Updated February, 2025
One of the great Christian classics is John Runyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. Written in 1678 during Bunyan's second imprisonment for "holding unlawful assemblies and not conforming to the national worship of the Church of England," the book depicts in allegorical language Bunyan's dream about the journey of Christian from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, Christian and other traveling companions experience both the hardships and joys that are part of the Christian life: forgiveness, temptation, doubt, persecution, and spiritual battles.
In the fall of 1997, our worship committee decided to plan a series of evening services revolving around some of the key events in Christian's life as he traveled to the Celestial City. Each worship service contained a five- to ten-minute drama that I wrote with another member of the congregation. The sermon and songs were coordinated with the themes of the drama.
Church members were urged to order and then read the book during the weeks of this series. They were informed in advance which section of the book would be covered in the following Sunday's worship service. The versions of the book that the committee selected and recommended were
• Pictorial Pilgrim's Progress (Moody Press). This book is filled with illustrations, making it especially suitable for little children.
• The Pilgrim's Progress, retold by Gary Schmidt (Eerdmans). A vivid retelling of the story accompanied by wonderful illustrations. Especially suitable for families with children.
• The Pilgrim's Progress in Today's English, James H. Thomas (Moody Press). The original story told in contemporary language. Suitable for adults.
• Pilgrim's Progress is also available in a popular forty-minute video (Bridgestone Group).
Ordinarily Sunday night attendance is not high, but for these six weeks the sanctuary was packed. The most striking thing was how all ages were drawn in. Both older and younger members of the congregation appreciated the services. Many adult members said that they had never read the book or that they hadn't read it for years. Children, not surprisingly, enjoyed the short dramatic presentations. And for all members and visitors, the services provided a basic overview of the Christian life—a sort of Christianity 101.
The short dramas can be performed in separate worship services (as we did). They are also appropriate for other settings, such as church school. Or it's possible to combine them into one presentation that would last approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, though that would involve rather frequent changes of sets (p. 18).
Altogether about thirty-five people were involved (not counting those who worked on sets); we used a variety of people in some roles, but "Christian" was played by the same person in all six dramas; his was the most challenging role. The dramas were placed early in the service, right after the call to worship, greeting, and opening hymn. The dramas were followed by 5cripture and sermon. The response to the Word included affirmations of faith based on Our World Belongs to God, a contemporary testimony of the Christian Reformed Church found in the 1987 worship edition of the Psalter Hymnal.
WEEK 1
CHRISTIAN LEAVES THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION
Call to Worship: Nehemiah 9:5-6
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-2; 7:13-14
Sermon: "The Road Less Traveled"
Affirmation of Faith: Our World Belongs to God stanzas 1-3
Song Suggestions
"I Have Decided to Follow Jesus"Marak
"O Jesus, I Have Promised"Bode
"I Want Jesus to Walk with Me"
"Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer" Williams
"Lead Me, Guide Me"Akers
Drama
Narrator: Many years ago—in fact more than three hundred years ago—a man was born in England. His name was John Bunyan. During his childhood and youth, he did not live a very godly life. But when he reached adulthood, his godly wife and church-going neighbors gradually nudged him toward change.
At the age of twenty-three, John Bunyan accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He later became a preacher. It wasn't easy to be a preacher in those days, especially if you preached the true gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus outside the rules of the Church of England—that is without a preaching license from the church. John Bunyan was put in prison for doing so—for twelve years. Three years after his release he was put in prison again—for one more year. During that year, 1678, he wrote the book The Pilgrim's Progress, based on an imaginary dream.
In his dream he saw a man wearing tattered clothes with a heavy burden on his back and a book in his hand. The man's name was Christian, and he lived in the City of Destruction.
Christian: [Talks slowly, bent over by his heavy burden. Holds a book—the Bible—in his hand, turning the pages slowly, deep in thought. As he reads, he is clearly distressed. He trembles and weeps, then breaks out in a cry of despair] What shall I do?
Narrator: In his plight, Christian went home. He did not want his wife and children to notice his distress, but he could not be silent.
Christian: [Facing his wife and children] My dear wife and children, I am in great trouble because of the heavy load on my back. The city in which we live will be burned with fire. It is the City of Destruction. Unless we escape, we will all perish.
Child 1: Oh, Daddy, don't worry. It's OK.
Child 2: You're just tired. You need some sleep.
Child 3: Yeah! You'll feel better in the morning.
Narrator: But Christian remained deeply troubled. He took long walks. One day he walked farther than usual.
Christian: [Walking; he is reading his Bible again and continues to be in great distress. He falls to his knees because of the burden on his back and cries out] What must I do to be saved?
Narrator: Just then, a man met him unexpectedly. His name was Evangelist, which means "Teller of Good News."
Evangelist: What's the matter? Why are you troubled?
Christian: [Bent over by the weight of sin, looks up and says] Sir, this book tells me that because of the great burden of sin on my back, 1 will die. I must get out of this place, but I do not know which way to go.
Evangelist: [Hands Christian a scroll]
Christian: [Unrolls the scroll and reads out loud] Flee from the wrath to come. Flee from the wrath to come. [Turning to Evangelist] But in what direction shall I go?
Evangelist: [Points to a place in the distance] Do you see that gate over there—that narrow gate?
Christian: [Straining his eyes] No. I can't see it.
Evangelist: Do you see a light, a shining light?
Christian: I think so.
Evangelist: Keep your eye focused on that light. Walk straight toward it. When you get there, you will see a narrow gate. Knock on it, and you will be told what to do.
Narrator: So Christian began walking toward the light. Before he had gone very far, his wife and children urged him to come back.
Wife: Come back, dear.
Child 1: Don't go, Daddy.
Child 2: Please come back.
Child 3: We want you to stay with us.
Narrator: But Christian put his fingers in both ears and said:
Christian: Life. Eternal life!
Narrator: His neighbors too came out of their homes and saw him leave.
Neighbors: [Laughing] Where does he think he is going? What a fool! [Pleading] Come back. Come back, Christian. [Mocking] Why are you running away? Scared, are you?
Narrator: Two of the neighbors ran after him. Their names were Obstinate and Pliable.
Obstinate: Come back with us to the city.
Pliable: And let's talk about this madness of yours.
Christian: No. Come with me instead.
Obstinate: [Laughing] And leave the comforts of our homes?
Pliable: And our friends?
Christian: Yes. Leave them behind, and you will find joy you never knew before. There is a treasure safely stored away in heaven for us. That's what this book says.
Obstinate: Away with your book! Come, Pliable. Let him be. He's crazy.
Pliable: Don't make fun of him. Christian is a good man. I think I will go with him.
Narrator: So Obstinate returned home. But Christian and Pliable walked on together. Along the way Christian told him about the place where they were going, the heavenly city. "The owner of that place will wipe away every tear from our eyes," Christian told Pliable. "We will live with the shining angels. And our lives will never end. Never!
WEEK 2
BURDENS ARE LIFTED AT CALVARY
Call to Worship: Matthew 11:28-30
Scripture: Zechariah 3:1-5
Sermon: "A Change of Clothing"
Affirmation of Faith: Our World Belongs to God stanzas 15, 24,27
Song Suggestions
"Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary"Moore
"My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less"Mote
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"Scriven
"Amazing Grace"Newton
"Cast Your Burden on the Lord"
"Through it All"Crouch
Narrator: Christian and his neighbor Pliable left their hometown, the City of Destruction, and began traveling toward the Narrow Gate that would eventually lead to eternal life.
Soon after they set out, however, they found themselves in the Slough of Despond. Their feet began to sink deeper and deeper into the mud and murky water. Pliable didn't like it at all and decided to go back home. But Christian kept going. Eventually a man called Help pulled him out of the mud and the mire.
Christian kept going all alone until he came to the Narrow Gate. He knocked on the door, and the gatekeeper opened it. "Go the house of the Interpreter," the gatekeeper said. After Christian got there, Interpreter showed him many things that he could expect to meet on his journey to the heavenly palace.
When Christian was ready to leave, Interpreter said, "May the Comforter be with you." And Christian started on his way.
The road was narrow. On either side was a wall called Salvation. On this road Christian traveled with great difficulty because the load on his back was very heavy.
Christian: [Starts walking down the narrow road with his pack on his back, bent over] This bag is so heavy. I wish 1 hadn't done so many bad things. Evangelist told me that in the Bible these things are called sin. [He goes up an incline, then looks up ahead] What is that I see? [He looks at it with amazement and wonder, then says, as he keeps getting closer] A cross! [Suddenly the burden rolls off his back and tumbles down the incline. Christian reaches up to feel behind him. There is nothing there. He reaches up over his shoulders. Nothing.] My burden, my burden, it's gone! I'm not carrying it anymore. Hallelujah!
Narrator: Just then, three Shining Ones appeared.
Christian: [Reacts with surprise and awe]
Angel 1: Peace be with you-
Christian: And with you too.
Angel 1: You have often made Jesus very sad by your sins. But I am here to tell you that the Lord has forgiven you.
Angel 2: No longer will you need to wear those tattered clothes. I will put new clothes on you. [Proceeds to do so]
Angel 3: [Handing Christian a scroll] You will need this as you continue on your way. Read this scroll and hand it in when you get to the door of the heavenly palace.
Christian: [Opens scroll and reads it softly] For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [Turning to angels] Oh, thank you, thank you. You have all been so kind.
Narrator: And so Christian went on his way, smiling and singing.
WEEK 3
CHRISTIAN IS ARMED FOR SPIRITUAL BATTLE
Call to Worship: Psalm 46:10-11
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18
Sermon: "The Armor of God"
Affirmation of Faith: Our World Belongs to God stanza 37
Song Suggestions
"Christian, Do You Struggle"Crete
"Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus"Duffield
"The Battle Belongs to the Lord"Owens-Collins
"Lead On, O King Eternal"Shurtleff
"Seek Ye First"Lafferty
"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"Robinson
Drama
Narrator: The past few weeks we have followed Christian from his departure from the City of Destruction through the Narrow Gate and down the path that leads to the Celestial City. Farly on in his journey Christian was relieved of his tremendous burden at the cross and was given new clothes and a scroll to guide him on the journey.
Along the way Christian met Timorous and Mistrust, who urged him to turn back for fear of the ferocious lions ahead. But Christian could not be swayed. He hurried ahead to the Palace Beautiful in hopes of finding lodging there before nightfall. When he was so close to the palace that he could see the open doors, he suddenly found himself between two lions. They sprang at him with jaws open wide, claws fully extended, and ears laid flat. Christian was terrified and started back.
Suddenly the moonlight filled the night and made the path glow. Christian heard the gatekeeper's voice.
Watchful: Why are you so cowardly? Don't be afraid of the lions. They are chained and placed there to test your faith. Walk in the center of the path, and nothing will harm you.
Narrator: Cautiously Christian approached as the lions roared and sprang at him.
Watchful: [Walks towards Christian and helps him proceed into the palace]
Narrator: Inside, Watchful introduced him to Discretion, a tall, dignified lady who listened intently to his purpose and the events of his journey. Then she introduced him to her three sisters, Prudence, Charity, and Piety. Together they enjoyed a delicious meal and talked long into the night about the Owner of the Palace Beautiful.
Christian: I met him at the cross, and my burdens fell off. It was wonderful. I felt so relieved and at peace! What can you tell me about him?
Discretion: He's a great warrior. He fought the dragon who holds the power of death and defeated him.
Prudence: Yes, but this made the dragon very angry, and he has sent all his forces out to fight those who serve him.
Charity: You, Christian, must be prepared at all times to defend yourself against his forces.
Piety: The road can be very hard sometimes, but it's well worth the walk.
Discretion: Come, it's getting late. Let us rest.
Narrator: That night Christian slept in a chamber called Peace, and he slept more soundly than he had any night since he was a child. Little did he know what lay ahead. The next morning Christian met the sisters in the armory of the palace.
Prudence: This breastplate is to protect you against the one who wields death. [Staps it on Christian]
Piety: May you be strong in the battles before you with this helmet and these leg guards. [Puts them on Christian]
Narrator: Charity gave him a broadsword, and Discretion brought a great round shield.
Discretion: [Quietly] To avert the darts of the wicked one.
Narrator: Christian was eager to set out on his journey again, having been refreshed at the Palace. With the armor in place, he made his way along the path into the Valley of Humiliation. He had not traveled far when suddenly a terrible creature blocked his path. His name was Apollyon. [Apollyon appears] His body was covered with scales like a fish. He had wings like a dragon and feet like a bear. He breathed fire and smoke.
Christian was terrified and began to back away. But then he remembered the armor he was wearing and advanced to meet the creature.
Christian: Monster, I come from the City of Destruction, and I'm on my way to the Celestial City, Stand back!
Apollyon: 1 own the City of Destruction, so you are my subject. You will serve me!
Christian: I was born into your kingdom and into your hard service, but now I am pledged to Emmanuel. I am his servant and will follow him.
Narrator: These words angered Apollyon. In a rage, he threw fiery darts at Christian's chest, but the shield protected him. Christian quickly drew out the Sword of the Spirit and attacked.
They struggled back and forth for half a day without either gaining ground. Christian's head and feet were wounded, and he could resist no longer. He fell to the ground.
Apollyon flew into the air and came down with claws outstretched. But at that moment, Christian reached out and caught his sword. He thrust it deep into the monster.
Christian: [Boldly] We are more than conquerors through him who loves us!
Narrator: The monster jolted back and lunged away into the darkness in defeat. Christian used the leaves of the nearby Tree of Life to heal his wounds. He rested there for the night.
The armor that had gleamed so brilliantly at the Palace Beautiful was now dented and stained. But Christian looked bigger, bolder, and more certain. His strides were longer and his head higher as he continued his way along the path. He was a man of intent.
WEEK 4
CHRISTIAN ARRIVES AT VANITY FAIR
Call to Worship: Psalm 100:1-2, S
Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17
Sermon: "Do Not Love the World"
Affirmation of Faith: Nicene Creed
Song Suggestions
"Am I A Soldier of the Cross"Watts
"O Jesus, I Have Promised"Bode
"I'd Rather Have Jesus"Miller
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"Perronet
"There's No God as Great"
Drama
[A long table or two is set up with all kinds of wares on it. There should be a table and chair for the judge, as well as a jail. As the drama begins, sellers and buyers (eleven or twelve, who later comprise the jury) gather around the table and talk all through each other animatedly and loudly. Tills goes on for about twenty seconds, when, at the sound of a gavel, the talking stops and the people freeze in their positions.]
Narrator: After having survived the Valley of Humiliation and the combat with Apollyon, Christian continued along the path. Soon he caught up with someone he thought he recognized.
Christian: Faithful, is that you?
Faithful: Christian! Am I ever glad to see you! I've been trying to catch up with you ever since you left, I've stumbled along the way, and I've been quite lonely at times. It will sure feel good to have some company.
Christian: I too have stumbled and been lonely. Say—do you have news of home? I las anyone else left the City of Destruction?
Narrator: And so they shared news of former friends and stories of their journey along the way. So glad were they for each other's company, and so engrossed were they in their stories, that they were surprised to see Evangelist suddenly approach them.
Evangelist: Greetings, pilgrims. [Shakes hands] It is good to see you have safely come this far. But I must warn you of the dangers that lie ahead for you in the town of Vanity Fair. The people there are enemies of the truth and will try hard to put you to death. It is a place of murder, falseness, cruelty, and deceit. Beware—there is no good there.
Narrator: Christian and Faithful traveled on to the town of Vanity Fair. It was just as Evangelist had described. The noise was deafening, the goods cheap, the fruit rotten, and the people bent on deceit. Everything was fake!
[Pickpockets appear: one adult, two kids]
Child 1: [To Christian] Hey Mister, come see what we have here!
Child 2: [To Faithful] Sir, could you open this box for me? It seems stuck...
[While Faithful is busy opening the box, the adult walks around him to pick his pocket, and then runs away.]
Townsperson 1: [To Christian] What will you buy? [Christian shakes his head]
Townsperson 2: [To Faithful, who has moved past Christian] This document, good Sir, will get you into the Celestial City.
Faithful: [Looks at the scroll in his pocket and shakes his head]
Townsperson 3: [Pulling on Christian's sleeves as he passes] What would you like today, Sir?
Christian: [Shaking off the townsperson] The truth.
Narrator: This response caused such an uproar in the street that all order was lost, and the crowd began to mock and taunt the pilgrims.
Townsperson 3: Are you calling us liars?
Townsperson 2: Who do you think you are?
Townsperson I: Do you think you are better than us?
Extra person: How dare you walk into our town and criticize us!
Narrator: Then they were taken into custody for questioning. [The pilgrims are put in jail] For three days the townspeople of Vanity Fair laughed at them, spit at them, and threw rotten food at them. [Throw food] The pilgrims endured all this patiently, and finally they were brought to the court for trial, the honorable Judge Hate-Good presiding.
Prosecutor: [Takes the pilgrims out of jail, then sets them in the courtroom and handcuffs them] These men are charged as enemies of trade and disturbers of peace. They have made divisions in the town and have spoken against the law of our prince.
Judge Hate-Good: Faithful, is this true?
Faithful: I only oppose those who turn from the law of him who is higher than the highest. Your prince, Satan, is our Lord's enemy, and I defy him.
Judge: Anyone having a complaint against the prisoners should appear and give evidence. [The whole courtroom begins to murmur at the sight of the pilgrims] Order! Order in the courtroom!
Prosecutor: For the record, please state your name and complaint.
Envy: My name is Envy, and I have heard Faithful condemn the religion of our town, saying that Apollyon and his master are hateful.
Narrator: Then Superstition took the stand.
Superstition: These men are troublemakers! Faithful said that our love for Apollyon was unnatural and evil.
Narrator: Faithful was given a chance to respond.
Faithful: I do not deny these statements. The Lord have mercy on my soul.
Narrator: At this the jury offered the verdict, which they had already made up in their minds from the beginning.
Judge: Jury, I will ask each member, how do you find this man? Mr. Blindman, how do you respond?
Mr. Blindman: Guilty!
Judge: Mrs. Reject-Good?
Mrs. Reject-Good: Guilty!
Judge: Your answer, Mrs. Highmind?
Mrs. Highmind: Guilty!
Judge: And you, Mrs. Cruelty?
Mrs. Cruelty: Guilty!
Judge: Mrs. HoId-a-Grudge?
Mrs. Hold-a-Grudge: Guilty!
Judge: Mrs. Love-Lust?
Mrs. Love-Lust: Guilty!
Judge: Mrs. Hate-Light?
Mrs. Hate-Light: Guilty!
Judge: Mr. Enmity?
Mr. Enmity: Guilty!
Judge: Mr. Headstrong? Mr. Headstrong: Guilty!
Judge: Mrs. Malice?
Mrs. Malice: Guilty!
Judge: Mrs. Live-Loose?
Mrs. Live-Loose: Guilty!
Judge: I order that Faithful be taken to the execution grounds to receive the most cruel death allowable under the law.
[Jury members cheer while Faithful is dragged from the courtroom. They then follow Faithful to watch the execution, shouting]
Crowd: Death to the stranger! Death to anyone who mocks our god! May his death be a lesson to others who enter our city!
Narrator: Christian was left standing bound in the courtroom. Christian wept for his friend, but then he saw something that filled him with joy. He saw two horses and a chariot of fire come down from the clouds and carry Faithful to the Celestial City.
Suddenly, the courtroom door opened again, but this time it was only a young man, Hopeful. He rescued Christian, and they escaped Vanity Fair altogether.
[Hopeful resales Christum and the two escape.]
WEEK 5
CHRISTIAN IS IMPRISONED IN DOUBTING CASTLE
Call to Worship
Come, worship the King, give glory and honor to Jesus Christ, whose name is above every name. Listen to his instruction and so put on the full armor of God so that you may resist Satan and give praise to our Lord.
Scripture: Psalm 42
Sermon: "Hope in Dark Days"
Affirmation of Faith: Apostles' Creed
Song Suggestions
"How Firm a Foundation"
"Standing on the Promises"Carter
"As the Deer"Nystrom
"Jesus, Name Above All Names"Hearn
"Blessed Assurance"Crosby, Post
Drama
Narrator: After Christian escaped from Vanity Fair, where his good friend Faithful was put to death for believing in Jesus, Christian and a new traveling companion, Hopeful, walked on towards the Celestial City. On the fourth day, they came to a beautiful meadow called Bypath Meadow. "Let's walk through the meadow," said Christian to Hopeful. "It's a shortcut. We can pick up the road on the other side." So they left the road they were supposed to stay on, climbed the fence, and began crossing the meadow. When evening came, they fell asleep. In the morning they were awakened by the footsteps and the big voice of a giant whose name was Giant Despair.
Giant Despair: [Grabbing them by the neck and slinking them awake] Who are you? And what are you doing here?
Christian: We are two pilgrims on the way to the Celestial City but we have lost our way.
Giant Despair: So you have! You are on my property, the grounds of Giant Despair. Now you must pay for your mistake. I'm taking you to my castle. It's called Doubting Castle. Now come along! [Giant Despair takes them to his castle, opens a cell door, and promptly throws them in] This is where you will stay until you die. So don't get your hopes up.
Narrator: The dungeon was dark, not a single window in it. And the walls were very thick. What a grim place! They could hear creatures scurrying around them. Hopeful tried to cheer Christian up, but he could not. Christian knew that it was because of him that they had left the path and been taken to this awful castle. It was all his fault.
Meanwhile, Giant Despair was having supper with his wife, Gloom. He told her about the intruders,
Giant Despair: I caught two men trespassing on our land today and threw them into the dungeon.
Gloom: Who are they?
Giant Despair: They're some of those pilgrims on their way to the Celestial City. They got lost. They'll never get there now because 1 won't let them go. I just don't know what I should do with them.
Gloom: I hate those pilgrims. They always think they can shortcut through our property. [Pause] Beat them and starve them! Beat them so badly that they give up on life. Beat them so badly that they kill themselves.
[Giant Despair returns to the dungeon and opens the door.]
Hopeful: Have you come to let us out?
Giant Despair: [With a deep laugh] Are you kidding? [Begins to beat first Hopeful and then Christian] You trampled on my property. I will make you pay. I will beat you and starve you till you die! [Giant Despair leaves and locks the door after him.]
Christian: We'll never get out of here. We're going to die, and it's all my fault.
Hopeful: Let's not despair yet. God, who created the world, also controls every situation. We must trust him to help us. We must watch for an opportunity to escape.
Narrator: For several days Giant Despair kept coming to the prison and beating the two prisoners. Beat them long enough, he thought, and they will grow so weak and discouraged that they will take their own lives.
Giant Despair: I can't believe they're still alive.
Gloom: You must beat them harder and scare them worse. Take them to the castle yard and show them the skeletons of other pilgrims who have come this way.
Giant Despair: Yeah. That's what I'll do tomorrow.
[Giant Despair and Gloom retire for the night.]
Narrator: About midnight Hopeful and Christian began to read their scrolls and pray, and they kept this up until dawn.
Christian: O God, we have sinned and strayed from your way. Please forgive us and help us to find our way back. [Pauses; then sits up with a start] What a fool I have been! I just remembered. [Peeling in his pocket] I have a key with me that will open any door.
Hopeful: What kind of key is it?
Christian: It's the key called Promise. We can use it to get out of Doubting Castle.
[Christian hies to open door. At first, it doesn't work. He tries again; this time it works. Cautiously they open the door and escape.]
Narrator: So Christian and Hopeful, sustained by the promises of God, made their way out of Doubting Castle and continued on their journey. But before they left the meadow, they returned to the place where they had climbed the fence and put up a warning sign. It said: "Over this fence is the way to Doubting Castle kept by the Giant Despair, who hates the owner of the Celestial City and seeks to kill all pilgrims who trespass," For years afterward, many who followed along the road and were tempted to climb the fence into Bypath Meadow were saved by this sign.
WEEK 6
CHRISTIAN REACHES THE CELESTIAL CITY
Call to Worship: from Revelation 4
Scripture: Revelation 21-22:5
Sermon: "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Heaven But..."
Affirmation of Faith: Our World Belongs to God (stanzas 57-58)
Song Suggestions
"Jerusalem the Golden"Cluny
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"
"Holy God, We Praise Your Name"Walworth
"Alabare"Polman, Alonzo
"You Are Worthy"Mills
Drama
Narrator: After narrowly escaping Doubting Castle, Christian and Hopeful continued on their journey to the Celestial City. The landscape was more beautiful each step of the way. Gardens and orchards abounding with fruit and flowers lined the path. Along the way they met a group of shepherds tending their flock. One, named Knowledge, warned them to beware of the Deceiver, even though they were so close to the City.
In the late afternoon Christian and Hopeful came to a place where another path joined theirs. Both seemed to go in the right direction.
Hopeful: Which way?
Christian: [Shaking his head] I don't know.
Deceiver: [In a smooth voice] Gentlemen, perhaps I can help you. I wait here for pilgrims on their way to the Celestial City. Many have followed me before, and now I'm willing to help you. Would you care to follow me?
Christian: [Speaking only to Hopeful] I don't like this guy. He's too hidden.
Hopeful: But he's all dressed in white. He's probably one of the Shining Ones sent here to guide the pilgrims to the city.
Christian: [Hesitantly] Maybe . . . all right, let's follow him.
Narrator: So the white figure took the left fork, and almost immediately the path turned away from the Celestial City. The further they traveled, the more uneasy Christian and Hopeful were. Finally, with their backs to the City, they stopped their guide.
Christian: Stop! This can't be the right way.
Narrator: The figure slowly turned around and raised its white hands to lift its hood. They saw its face for the first time.
Hopeful: The Deceiver! Run!
Narrator: But it was too late. A weighted net fell upon them, and they quickly got entangled in it. The Deceiver said nothing, pulled his hood over his head, walked past them, and headed back the way he had come, looking for more pilgrims.
Christian and Hopeful tried everything to free themselves, but nothing worked, and soon darkness fell. They feared the Deceiver's return. Then they saw a white light moving through the trees.
Christian: Is it the Deceiver?
Hopeful: [Stating at the figure as he approaches] No, it can't be. The light is too bright.
Shining One: What are you doing here? This is not the way to the city.
Christian: We allowed ourselves to be led away by the Deceiver, and now we're caught in his net.
Narrator: The Shining One took out his flaming sword and slashed the net. [Net is removed] Then he led them back to the path with his light shining all around them in the dark woods. With joy in their hearts, Christian and Hopeful continued on their journey. But not far ahead, the path ended abruptly in a deep and dark river that flowed swiftly. Across the river sat another Shining One.
Christian: [To Hopeful] There's no way across, not even a bridge. We'll never make it, [To the Shining One] Is there no other way to cross over?
Shining One: Only Enoch and Elijah were permitted to bypass this river. All others must pass through it.
Hopeful: [Calling across to the Shining Quel] Is it deep?
Shining One: That depends on how firmly you believe in the owner of this place.
[Christian anal Hopeful hang on to each other as they step into the water.]
Narrator: With determination, Christian and Hopeful entered the river. [They pass the first set of waves] I At first Christian kept his eyes on the City, but then thoughts of the struggle with Apollyon and the Giant filled his mind. [They pass the second set of waves] Suddenly the river seemed to rise up all around him. Hopeful was nowhere in sight.
Chistian: This is the River of Death! [Sinks into the water] Hopeful, where are you?
[Christian and Hopeful go under the third set of waves and come up on the other side.]
Hopeful: [Grabbing Christian's arm] Do not despair. I see the gates! We're so close! Remember the promise.
Christian: "When I pass through the river, you are with me."
Narrator: As they remembered the Owner's promise, the waters stilled, the mist cleared, and they could see the gates of the Celestial City again. When they came out of the water, their bodies had changed. They were new and light and strong. They ran with ease up the steep ascent to the City. The gates opened, and a Shining One greeted them. He asked for their certificate and welcomed them. [Shakes hands] Faithful was there to put a robe on each of them and place a crown upon their heads. [Does so] The long journey was over. No more wandering, no more suffering, and no more pain. It was all over. [Pause] But really, it was only the beginning.
[Five saints come out to give praise and glory to the Owner and to welcome the pilgrims.]
Saint 1: Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto him that sits upon the throne.
Saint 2: And unto the lamb forever.
Saint 3: Enter into the joy of the Lord.
Saint 4: Here you will see Emmanuel as he is.
Saint 5: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.
[At this point Christian and Hopeful enter the City and all the instrumentalists come out.]
Song: "Holy, Holy, Holy"Heber
stanza 1: flute and violin
stanza 2: flute and violin and soloist
stanza 3: instrumentalists, with saints and angels instrumental interlude (flute, violin, sax, trumpets, French horn)
Stanza 4: instruments and congregation