{"id":1532,"date":"2019-05-20T06:20:54","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T10:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kenpulsmusic.com\/blog\/?p=1532"},"modified":"2019-05-19T23:35:35","modified_gmt":"2019-05-20T03:35:35","slug":"welcomed-at-the-gate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kenpulsmusic.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/welcomed-at-the-gate\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcomed at the Gate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Then I saw in my dream, that Christian was as in a muse a while. To whom also Hopeful added this word, Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ makes you whole; and with that Christian broke out with a loud voice, Oh, I see him again! and he tells me, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.” Then they both took courage, and the enemy was after that as still as a stone, until they were gone over. Christian therefore presently found ground to stand upon, and so it followed that the rest of the river was but shallow. Thus they got over.<\/p>\n

Now, upon the bank of the river, on the other side, they saw the two shining men again, who there waited for them; wherefore, being come out of the river, they saluted them, saying, We are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those that shall be heirs of salvation. Thus they went along towards the gate.<\/p>\n

Now you must note that the city stood upon a mighty hill, but the Pilgrims went up that hill with ease, because they had these two men to lead them up by the arms; also, they had left their mortal garments behind them in the river, for though they went in with them, they came out without them. They, therefore, went up here with much agility and speed, though the foundation upon which the city was framed was higher than the clouds. They therefore went up through the regions of the air, sweetly talking as they went, being comforted, because they safely got over the river, and had such glorious companions to attend them.<\/p>\n

Now, now, look how the holy pilgrims ride,
\nClouds are their chariots, angels are their guide:
\nWho would not here for him all hazards run,
\nThat thus provides for his when this world’s done?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Over<\/a><\/p>\n

As Christian struggles to cross the River, he is \u201cin a muse.\u201d Facing death causes him deep concern and consternation. He ponders his life and his thoughts are troubled with fears, regrets, doubts, and dismay. But Christian is calmed by two valuable comforts:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. He is encouraged by Hopeful, who stays near him, cheers his soul, and points him to Christ.<\/li>\n
  2. He remembers the Word of God. It is hidden in his heart (Psalm 119:11) and now shines forth to clear and cleanse his thinking. He recalls the promise in Isaiah 43:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
    \nAnd He who formed you, O Israel:
    \n\u201cFear not, for I have redeemed you;
    \nI have called you by your name;
    \nYou are Mine.
    \nWhen you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    \nAnd through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
    \nWhen you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
    \nNor shall the flame scorch you.\u201d
    \n(Isaiah 43:1\u20132)<\/p>\n

    O that God would grant us such comforts! Remembrance of His Word and godly friends who will keep that Word before our eyes and in our ears\u2014these can help keep our head above the fearful tide. These can be ours\u2014in times of trouble and trial, even in our final moments of life on earth, but we must cultivate and cherish these comforts. Don\u2019t take them for granted or assume you will have them in your hour of need. Invest time in studying, understanding, and memorizing Scripture. And invest time in cultivating Christian friendships\u2014brothers and sisters who will pray for you, hold you accountable, and speak God\u2019s Word into your life.<\/p>\n

    One of the most significant themes in The Pilgrim\u2019s Progress\u00a0<\/em>is the preeminence of God\u2019s Word. Too often we fail to realize its worth! On our journey from the City of Destruction (this present sinful world) to the Celestial City (the glorious world to come), it is our invaluable guide and indispensable comfort. Over and over Bunyan highlights just how essential Scripture is to our spiritual life and well-being.<\/p>\n