The Pilgrim’s Progress

As Christian and Hopeful continue on their way, they meet an Atheist traveling in their direction. When Atheist hears that they’re headed to Mount Zion, he laughs uproariously, calling them fools. He searched for the Celestial City for 20 years, he claims, and never found any evidence of it. That’s why he’s headed back the way he came. Christian and Hopeful believe that Atheist is wrong. They’ve glimpsed the Celestial City from the Delectable Mountains—and besides, they are supposed to walk by faith. They continue on their way, ignoring Atheist’s laughter.

Next, they come to a place called the Enchanted Ground, where the air tends to make newcomers drowsy. Hopeful immediately gets sleepy and suggests to Christian that they deserve a nap. Christian reminds him of the Shepherds’ warning and recommends that they engage in conversation in order to stay awake. He suggests that Hopeful tell the story of his conversion.

Hopeful explains that he used to take delight in those things bought and sold at Vanity Fair. But after witnessing Christian’s sufferings and Faithful’s death, he realized that these things are worthless and that those who indulge in them deserve God’s wrath. It takes a while, because he felt a burdensome conviction of his sins, yet he didn’t recognize the workings of God’s Spirit within him, and he didn’t know how to part with his old friends.

Over time, Hopeful was painfully reminded of his sins—when he met a good person in the street, or heard the Bible being read, or was reminded of death. Each time, he felt guilt and feared future judgment. He kept trying to reform his life but fell short. He also realized that, even if he succeeded in improving himself perfectly (which is impossible), he’d never be able to repay the debt of his former sins.

Overwhelmed by his predicament, Hopeful talked with his friend Faithful, who explained that a sinner can only be justified by trusting in Christ’s righteousness and death. Hopeful made various objections, fearing that God’s forgiveness could not apply to him personally, but Faithful gave Hopeful a Bible and told him he must pray for God to reveal himself through it. He also instructed Hopeful in how to pray for God’s mercy on his soul. Hopeful did so, praying fervently, though at first he was discouraged because he did not seem to receive an answer.

One day, however, while wrestling with the fear of Hell, Hopeful had a vision of Christ looking down on him from Heaven and telling Hopeful to believe. When Hopeful asked what it means for a sinner to believe, he heard Christ say, “He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and […] never thirst,” and he understood that believing in Christ means running to him. Hopeful wept as more Bible verses passed through his mind, deepening his assurance of Christ’s salvation. Hopeful could finally see the beauty of Jesus Christ.

After finishing his story, Hopeful glances back and sees Ignorance following behind them. Ignorance says that he prefers to walk alone. Christian engages him in conversation about his soul. Ignorance says he takes comfort in thoughts of God and Heaven and in the belief that he has left everything to pursue God. Ignorance’s heart tells him that he has reason to hope for Heaven. Christian points out that the heart can be deceitful, and that there can be a big difference between belief and reality. Ultimately, what matters is whether a person’s beliefs align with what the Bible says.

Christian goes on to explain the Bible’s teaching that nobody is righteous, and that the heart naturally produces evil thoughts. Ignorance says he cannot believe that his own heart is that bad. Christian says that the Bible teaches that humanity’s ways are wicked. It’s only possible for a person to think rightly of himself and God once he understands these biblical teachings. Ignorance protests that he believes in Christ, but Christian argues that this isn’t possible unless Ignorance actually sees his need for Christ. It isn’t enough, as Ignorance says, to believe that Christ justifies a sinner’s actions. Ignorance must believe that Christ justifies him, and that only on this basis can he be saved.

Ignorance denies Christian’s argument—if it were true, he says, then people could live as they chose. Christian says that Ignorance doesn’t yet understand the nature of Christ’s righteousness. With a final urging, Christian and Hopeful part ways with Ignorance.