Season 5 Podcast 67 John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Episode 18 Chapter 4 B, “THE BATTLE.”

A New Voice of Freedom

Season 5 Podcast 67 John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Episode 18 Chapter 4 B, “THE BATTLE.”

In last week’s episode, Christian is interrogated by Apollyon, the destroyer, who asks him why he left the City of Destruction to follow Evangelist. With cunning he tries to win Christian back into his fold but fails. In this week’s episode Apollyon tries to destroy Christian. Apollyon asks Christian.

Apol. Thou hast already been unfaithful in thy service to Him; and how dost thou think to receive wages of Him?

Planting seeds of doubt is part of the cunning of Satan. Satan is suggesting that Christian cannot repent; therefore, he is already damned. Christian questions’ Apollyon.

Chris. Wherein, O Apollyon, have I been unfaithful to Him?

Apollyon lists a number of ways that Christian has failed. This, of course, is an attempt to play on Christian’s conscience.

Apol. Thou didst faint at first setting out, when thou wast almost choked in the Gulf of Despond. Thou didst attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden, whereas thou shouldst have stayed till thy Prince had taken it off. Thou didst sinfully sleep and lose thy choice things. Thou wast almost persuaded to go back at the sight of the lions. And when thou talkest of thy journey, and of what thou hast seen and heard, thou art inwardly desirous of glory to thyself in all that thou sayest or doest.

This raises an important theological question. Can Satan manipulate our conscience? How does conscience work? All of the accusations of Apollyon above are true. They are past sins; however, they are sins that Christian has suffered for and repented of. Isaiah said,

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

One of the cunning devices of Satan is to tell us that we cannot repent, that our cause is hopeless, that the atoning blood of Christ cannot apply to us because our sins have been too great, thus trying to get us to give up. Conscience is a gift of God, and like all gifts of God, because of the law of agency, it can be used for both good and evil. We must discern between the two. Satan tells us that we cannot repent. Christ tells us that we can. We must discern whose spirit is whispering in our ear. Christ would never tell us that we cannot repent. Many have committed grievous sins by following a false conscience. Christian has learned that great lesson.

Chris. All this is true, and much more which thou hast left out; but the Prince whom I serve and honor is merciful and ready to forgive. But besides, these infirmities possessed me in thy own country; for there I sucked them in, and I have groaned under them, been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon of my Prince.

This is too much for Apollyon. He cannot stand to hear the name of Christ, his arch enemy, used. From last week’s episode as Apollyon tries to persuade Christian to return to this fold, we learn that Satan uses many devices to deceive his prey: Guilt, Fear, Bribery, Cajolery, Lies & half truths, Pacification, and Flattery. This week we see, as a last resort, he uses rage.

Apol. Then Apollyon broke out into a grievous rage, saying, "I am an enemy to this Prince; I hate His person, His laws, and people. I am come out on purpose to withstand thee."

Christian has come a very long way. Formerly he escaped the slough of Despond, he overcame his fear of the lions, and he suffered many other trials. Furthermore, he has been taught by Evangelist, The Interpreter, The Shining Ones, Piety, Prudence, and Charity. He does not shrink before the rage of Apollyon.

Chris. Apollyon, beware what you do, for I am in the King's highway, the way of holiness: therefore take heed to yourself.