Twisted Reasonings-Part 1

Journey to the Celestial City #62. In our continuing look at John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Hopeful, forsaking the one known as By-ends. Joining with the latter are the following three: Mr. Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-love and Mr. Save-all~and thus they abide in conversation. Mr. Money-love asks why Christian and Hopeful “did not stay”? To which By-ends answers of their rigidness and how they will not put up with others who have not their understanding of Religion and commitment. To which Mr. Hold-the-world commends By-ends for not going after them for only a fool would do such a thing as refuse the “blessings of God” in worldly gain and comfort. Did not Abraham, Solomon and Job enjoy the same? Mr. Save-all agrees. And the four of them continue further down the road of their “pleasant” discussion and twisted reasonings. And there are many who would have riches and the world and “universalism” on their (supposed) journey to Heaven/the Celestial City. (Universalism: “the doctrine that emphasizes the universal fatherhood of God and the final salvation of all souls.”) It’s not Christianity. Not even close. “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” (1 Corinthians 2:14) “‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'” (Mark 8:34) “‘For many are called, but few are chosen.'” (Matthew 22:14) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to “Pilgrim’s Progress Series” in the left sidebar.) pp 91-94