The Pilgrim's Progress: A Readable Modern-Day Version of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress (The Pilgrim's Progress Series Book 1)

by John Bunyan

While trying to decide my next Bible study project, my wife challenged me to consider The Pilgrim’s Progress. I agreed that it was a good idea, but if I was to create a study, it would only make sense that I would also need to create a more readable version of the book. Surely if I struggled reading it, others did too. And what would be the purpose of creating a study for a book that people could not understand?

“Good! Keep that light in your eye, and go straight to it,” said Evangelist. “When you arrive at the gate, knock, and you will be told what you are to do.”

“I’m searching for a joy that does not fade,” replied Christian, “a secure inheritance in Heaven that cannot be corrupted and will be given at the appointed time to those who earnestly search for it.” He held out the book in his hand. “Don’t take my word for it. Read it in my book.”

“There are three things in the man’s advice that you must absolutely hate: first, his cunning ability to turn you away from the true path; secondly, his work in displaying the cross as unpleasant and repulsive; and finally, that he points you in a direction that ultimately leads to death.”

“Did he think so little of the glories of Heaven that it was not worth a few risks to gain it?”

“This is Christ, who, with the oil of grace, continually maintains the work already begun in the heart.42 The grace He supplies ignites the soul of His people like a roaring fire that, despite the devil’s best efforts, will never be extinguished. This is a difficult concept for man to understand—that even when we are tempted, Christ is doing all the work by supplying the grace we need to stand firm.”

“I neglected to watch and be on guard. As a result, I stopped controlling my lust, and now it runs free; I sinned against the truth and goodness of God’s Word; I grieved the Holy Spirit, and now He’s gone; I flirted with temptation, and the devil came to me; I provoked God to anger, and He abandoned me. At last, I’ve hardened my heart to the point that I cannot repent.”

Christian was thirsty, so he walked over and drank from the Spring of Life.61 He then went straight up the hill, saying, “Regardless of how high and difficult this hill is, I’m determined to walk up it because I know it leads to the Way of Life. I might become weak or even scared, but I will have courage and press on because it’s better to be on the right path, even if it’s difficult, than to go an easier way that ends in misery.”