The Man in the Iron Cage is possibly the most misunderstood passage in Pilgrim's Progress. In this message, Pastor Steve shows the true dangers of apostasy, while holding stedfastly to the Reformed doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints. We believe Bunyan was totally orthodox in his understanding of this fearful picture and correct to make such a strong warning.
Many of the 'problem' passages in Hebrews are examined in this discussion class, and the issue of apostasy is taken seriously. In a day of 'easy believism', we see fewer men 'in an iron cage' as too many are presumptiously confident because of their 'decision'.
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Bunyan was once in the cage. I just wanted to add something that I just remembered. The author of Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan, writes in another one of his books "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" of his experience in this despair. For years and years he was convinced that the promises of God were not for him and that he was condemned for all eternity. Maybe he was writing briefly of his own experience in that woeful cage? God delivered Bunyan from his despairing, and all who desire to receive the promises of Christ are able to. I struggled with this for a couple weeks now, and I am so thankful that I was able to hear this message. I am very hopeful now.
S.L. (12/7/2011)
from USA
If you want out of the cage, GO! This message was a major help to me. I was greatly agonizing and despairing about this passage from Pilgrim's Progress. I thought it meant that God actually denied this man repentance and somehow made it known to this man in the iron cage that he can no longer come to God. But this man's sin is his inward looking, he's not looking to Christ. It's not that he's not allowed to partake of the blood of Christ, it's that he's choosing not to out of his pride. God isn't keeping him in the cage, he's keeping himself in! The bible is clear that no matter what we have done, if we repent and believe on Christ, we will be saved. And anyone, anyone, anyone can make the promises of God their own if their desire is genuine! Oh give us true hearts, LORD!
DS (3/9/2006)
from CA
Great Series of Sermons I love these sermons on Pilgrim's Progress. They have blessed me so much. All the character study is really good, like Pilable wanting to take the easy way, or Christian losing sight of the wicket gate, only focusing on his burden. There is so much here, I love it.
Pastor Steve came to Christ at the age of 11. He graduated from Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in 1979 with a B.A. in theology as the Valedictorian of his class. He joined our church in 1978, came on staff, full-time in 1980, was ordained as an Elder in 1982, and became...