“Your thoughts matter. Drop a line and share your reflections.”
In this teaching video, we explore the powerful symbolism behind two early characters in Pilgrim’s Progress: Obstinate and Pliable. Their names reveal their spiritual condition—Obstinate, hardened and resistant to truth; Pliable, easily swayed but lacking conviction. Both begin the journey toward salvation but quickly abandon it, refusing to “work out [their] own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
Pliable is especially tragic. He delights in hearing about eternal rewards—golden cities, crowns of glory—but recoils when the path demands endurance. He embodies Hebrews 6:12’s warning: “through faith and patience [we] inherit the promises.” When faced with the Slough of Despond, Pliable is offended and quits, echoing Jesus’ parable in Mark 4:16–17: “They receive the word with joy...but have no root in themselves.”
Matthew 5:30 reminds us that true repentance may require painful sacrifice—“if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off.” It’s a metaphor for the hard choices necessary to overcome sin. Pliable lacked that resolve. Christian, however, cried out for help and pressed on.
This lesson challenges us to examine our own spiritual walk. Are we merely inspired by promises, or are we committed to enduring the trials that lead to them?
👉 Watch now to uncover timeless truths from Bunyan’s allegory and strengthen your journey of faith.