In the book Pilgrim’s Progress Mr. Christian found a friend in his travels a man called Mr. Faithful. They were talking about some of the challenges in their journey.

Mr. Faithful began to tell of an experience he had at Difficulty Hill when he met an very old man named, Adam the first. Adam lived in the town called “Deceit” and was wondering where Mr. Faithful was headed. While they talk Adam offers him a permanent position in his company out of no where. Faithful was wondering what about the wages, job and staff at Adam Incorporated. Adam tells him that all his employees were his children said that he was actually looking for an heir to take things over.  He also tell him he has three daughters that Mr. Faithful could marry Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life (1 John 2:16).

Faithful was tempted by the offer until he saw written on Adam’s forehead but looking in his forehead, as I talked with him, I saw there written, “Put off the old man with his deeds.” The truth was that Adam was just flattering him and if he would get there he would sell Mr. Faithful for a slave.  Mr. Faithful declined his offer and Adam was angry and started yelling at him because he would not come near the door of his house. he Adam told him that he would dispatch someone to make his life miserable. As he turned around Adam grabbed him with such strength he thought his arm was almost torn off and he yelled in pain, “O wretched man.” Rom. 7:24.  So I went on the road up the hill.

Now, when he had got above half-way up, Mr. Faithful looked behind him, and saw one coming , swift as the wind caught up with him. He knocked him down and he was dazed. When he recovered from the punch he asked the man why he hit him.  The man said because of his secret desire to go with Adam. Then he hit him again and knocked him out.  When he regained consciousness he begged him to show mercy but he said, “I do not know how to show mercy and he knocked him down again.”  He would have killed him but another man came by and told him to stop. He did not know that man at first until he perceived the holes in his hands and in his side. Then he concluded that the man was Christ. So he went up the hill. Christian said, “That man that overtook you was Moses. He spares none; he does not know how to show mercy to those that break God’s law.

Do you understand the meaning of this story? The law of Moses cannot save you. It can only expose the rottenness of your sinful thoughts, words and actions. It will condemn destroy and kill you. It is a law, “without mercy.” (Heb. 10:28). Only Christ can save you. It is his death on the Cross, the blood he poured out and the witness of the wounds in his hands, feet and side that can save you. He says STOP to the justice of God you deserved because he took your sins, the hell you deserved, the wrath you incurred upon himself. He rose from the dead to declare you as righteous and sits enthroned as proof that your sins are forgiven (Heb. 1:1-3). Believe his words and trust his promises!

©2018 Rev. Stephen S. Gibney all rights reserved. You may share this article but please give credit where credit is due.