One of the interesting aspects of Pilgrim’s journey to the Cross is the Slough of Despond. What is this place into which Christian and Pliable stumble?
Perhaps the meaning of the Slough is found in Bunyan’s autobiography, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
My original and inward pollution, that, that was my plague and my affliction …. Sin and corruption would bubble up out of my heart as naturally as water bubbles up out of a fountain …. I fell, therefore, at the sight of my own vileness, deeply into despair.
When one comes to an honest assessment of his sinfulness, he can enter into a state depression and discouragement about his condition. Such was the experience of David in the Psalms: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire.”
In one sense, we need to see more of the depth of conviction of sin portrayed in Bunyan’s picture of the Slough of Despond. Too often today, many think themselves converted when they have barely been convicted. Such seems to have been the case with Pliable. Like Pilgrim, Pliable detests the filth of his sin when made aware of it. But unlike Christian, he finds it easy to escape its pull by returning the way he entered in. The same is true of many who set out for heaven but have not come to sense the reality of their sin.
However, while we should be concerned by the lack of conviction seen today, Bunyan’s concern seems to be to show that pilgrims need not be caught in the Slough of Despond. He notes two things. First, that God has provided ample promises in His Word so that pilgrims need not linger in such a state despair. Second, that God has appointed people called “help” to assist pilgrims caught in the Slough of Despond.
“Help” appears to be an illustration of the role of believers in helping pilgrims on their way to salvation. Charles Spurgeon tells us that this character, in assisting pilgrim on his way was “a man unknown to fame on earth, but enrolled in the annals of the skies as wise to win souls.” Such persons are used by God to rescue pilgrims who are trapped in the despair of their sin.
It is not God’s design that pilgrim’s should be left in the Slough. It is our responsibility to be alert to those trapped in the despair of their sinfulness and assist them in moving toward the cross.
Here are some suggestions for us as we seek to be involved in this great work. First, when you meet one in such a situation, get him to state his own case. When Help first came upon Pilgrim, he did not immediately put out his hand to assist. It is important that we let men tell us their condition lest we be guilty of pulling one out who has no real conviction of sin. It may be that one is a Pliable rather than a pilgrim.
Second, comfort such ones with promises from God’s Word. God had provided the promises of His Word as stepping stones to prevent pilgrims from falling into the slough to begin with. Our goal must not merely be to bring comfort to such souls but to point them to the comfort God’s Word.
Finally, it is the responsibility of those who would be “help” to instruct such ones more clearly in the way of salvation. Those in the state of despair often are plagued by questions and doubts. Some may fear they have committed the “unpardonable sin.” They need instruction to see that their sin is not one that can keep them from the pardon Jesus offers. Still others may feel that they have sinned too often or too greatly to be forgiven. Others may be looking for works that will make them acceptable to God. They need a “Help” who will explain to them the grace of God in Jesus.
Much is involved in the salvation of pilgrims. Many will fall into despair over their sin. All need someone called “Help” to assist them on their way to the cross.
Copyright Jim Ehrhard, 1999. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International
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