once he is inside. [1]
The Burden Remains: Christian asks for immediate relief from the massive, physical “burden” of sin weighing him down. Good-will tells him he must continue carrying it further down the road until he reaches a specific place of deliverance (the Cross). [1, 2]
The Direction: Good-will points Christian onto the straight and narrow path, warning him that it is difficult, and sends him to the House of the Interpreter for further instruction. [1, 2]
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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