 Bunyan's "Palace Beautiful" John G. Reisinger
Last week I heard three sermons on Pilgrim's Progress. My heart was so blessed that I determined to not only read that masterpiece again but also write a few articles on key sections. One of the parts that has always fascinated me was Bunyan's view of the church and its purpose. The local church is a very stately palace called Beautiful. It is usually referred to as the Palace Beautiful. Bunyan describes how to interview someone for church membership. When he is interviewed by Prudence, he is asked if he sometimes remembers the city and old life that he left. Here is the dialogue: Prudence: Do you not yet bear away with you some of the things that then you were conversant withal? Christian: Yes, but greatly against my will; especially my inward and carnal Cogitations, with which all my countrymen, as well as myself, were delighted; but now all those things are my grief, and might I but choose my own things, I would choose never to think of those things more; but when I would be doing of that which is best, that which is worst is with me. [This is a reference to the experience of Romans 7:15-21 - JGR] Prudence: Do you not find sometimes, as if those things were vanquished, which at other times are your Perplexity? Christian: Yes, but that is but seldom; but they are to me Golden Hours in which such things happen to me. Prudence: Can you remember by what Means you find your annoyances at times, as if they were vanquished? Christian: Yes; when I think what I saw at the Cross, that will do it; and when I look upon my broidered Coat, that will do it; also when I look into the Roll that I carry in my bosom, that will do it; and when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am going, that will do it. The above dialogue is very instructive concerning Bunyan's view of true holy living. He is talking about those times when we are victorious over sin and walking in the conscious joy of the Lord. The question is simple: What does God use to produce victory, holiness, and joy in a Christian's life? Bunyan lists four specific things, four means of grace that vanquish sin. (1) Thinking about what Christ accomplished on the cross. He died my death and took my guilt. My sins are forgiven through His shed blood. (2) Gazing on the embroidered coat, or the imputed righteousness of Christ. In Grace Abounding Bunyan tells how he came to heartfelt assurance when he realized that my righteousness is in heaven. Looking at his full and forever justification made Bunyan realize that he was as righteous as Christ Himself in his standing with God. (3) Looking at the roll that he carried in his bosom. Many people think this roll is the Bible, but Bunyan specifically tells us that it is the assurance of salvation. In one place he calls it Amy evidence. It is true that meditating on the great promises of God's grace will make the fruits of the Spirit to be more evident, but this process only gives victory over sin as it fills us with assurance and moves us into joyful obedience. (4) The last thing he mentions is when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am going [heaven]. It is impossible to have the thoughts and affections on earthly things, even good earthly things, and at the same time have your spiritual pulse quickened. This list is very instructive in both what it contains and also in what it does not contain. You will notice there is no mention of Moses. Bunyan is clear as crystal that Moses can only minister death not life, wrath not peace. Moses cannot vanquish sin but he can sure stir it up and make the dust fly. One of the great problems in many Reformed circles is that they do not follow Bunyan's teaching on how to vanquish sin, but instead put the poor Christian's conscience under Moses. Sadly, this not only does not help sanctification, but it actually hinders it. Let us follow Bunyan as he follows Christ. |