Roll / Certificate / Scroll Symbol Analysis

After Christian loses the burden of his sin and guilt at the Cross, an angel gives him a roll to read as he continues his pilgrimage to the Celestial City. The roll, alternately referred to as a certificate or scroll, symbolizes Christian’s assurance of his salvation. In Puritan theology, salvation is viewed as a guaranteed, objective gift from God, yet even a redeemed sinner often experiences doubts and fears about the afterlife, depending on their personal circumstances, temperament, and ongoing sin. The roll, therefore, gives Christian a concrete object to refer to when he’s overcome by doubts. When he negligently loses his roll on the Hill Difficulty, Christian finds his journey much tougher; when he finds it again, he progresses up the Hill with ease, showing how much a pilgrim’s subjective state can impact their outward journey. When he finally arrives at the Celestial Gate, Christian hands in his roll; now that he has attained his heavenly goal, he no longer requires a token of assurance.