Written in 1678, Pilgrim’s Progress takes readers on a symbolic journey through the Christian life. The main character, Christian, encounters personalities like Evangelist, Mr. Worldly Wiseman, and Prudence as he travels from the City of Destruction (this world) to the Celestial City (heaven). In the course of his journey, Christian summits the Hill of Difficulty, battles a dragon in the Valley of Humiliation, and dons the armor of God. Despite its strong religious overtones, Pilgrim’s Progress routinely tops the secular bestseller lists and is widely considered one of the greatest fictional works of all time. One source reported that 250 million copies have sold over the years.1
Remember: The Lord Could Return Tomorrow
Respond: 3 Ways to Live Purposefully in the Last Days
1. Live like we belong.
2. Keep our eyes on heaven.
3. Carry out our assignment.
This idea of Christians being travelers passing through life on the way to heaven did not begin with Pilgrim’s Progress. It was a central theme in the apostle Peter’s letters. He encouraged believers to face “fiery trials” with joy, knowing that one day we will partake in Christ’s glory (1 Peter 4:12-13). As we await the Lord’s return, we can fortify our faith with the timeless truths that have sustained the Church for centuries. And no matter where we find ourselves on the prophetic timetable, Peter’s letters give us insight into how we can maintain active faith and holy living.
Remember: The Lord Could Return Tomorrow
Writing to a Church racked by persecution, Peter sought to encourage God’s people and remind them of God’s promises. He addressed his readers as “sojourners and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11) and warned believers to conduct themselves carefully among those who do not yet believe or oppose the spread of Christianity. “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
Like many first-century believers, Peter expected that Christ would return during his lifetime. “Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation’” (2 Peter 3:3-4).
When we realize this world is not our home, it changes our approach to everything. Our possessions won’t last; only what we send ahead of us will endure as we invest in God’s Kingdom. With this view of our Christian identity, how do we live it out?
Respond: 3 Ways to Live Purposefully in the Last Days
1. Live like we belong.
In a fractured world, the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers the ultimate assurance that we belong. When we come to Jesus Christ, our sense of identity is bound up in Him. Regardless of race, gender, background, citizenship, political party, or social or financial status, we are His special people. Nothing in the world anchors our sense of belonging more deeply than claiming our identity in Christ and following His clear instructions for our life.
2. Keep our eyes on heaven.
When we keep the destination in mind, the trip is worth it. Heaven is sinless, pure, perfect, beautiful, and radiant. The closer we get to heaven, the more we should reflect its character. While we can’t fully imagine how wonderful it will be, the Bible’s descriptions allow our mind’s eye to visualize heaven’s city, walls, streets, golden glow, crystal river, God’s throne, and the worshiping throngs. In Colossians 3, Paul tells us to keep our heart and mind focused on the things above.
3. Carry out our assignment.
As the Lord’s stewards, we represent Him. A steward is someone who faithfully carries out the wishes of an owner, acting on his behalf, doing what he knows the owner would do in any situation. Our assignment is to glorify God through our words, thoughts, and actions wherever possible. It requires putting Jesus first and letting Him be Lord over everything in our life.
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Peter approached each day believing that Jesus Christ could return at any moment, and he calls us to do the same. The Rapture—the next event on God’s prophetic timeline—is a signless event. It could happen without warning at any time. While we cannot know if we will live to see the Lord’s return, there is no doubt that the world is full of people who need Christ’s gift of salvation. They need a godly person to show them the way. Why not let it be you and me?
Sources:
1"These Are the 10 Best-Selling Novels of All Time," https://www.knowledgesnacks.com/articles/the-10-best-selling-novels-of-all-time/#:~:text=The%20Pilgrim%E2%80%99s%20Progress.%20250%20million%20copies%20sold.%20Four,Altemus%20edition%20of%201890.%20%28Photo%3A%20Wikimedia%20%2FPublic%20domain%29, accessed on February 8, 2022.