Good morning,
This week we will enjoy chapters 9-12 of Pilgrim’s Progress.
Chapter 9. Formalist and Hypocrisy (SermonAudio.com, 6 minute video)
Chapter 9. Formalist and Hypocrisy (YouTube, 6 minute video)
Christian continues his journey after leaving behind Simple, Sloth, and Presumption. Having been relieved of his burden at the Cross, he now travels with greater confidence and joy. As he proceeds along the King’s highway, he notices two men climbing over a wall rather than entering by the Narrow Gate. Their names are Formalist and Hypocrisy. The wall they climb represents an attempt to enter the Christian life by some means other than God’s appointed way.
Christian is surprised to see them upon the path and questions how they arrived there. The two men explain that they have come from the land of Vainglory. Rather than entering through the Narrow Gate, they consider it easier to climb over the wall. Christian reminds them that the King has commanded pilgrims to enter only through the proper entrance. He warns them that their method of entry is contrary to the King’s will.
Formalist and Hypocrisy dismiss Christian’s concerns and insist that their long-standing customs justify their actions. They believe that sincerity and tradition are sufficient regardless of whether they obey the King’s instructions. Christian explains that obedience to the King’s command is essential and cannot be replaced by human preferences.
The two men continue walking with Christian for a time but remain unconvinced by his arguments. Because they entered improperly, they possess none of the credentials given to Christian at the Narrow Gate. They have no mark upon their foreheads and no sealed scroll to present later in their journey. Their outward appearance resembles that of true pilgrims, but they lack the inward reality represented by these gifts. Christian recognizes that they have adopted the appearance of religion without submitting to God’s appointed way of salvation. Their presence illustrates that not everyone traveling near the path is a genuine pilgrim. The chapter warns readers that external religion, tradition, and appearances can never substitute for entering God’s way through the Narrow Gate.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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