The Pilgrim’s Progress
June 28, 2020 • Chris Reighley
Introduction
The journey is over—or almost. In the final stage of The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and Hopeful enter the land of Beulah, where the scent of heaven fills the air, the sunlight never fades, and the singing of doves mingles with glimpses of glory. This outer suburb of the Celestial City is a place of rest, reassurance, and longing. But one last trial remains: the River of Death.
What follows is a breathtaking contrast between triumph and tragedy. Christian, overcome by guilt and fear, begins to sink—but Hopeful holds him up, reminding him of the promises of God. Together, they cross and are welcomed into glory with song, crown, and shining garments.
Yet not all end well. Ignorance, who presumed his own goodness would be enough, is rejected at the gate and cast into judgment. His calm death deceived him. His lack of a certificate—symbolizing true, saving faith—seals his fate.
This final scene reminds us of heaven’s breathtaking welcome and hell’s sobering reality. It’s a call to make our calling and election sure—and to press on, with eyes fixed on the City to come.
“Then I saw that there was a way to Hell, even from the gates of Heaven.” — John Bunyan
Episode Outline – The Tenth Stage
Title: “The Gates of Glory and the Shadow of Judgment”
PART 1: The Comforting Delights of Beulah Land
- Beulah = “Married” (Isa. 62:4) – a foretaste of union with Christ
- Features: sunshine, doves, blossoms, angels walking, sweet air
- Christian and Hopeful feel overwhelmed with longing to see the King
- Fellowship deepens; the world fades into the background
- Application: For the mature believer, heaven becomes more real than earth
PART 2: The River of Death – Trial and Triumph
- No bridge—only the river
- Christian sinks in fear, recalling sins and facing demonic assaults
- Hopeful encourages with Scripture (Isa. 43:2; Ps. 73:4–5)
- Christian sees Christ, remembers the promise, and rises
- They find the river shallower the further they trust
- Application: Even strong believers may fear death—but Christ holds fast
PART 3: The Shining Welcome at Heaven’s Gate
- Shining Ones meet them; the pilgrims drop their mortal garments
- Clothed in golden robes, crowned, given harps
- Bells ring; choirs sing; they are welcomed with honor
- They enter the City singing: “Blessing, and honor, and glory…”
- Application: Death is not the end but the doorway to joy eternal
PART 4: The Tragic End of Ignorance
- Crosses the river easily—assisted by Vain-Hope
- Reaches the gate without a certificate (a symbol of regeneration)
- Angels ask for proof; he is speechless
- Bound hand and foot and cast away
- Application: Not all who say “Lord, Lord” will enter (Matt. 7:21–23)
PART 5: Final Reflections and Bunyan’s Plea
- “So I awoke, and behold—it was a dream.”
- Bunyan warns: don’t laugh at the story or miss its meaning
- “There is a way to Hell even from the gates of Heaven.”
- Application: Examine yourself—your eternal destiny depends on it (2 Cor. 13:5)