Mansoul is the Bride of Christ, the invisible church, the gathering of all Christians. The last passage in the Holy War gives us the key to it. The passage annotated “Emmanuel’s speech to Mansoul” states “For yet a little while, O my Mansoul, even after a few more times are gone over thy head, I will take down this famous town of Mansoul, stick and stone, to the ground. And I will carry the stones thereof, and the timber thereof, and the walls thereof, and the dust thereof, and the inhabitants thereof, into mine own country, even into the kingdom of my father; and will there set it up in such strength and glory as it never did see in the kingdom where it is now placed. I will even there set it up for my Father’s habitation, for, for that purpose if was first erected in the kingdom of Universe; and there will I make it a spectacle of wonder, a monument of mercy, and the admirer of its own mercy”.
Compare this with the description of the city of God in Revelation 21 v 2. “And I John saw the Holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” … v 12 “And had a great wall and high and had twelve gates; and at the gates twelve angels, and names written theron, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” Therefore in the analogy the invisible Christian Church is represented by the bricks and mortar of the city of Mansoul. This is consistent with the building analogy in the Bible. See 1 Peter 2 v 5 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house”. Also in Hebrews 11 v 10 we read “For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. The Lord Jesus himself has told us in John 14 v 2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”. Christ Himself is the corner stone of this building. Mark 12 v 10 (and Isaiah 28 v 16) “The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner”.
Mansoul is referred to as “She” which is consistent with Mansoul being the Bride of Christ. On p 62 we read that Shaddai says “If now poor Mansoul would humble herself”. In the Old Testament the type of the invisible church is Jerusalem, Israel’s daughter (Lamentations 2 v 8), and the daughter of Zion (Lamentations 2 v 13). In the New Testament Mansoul is the Kingdom of God in the hearts of believers. Luke 17 v 21 “The Kingdom of God is within you”.
Bunyan also uses the word “they” when referring to Mansoul. The invisible church is made up of individual believers. On P 112 we read Now, what death they should die, and how long they should be in dying, was that which most perplexed their heads and hearts; yea they were afraid that Emmanuel would command them into the deep, the place that the Prince Diabolus was afraid of, for they knew that they had deserved it”.
Would you not like to live in this heavenly city? It is beautiful, richly decorated, eternal and fully furnished with all your needs. It is full of God’s people, each of which lives in a mansion. But this heavenly city is not here on earth, it is in the world to come. You only have one opportunity to live on this earth, and one life in which to repent of your sin, ask for forgiveness and have faith in Christ’s vicarious death. Do not put it off! Turn today to Christ for repentance.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Between two worlds
Between the two worlds
Bunyan describes on p 2 that the town of Mansoul “lieth just between the two worlds”.
These two worlds are heaven and hell. Our progress through life determines whether heaven or hell is our destiny. Both can be reached from the city of Mansoul. It is not popular in our day to point out that there is a heaven and hell. However the Bible is clear on this matter. Psalm 139 v 8 shows us David praying “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there”. Christ explains to us in a kindly way that we can so easily be lost to heaven. In Matthew 5 v 22 the Lord Jesus says “whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire”. In Matt 7 v 13 Christ urges us to “enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”. It is our sin which condemns us to death and hell. However there is a way of escape from hell and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the son of God. The strait gate (represented by the wicket gate in Pilgrim’s Progress) is accessed by faith in Christ. Have you ever been angry with someone and called them a fool? Have you ever sinned? We all have! “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” says Paul in Romans 3 v 23. If we think that we are not sinners and are really quite “good” people then we are badly mistaken. 1 John 1 v 8 says “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”. The first battering ram blow in the Holy war is to accept that we are sinners. 1 John 1 v 9 tells us “If we confess our sins, he (Christ) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un-righteousness”.
Bunyan describes on p 2 that the town of Mansoul “lieth just between the two worlds”.
These two worlds are heaven and hell. Our progress through life determines whether heaven or hell is our destiny. Both can be reached from the city of Mansoul. It is not popular in our day to point out that there is a heaven and hell. However the Bible is clear on this matter. Psalm 139 v 8 shows us David praying “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there”. Christ explains to us in a kindly way that we can so easily be lost to heaven. In Matthew 5 v 22 the Lord Jesus says “whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire”. In Matt 7 v 13 Christ urges us to “enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”. It is our sin which condemns us to death and hell. However there is a way of escape from hell and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the son of God. The strait gate (represented by the wicket gate in Pilgrim’s Progress) is accessed by faith in Christ. Have you ever been angry with someone and called them a fool? Have you ever sinned? We all have! “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” says Paul in Romans 3 v 23. If we think that we are not sinners and are really quite “good” people then we are badly mistaken. 1 John 1 v 8 says “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”. The first battering ram blow in the Holy war is to accept that we are sinners. 1 John 1 v 9 tells us “If we confess our sins, he (Christ) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un-righteousness”.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Who is Ill-pause?
Who is “Ill-Pause”?
The name of Ill Pause
Ill Pause is a mere Mr and not a Lord, so Ill Pause does not survive the conversion process. (see p 107). He makes a “low congee” (or bow) to Diabolus so must be of much inferior rank to Diabolus, and is a chattel or slave.
The word “pause” means a hesitation or break in the flow of speech. Ill-Pause is the personal demon who makes a soul hesitate to come to Christ for salvation. We could call Ill-Pause “Mr Procrastination”, or “Mr Put-It-Off”. He says to every Christian enquirer “Wait until you are old before you become a Christian. Enjoy your young life, make money and become a success, THEN when you are old and about to die repent of your sin and ask for forgiveness and salvation. This reminds us of the man who told the Lord Jesus that he would follow Him after his father had died. Christ replies in Matthew 8 v 22 follow me and let the dead bury their dead”. Putting it in the positive style, “behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6 v2). How do you know that you will outlive your parents? If you wait until they are dead before you follow Christ, you may never be saved. When the Lord Jesus reasons with a soul, He demands that we dispose of this procrastinating and delaying tactic. If you hear the Shepherd’s voice calling you today, then follow Him straight away. “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me” ( John 10 v 27). Following the shepherd gives safety from predators such as wolves (Satan) and human adversaries. Christ’s sheep shall never perish (John 10 v 28).
He is referred to as “Old Ill-pause” on p 95. This is a term of familiarity. We all know Ill-pause from way back. He has been keeping us from becoming a Christian for years!
The nature of Ill-Pause.
Ill-pause is old.
The name Ill-Pause does not describe all the character of the demon as described by Bunyan. Ill-pause is an old man (see p 107). He has been around since the days of Adam and Eve (p 14), as it was Ill-Pause who reasoned with them and invited them to eat the forbidden fruit. “and first they did as Ill-Pause had taught them, and; they looked, they considered, they were taken with the forbidden fruit; they took thereof, and did eat; and having eaten, they became immediately drunken therewith”. He is also old in the sense that he represents the “Old man” or pre-conversion personality. Eph 4 v 22 urges us to “put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts”.
Ill-pause is Satan’s orator.
The first reference to Ill-pause is on p 10. “Nor took he (Diabolus) any with him, but one Ill-pause, who was his orator in all difficult matters”. This is re-affirmed on p 12 with “Then stood forth that he, Mr. Ill-pause that Diabolus brought with him, who was his orator”. Ill-pause has “stinking breath” which causes the death of Lord Innocency (p 13). The words of Ill-pause are poison, and the fall results from his words as seen in the previous quote from p 14. The fall resulted in sin and guilt entering the world. It can be taken as read that Ill-pause is a liar.
Emmanuel challenges Ill-pause.
In the narrative Emmanuel sends his four captains; Captain Boanerges, Captain Conviction, Captain Judgement, and Captain Execution to challenge Mansoul. Mansoul refuses to hear, but asks for more time to consider Emmanuel’s demands to surrender the City to Himself. The captain of Salvation replies by asking Mansoul to dispose of Ill-pause. He will give Mansoul more time to consider if they will dispose of the delaying mentality. It seems like a contradiction in terms, but Christ is re-affirming the urgency of the need to repent. On p 95 Ill-pause gives his reply. He challenges Emmanuel to take Mansoul by force. “I have in commandment from my high lord (Diabolus) to bid you to tell it to your Prince Emmanuel, that Mansoul and their king are resolved to stand and fall together; and that it is in vain for your prince to think of ever having Mansoul in his hand, unless he can take it by force”. Emanuel accepts the challenge and resolves to take Mansoul by force. “I must try the power of my sword, for I will not raise my siege and depart, but will assuredly take my Mansoul, and deliver it from the hand of her enemy”. The taking by force is consistent with the powerful verse in John 6 v 37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”.
Ill-pause is wounded.
Emmanuel has uttered strong words and has resolved to take Mansoul by force. This can only be achieved by the death of the old man Mr Ill-pause. On p 98 Ill-pause is wounded. He “received a grievous wound in the head; some say that his brain-pan was cracked. This I have taken notice of, that he was never after this able to do that mischief to Mansoul as he had done in times past”. Although not an outright death, this is the beginning of the end of Ill-pause. His skull was fractured resulting in changes in the way that Mansoul thought. Ill-pause is no longer able to send poisoned, lying words of rebellion about Emmanuel into the heart of Mansoul. The soul has started to seek the Lord for Salvation.
Death of Ill-pause.
On p 107 we read in rather low key language that Ill-pause fell by the hand of Captain Good-hope. The hope of heaven has made the un-believer hurry to Christ for salvation. He or she no longer wishes to delay and put off repentance. This is the most joyous sentence in the whole of the Holy War! We are reminded of 2 Cor 5 v 17 “ therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. Old Ill-pause is dead, time for the new man to appear. We are urged in
Heb 4 v 22 “that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”. Now that Ill-pause is dead the new birth can proceed.
The name of Ill Pause
Ill Pause is a mere Mr and not a Lord, so Ill Pause does not survive the conversion process. (see p 107). He makes a “low congee” (or bow) to Diabolus so must be of much inferior rank to Diabolus, and is a chattel or slave.
The word “pause” means a hesitation or break in the flow of speech. Ill-Pause is the personal demon who makes a soul hesitate to come to Christ for salvation. We could call Ill-Pause “Mr Procrastination”, or “Mr Put-It-Off”. He says to every Christian enquirer “Wait until you are old before you become a Christian. Enjoy your young life, make money and become a success, THEN when you are old and about to die repent of your sin and ask for forgiveness and salvation. This reminds us of the man who told the Lord Jesus that he would follow Him after his father had died. Christ replies in Matthew 8 v 22 follow me and let the dead bury their dead”. Putting it in the positive style, “behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6 v2). How do you know that you will outlive your parents? If you wait until they are dead before you follow Christ, you may never be saved. When the Lord Jesus reasons with a soul, He demands that we dispose of this procrastinating and delaying tactic. If you hear the Shepherd’s voice calling you today, then follow Him straight away. “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me” ( John 10 v 27). Following the shepherd gives safety from predators such as wolves (Satan) and human adversaries. Christ’s sheep shall never perish (John 10 v 28).
He is referred to as “Old Ill-pause” on p 95. This is a term of familiarity. We all know Ill-pause from way back. He has been keeping us from becoming a Christian for years!
The nature of Ill-Pause.
Ill-pause is old.
The name Ill-Pause does not describe all the character of the demon as described by Bunyan. Ill-pause is an old man (see p 107). He has been around since the days of Adam and Eve (p 14), as it was Ill-Pause who reasoned with them and invited them to eat the forbidden fruit. “and first they did as Ill-Pause had taught them, and; they looked, they considered, they were taken with the forbidden fruit; they took thereof, and did eat; and having eaten, they became immediately drunken therewith”. He is also old in the sense that he represents the “Old man” or pre-conversion personality. Eph 4 v 22 urges us to “put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts”.
Ill-pause is Satan’s orator.
The first reference to Ill-pause is on p 10. “Nor took he (Diabolus) any with him, but one Ill-pause, who was his orator in all difficult matters”. This is re-affirmed on p 12 with “Then stood forth that he, Mr. Ill-pause that Diabolus brought with him, who was his orator”. Ill-pause has “stinking breath” which causes the death of Lord Innocency (p 13). The words of Ill-pause are poison, and the fall results from his words as seen in the previous quote from p 14. The fall resulted in sin and guilt entering the world. It can be taken as read that Ill-pause is a liar.
Emmanuel challenges Ill-pause.
In the narrative Emmanuel sends his four captains; Captain Boanerges, Captain Conviction, Captain Judgement, and Captain Execution to challenge Mansoul. Mansoul refuses to hear, but asks for more time to consider Emmanuel’s demands to surrender the City to Himself. The captain of Salvation replies by asking Mansoul to dispose of Ill-pause. He will give Mansoul more time to consider if they will dispose of the delaying mentality. It seems like a contradiction in terms, but Christ is re-affirming the urgency of the need to repent. On p 95 Ill-pause gives his reply. He challenges Emmanuel to take Mansoul by force. “I have in commandment from my high lord (Diabolus) to bid you to tell it to your Prince Emmanuel, that Mansoul and their king are resolved to stand and fall together; and that it is in vain for your prince to think of ever having Mansoul in his hand, unless he can take it by force”. Emanuel accepts the challenge and resolves to take Mansoul by force. “I must try the power of my sword, for I will not raise my siege and depart, but will assuredly take my Mansoul, and deliver it from the hand of her enemy”. The taking by force is consistent with the powerful verse in John 6 v 37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”.
Ill-pause is wounded.
Emmanuel has uttered strong words and has resolved to take Mansoul by force. This can only be achieved by the death of the old man Mr Ill-pause. On p 98 Ill-pause is wounded. He “received a grievous wound in the head; some say that his brain-pan was cracked. This I have taken notice of, that he was never after this able to do that mischief to Mansoul as he had done in times past”. Although not an outright death, this is the beginning of the end of Ill-pause. His skull was fractured resulting in changes in the way that Mansoul thought. Ill-pause is no longer able to send poisoned, lying words of rebellion about Emmanuel into the heart of Mansoul. The soul has started to seek the Lord for Salvation.
Death of Ill-pause.
On p 107 we read in rather low key language that Ill-pause fell by the hand of Captain Good-hope. The hope of heaven has made the un-believer hurry to Christ for salvation. He or she no longer wishes to delay and put off repentance. This is the most joyous sentence in the whole of the Holy War! We are reminded of 2 Cor 5 v 17 “ therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. Old Ill-pause is dead, time for the new man to appear. We are urged in
Heb 4 v 22 “that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”. Now that Ill-pause is dead the new birth can proceed.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Where is conviction of sin?
Where is conviction of sin?
After Diabolus has been bound and stripped of his power, prisoners of war are taken. Lord Understanding, Mr Conscience and Lord Willbewill are put into prison (p112). Later on the prisoners are told they are to be brought before Emmanuel (p124). They fear for their lives.
“This done, each of the three prepared himself to die (and the recorder said unto them, “this was the thing that I feared”), for they concluded that to-morrow by that the sun went down they should be tumbled out of the world. The whole town also counted of no other but that, in their time and order, they must all drink of the same cup. Wherefore the town of Mansoul spent that night in mourning and sackcloth and ashes. The prisoners also, when the time was come for them to go down before the prince, dressed themselves in mourning attire, with ropes upon their heads.”.
This reminds us of 1 Kings chapter 20 when the enemy Ben- hadad (representative of Satan) has been overpowered by the Israelites under the (backslidden) King Ahab and realises that he is beaten. The servants of Ben-hadad said to their King “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and put ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life. So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and put ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said, Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee, let me live. And he said, Is he yet alive? He is my brother”.
This is a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. If a backslidden King of Israel can be merciful, how much more will the Lord Jesus Christ be merciful, even calling the repentant enemy “brother”. Those who turn to Christ for the forgiveness of their rebellion and sin become His brother!
Later on (p127) the prisoners in reply to various soul-searching questions reply “We can say nothing Lord; thou art just, for we have sinned”. Then said the prince “And for what are these ropes on your heads” The prisoners answered “These ropes are to bind us withal to the place of execution, if mercy be not pleasing in thy sight”. The margin notes tell us that “They condemn themselves” and refer us to Proverbs 5 v 22 which says “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins”. The cords of his sins are represented graphically by Bunyan on the heads of the prisoners ready to tether them to the execution block.
If we feel that we are condemned by our sins, we have a merciful Saviour. If we confess our sins to Him, and tell Him that we deserve death and condemnation, he will be merciful, and forgive us. 1 john 1 v 8 to 9 says “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.
After Diabolus has been bound and stripped of his power, prisoners of war are taken. Lord Understanding, Mr Conscience and Lord Willbewill are put into prison (p112). Later on the prisoners are told they are to be brought before Emmanuel (p124). They fear for their lives.
“This done, each of the three prepared himself to die (and the recorder said unto them, “this was the thing that I feared”), for they concluded that to-morrow by that the sun went down they should be tumbled out of the world. The whole town also counted of no other but that, in their time and order, they must all drink of the same cup. Wherefore the town of Mansoul spent that night in mourning and sackcloth and ashes. The prisoners also, when the time was come for them to go down before the prince, dressed themselves in mourning attire, with ropes upon their heads.”.
This reminds us of 1 Kings chapter 20 when the enemy Ben- hadad (representative of Satan) has been overpowered by the Israelites under the (backslidden) King Ahab and realises that he is beaten. The servants of Ben-hadad said to their King “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and put ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life. So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and put ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said, Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee, let me live. And he said, Is he yet alive? He is my brother”.
This is a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. If a backslidden King of Israel can be merciful, how much more will the Lord Jesus Christ be merciful, even calling the repentant enemy “brother”. Those who turn to Christ for the forgiveness of their rebellion and sin become His brother!
Later on (p127) the prisoners in reply to various soul-searching questions reply “We can say nothing Lord; thou art just, for we have sinned”. Then said the prince “And for what are these ropes on your heads” The prisoners answered “These ropes are to bind us withal to the place of execution, if mercy be not pleasing in thy sight”. The margin notes tell us that “They condemn themselves” and refer us to Proverbs 5 v 22 which says “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins”. The cords of his sins are represented graphically by Bunyan on the heads of the prisoners ready to tether them to the execution block.
If we feel that we are condemned by our sins, we have a merciful Saviour. If we confess our sins to Him, and tell Him that we deserve death and condemnation, he will be merciful, and forgive us. 1 john 1 v 8 to 9 says “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.
Monday, July 19, 2010
What is the battle of the plains?
What is the battle of the plains?
We read about the battle of the plains (or valleys) towards the end of Bunyan’s Holy War (pages 271 to 275).
The battle of the plains is the battle that Christians fight in their secular lives. In 1 Kings 20 the enemy Ben-Hadad (symbolic of the adversary Satan), declares war on the Israelites. Firstly he fights the Israelites in the hills, and is defeated. The hills or high places are symbolic of the place of worship, or religious life whether Christian or Pagan. Christ has won the battle of the hills by his substitutionary death on the cross for the sins of His people. Christ is Lord of the Sabbath. The Syrians said “Their gods are gods of the hills,; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they” (1 Kings 20 v 23 and 28). Satan whispers in the ear of a Christian and tells him that as long as we attend church on Sunday, the rest of the week is for ourselves. We can please ourselves with entertainments, and run our business life with whatever ethical stance we like. However Christ declares that he is Lord (not just of the Sabbath) but of all the other days of the week too. “Thus saith the Lord, Because the Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord” (1 Kings 20 v 28). We must remember to maintain a Christian testimony in our secular lives whether this is at work, school, college or in the home. Christ is Lord of the secular world.
The part of the Holy War referring to the battle on the plain shows how Christ meets us in the battle of the secular life which he has called us to. Captain Credence has told the Mansoulians that Emmanuel will meet them in the field the next day and will fight alongside them. We are reminded of the battle between Joshua and the Amorites in Joshua chapter 10. In verse 11 God sends hailstones to kill the Amorites “The Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them at Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword”. Similarly Moses prevailed by prayer against the Amelekites (Exodus 17 v 8 to 13). The Israelites prevailed over the Moabites (2 Kings 3 v 16 to 27). Is Christ interested in what we do and say at work? Yes he is. He is Lord of the secular. He will fight alongside us in our battle to uphold His name in secular settings. He will send hailstones to dampen the temptations we encounter during the week, and He will give us the victory.
We read about the battle of the plains (or valleys) towards the end of Bunyan’s Holy War (pages 271 to 275).
The battle of the plains is the battle that Christians fight in their secular lives. In 1 Kings 20 the enemy Ben-Hadad (symbolic of the adversary Satan), declares war on the Israelites. Firstly he fights the Israelites in the hills, and is defeated. The hills or high places are symbolic of the place of worship, or religious life whether Christian or Pagan. Christ has won the battle of the hills by his substitutionary death on the cross for the sins of His people. Christ is Lord of the Sabbath. The Syrians said “Their gods are gods of the hills,; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they” (1 Kings 20 v 23 and 28). Satan whispers in the ear of a Christian and tells him that as long as we attend church on Sunday, the rest of the week is for ourselves. We can please ourselves with entertainments, and run our business life with whatever ethical stance we like. However Christ declares that he is Lord (not just of the Sabbath) but of all the other days of the week too. “Thus saith the Lord, Because the Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord” (1 Kings 20 v 28). We must remember to maintain a Christian testimony in our secular lives whether this is at work, school, college or in the home. Christ is Lord of the secular world.
The part of the Holy War referring to the battle on the plain shows how Christ meets us in the battle of the secular life which he has called us to. Captain Credence has told the Mansoulians that Emmanuel will meet them in the field the next day and will fight alongside them. We are reminded of the battle between Joshua and the Amorites in Joshua chapter 10. In verse 11 God sends hailstones to kill the Amorites “The Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them at Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword”. Similarly Moses prevailed by prayer against the Amelekites (Exodus 17 v 8 to 13). The Israelites prevailed over the Moabites (2 Kings 3 v 16 to 27). Is Christ interested in what we do and say at work? Yes he is. He is Lord of the secular. He will fight alongside us in our battle to uphold His name in secular settings. He will send hailstones to dampen the temptations we encounter during the week, and He will give us the victory.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Is the Cross depicted in the "Holy War"?
It is the opinion of many people that Bunyan does not refer to the Cross of Christ enough times in the Holy War. For example Faith Cook in her excellent book “Fearless Pilgrim” states on page 382 “Perhaps the weakest point, and the point at which allegory itself fails as a medium for expressing the full-orbed gospel, is in the treatment of redemption by the cross of Christ. Not until the end of the book do we discover, in perhaps one of the finest passages of all, Emmanuel proclaiming his redemptive work on behalf of Mansoul” and then Faith Cook quotes the place starting with “O my Mansoul, I have lived, I have died etc”.
Without wishing to contradict Faith Cook, there are other references to the cross. They fall into two categories, direct and allegorical.
Firstly the direct references will be discussed. There is a passage on “Residual Sin” starting on page 175 starting with the words “Next, O my Mansoul…”. On page 177 we read
“I give you, my Lord Mayor, my Lord Willbewill, and Mr Recorder, with all the inhabitants of the town of Mansoul, full power and commission to seek out, to take, and to cause to be put to death by the cross, all, and all manner of Diabolonians when and wherever you shall find them to lurk within or to range without the walls of the town of Mansoul”.
We should never forget that Christ is a Saviour primarily from Sin. We are saved by our sins being put to death on the cross. What sins is Bunyan talking about? We have too many sins to list, however Bunyan does name some of them on p 176.
“Lord fornication, Lord Adultery, the Lord Murder, the Lord Anger, the Lord Lasciviousness, the Lord Deceit, the Lord Evil-eye, Mr Drunkenness, Mr Revelling, Mr Idolatry, Mr Witchcraft, Mr Variance, Mr Emulation, Mr wrath, Mr Strife, Mr Sedition, and Mr Heresy. These are some of the chief, O Mansoul”.
We must therefore conclude that when Bunyan writes about a Diabolonian being put to death, he is referring to the cross of Christ.
Secondly the allegorical references will be discussed. The gospel of Jesus Christ is depicted as a trumpet like the one that made the walls of Jericho fall down. The Gospel must of necessity contain teaching about the Cross of Christ and his substitution for us as the wrath of god the Father was poured out.
“ Well, before the king’s forces had sat before Mansoul three days, Captain Boanerges commanded his trumpeter to go down to Ear-gate, and there, in the name of the great Shaddai, to summon Mansoul to give audience to the message that he, in his master’s name, was to them commanded to deliver. So the trumpeter, whose name was Take-heed-what-you-hear, went up, as he was commanded, to Ear-Gate, and there sounded his trumpet for a hearing”. Sadly this gospel trumpet is not heeded, and neither is the second.
In further support of this line of reasoning I refer to p 56.
“After which they gave out the word, which was, “Ye must be born again”. Then they sounded the trumpet”…
The gospel of Jesus Christ is depicted as a chariot. Take a look at p 110.
“Thus having made Diabolus naked in the eyes of Mansoul, and before the commanders of the Prince, in the next place he commands that Diabolus should be bound with chains to his chariot wheels”. This reminds us of Habakkuk 3 v 8 which refers to the chariots of salvation.
“Thou didst ride upon thine horses and the chariots of salvation”.
Any gospel presentation (chariot or vehicle of salvation) must contain mention of the cross of Christ so we must take it as an allegorical reference to the cross.
The Bible itself uses allegory as a means of depicting the gospel of Christ’s death on the cross (including trumpets and chariots and many more for example the crossing of the Red Sea etc). Our Scientific age has programmed our minds to want things spelt out in literal non-allegorical words.
If we find allegory difficult to understand we should seek the Lord’s face in prayer. The all knowing God will give wisdom.
Without wishing to contradict Faith Cook, there are other references to the cross. They fall into two categories, direct and allegorical.
Firstly the direct references will be discussed. There is a passage on “Residual Sin” starting on page 175 starting with the words “Next, O my Mansoul…”. On page 177 we read
“I give you, my Lord Mayor, my Lord Willbewill, and Mr Recorder, with all the inhabitants of the town of Mansoul, full power and commission to seek out, to take, and to cause to be put to death by the cross, all, and all manner of Diabolonians when and wherever you shall find them to lurk within or to range without the walls of the town of Mansoul”.
We should never forget that Christ is a Saviour primarily from Sin. We are saved by our sins being put to death on the cross. What sins is Bunyan talking about? We have too many sins to list, however Bunyan does name some of them on p 176.
“Lord fornication, Lord Adultery, the Lord Murder, the Lord Anger, the Lord Lasciviousness, the Lord Deceit, the Lord Evil-eye, Mr Drunkenness, Mr Revelling, Mr Idolatry, Mr Witchcraft, Mr Variance, Mr Emulation, Mr wrath, Mr Strife, Mr Sedition, and Mr Heresy. These are some of the chief, O Mansoul”.
We must therefore conclude that when Bunyan writes about a Diabolonian being put to death, he is referring to the cross of Christ.
Secondly the allegorical references will be discussed. The gospel of Jesus Christ is depicted as a trumpet like the one that made the walls of Jericho fall down. The Gospel must of necessity contain teaching about the Cross of Christ and his substitution for us as the wrath of god the Father was poured out.
“ Well, before the king’s forces had sat before Mansoul three days, Captain Boanerges commanded his trumpeter to go down to Ear-gate, and there, in the name of the great Shaddai, to summon Mansoul to give audience to the message that he, in his master’s name, was to them commanded to deliver. So the trumpeter, whose name was Take-heed-what-you-hear, went up, as he was commanded, to Ear-Gate, and there sounded his trumpet for a hearing”. Sadly this gospel trumpet is not heeded, and neither is the second.
In further support of this line of reasoning I refer to p 56.
“After which they gave out the word, which was, “Ye must be born again”. Then they sounded the trumpet”…
The gospel of Jesus Christ is depicted as a chariot. Take a look at p 110.
“Thus having made Diabolus naked in the eyes of Mansoul, and before the commanders of the Prince, in the next place he commands that Diabolus should be bound with chains to his chariot wheels”. This reminds us of Habakkuk 3 v 8 which refers to the chariots of salvation.
“Thou didst ride upon thine horses and the chariots of salvation”.
Any gospel presentation (chariot or vehicle of salvation) must contain mention of the cross of Christ so we must take it as an allegorical reference to the cross.
The Bible itself uses allegory as a means of depicting the gospel of Christ’s death on the cross (including trumpets and chariots and many more for example the crossing of the Red Sea etc). Our Scientific age has programmed our minds to want things spelt out in literal non-allegorical words.
If we find allegory difficult to understand we should seek the Lord’s face in prayer. The all knowing God will give wisdom.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Who is Lord Understanding?
Lord Understanding is the Lord Mayor. He is the most powerful person in Mansoul. Mediaeval Lords had very strong power over their serfs, and could demand forced labour from their underlings. Thus the understanding is the most motivating factor in the human soul. This understanding though is not just understanding of life, wisdom and philosophy. It is the understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our understanding either is a source of salvation or condemnation.
When Diabolus enters the town of Mansoul, Lord Understanding is divested of his power. The view from his palace is spoilt as Satan builds a high and strong tower between the sun and the palace windows. Lord Understanding now lives in darkness or faithlessness. Compare this with Romans 1 v 21.
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened”.
Ephesians 4 v 18 also talks about the un-saved person:
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart”.
Such was the enslavement of Lord Understanding that although in the past he had been a benefit to the town he now becomes a hindrance to the town. If you speak to many un-converted persons about Creation, Christ and the path of Salvation they will reply that they think all religion is pointless. They simply cannot understand the gospel. They say that they do not have the imagination to believe in God. This is the darkness of the understanding.
2 Cor 4 v 3 says:
But if the gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”.
And 1 Cor 1 v 18.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God”.
What if we find ourselves in this position of having our understanding darkened? What if we simply cannot understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and it appears to us as foolishness? We need to ask the creator God to open the eye gate and let in the light of the gospel. We need to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask Him to open our understanding and give us the ability to believe. Do not delay, and think “I will wait until I am older”. As we go through life our concept of what is “old” changes. When we are 20, old is 30. When we are 80 our idea of old is 90. Do you really know when God is going to end your life? Of course not! Don’t leave it too late. Turn to god today and ask Him that he might kindly let the light shine onto your understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation”. ( 2 Cor 6 v 2)
When Diabolus enters the town of Mansoul, Lord Understanding is divested of his power. The view from his palace is spoilt as Satan builds a high and strong tower between the sun and the palace windows. Lord Understanding now lives in darkness or faithlessness. Compare this with Romans 1 v 21.
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened”.
Ephesians 4 v 18 also talks about the un-saved person:
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart”.
Such was the enslavement of Lord Understanding that although in the past he had been a benefit to the town he now becomes a hindrance to the town. If you speak to many un-converted persons about Creation, Christ and the path of Salvation they will reply that they think all religion is pointless. They simply cannot understand the gospel. They say that they do not have the imagination to believe in God. This is the darkness of the understanding.
2 Cor 4 v 3 says:
But if the gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”.
And 1 Cor 1 v 18.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God”.
What if we find ourselves in this position of having our understanding darkened? What if we simply cannot understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and it appears to us as foolishness? We need to ask the creator God to open the eye gate and let in the light of the gospel. We need to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask Him to open our understanding and give us the ability to believe. Do not delay, and think “I will wait until I am older”. As we go through life our concept of what is “old” changes. When we are 20, old is 30. When we are 80 our idea of old is 90. Do you really know when God is going to end your life? Of course not! Don’t leave it too late. Turn to god today and ask Him that he might kindly let the light shine onto your understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation”. ( 2 Cor 6 v 2)
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