ROMANS 8:28-39

This was my half of a joint sermon delivered on Romans 8:28-39 at East Side Grace Brethren Church in Blacklick Ohio on Sunday June 12, 2022. My oldest, dearest Ukrainian friend Vladimir Gorbenko delivered the other half of the sermon. I'm sorry I can only share my half here! 

God For Us: the Heart of the Gospel

 

8:28 -- WHY do we like this verse so much? 

'Cause it tells us, in a sense, "Everything's gonna be okay," and that's music to our ears. 

We naturally long to know that everything will ultimately work out fine--even better if it's gonna work out GREAT. 

And I'm not fixing to tell you that Romans 8:28 doesn't tell us that. 

It does.

Amen. Go in peace. 

😏

But of course there's more....

Imagine you're an intrepid explorer (for some reason they're always "intrepid", aren't they), like, say, a Marco Polo. Off you go on a harrowing journey through wild lands full of fearsome mysteries and unimaginable hazards, enough to write a whole book about even without getting to your destination! But then you get to the fabled mountain you've been seeking, and you can't believe it, you're really there. You scale this mountain, aching with anticipation for the moment you'll stand up there on the summit and look down from its magnificent heights, exulting in triumph. But surprise! You reach the top, and it's not the summit at all but the threshold of a still greater one ahead. You're stunned; you never imagined there could be anything higher still. But, remember, you're "intrepid," so with a deep breath you pull yourself together and plow on, clambering your way up this new mountainside to find what lies on the other side. But when you get to the top of that one, the summit beyond the summit, surprise again: there is no other side, it's a not a mountain peak at all but a whole new country stretching out as far as you can see, beautiful beyond all your earthly experience, bursting with color, life and vibrancy you never thought possible. A world of new adventures where you were expecting nothing more than the end of your adventure. But this is no ending, it's a beginning that will never end, a place where, yes, sure, "everything's gonna be okay"--but so much more than "okay." 

This is the pattern I see in Romans. From chapters 1-7 Paul leads us on the harrowing trek through the historical realities of human sin and spiritual devastation, the awfulness of divine wrath, the hopelessness of the flesh, and the unthinkable (but magnificent) price it finally demanded of God Himself to salvage us, drag us out of that pit, save us. And that alone would be enough of a story. The apostle has made his point: we got ourselves into a nightmare and God extracted us from it, praised be the name of the Lord, amen and go in peace. Paul could have signed off Romans at the end of chapter 7 and, frankly, that would have been more than enough for us to run with, more than we deserved. But no, after the arduous trek across wild, dangerous lands we reach a mountain and its dreamed-of glorious summit, and with a fresh surge of adrenalin we scramble up its side to get the view from there. That's chapter 8. 

At the start of chapter 8, our expeditionary guide Paul announces, "THEREFORE NOW...there is no condemnation to us who are in Christ Jesus." The funny thing about "therefore" the way Paul says it here is, it doesn't really flow out of anything. 9 times out of 10, including in the Bible, when anyone says "therefore" it comes right out of something they just said, like "It's raining; therefore we won't have a picnic." Not this time, though! This time it's a "therefore" that seems to come out of nowhere, not obviously connected to anything. But of course it does come from somewhere: it comes out of the whole seven chapters Paul just wrote; it comes out of the who-o-ole HISTORY OF THE WORLD and the unstoppable juggernaut of redemption coursing through history at God's sovereign will and grace. So when Paul says, "Therefore now" in Romans 8:1, he's saying, "Because of ALL THAT, we're NOW, therefore, in a new world. Because it was ALWAYS GOD'S HEART to GET us here, it's happened—we ARE here, children of God.  Can you believe it?" 

You know, God doesn't change, but history does. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, but we're not, nor are the times we live in. The prophets of old longed to see our day, but we see it. Things have changed. It wasn't always possible to say, "Therefore there is now no condemnation;" but now it is, because the words after it have materialized: "...to those who are in Christ Jesus." It's HAPPENED. We're there. Hallelujah. 

And that's the first summit, the mountain peak that turns out not to be the final peak at all but the threshold to a still higher summit. Our expeditionary guide Paul leads us on through chapter 8 to a mysterious mountaintop still looming ahead, and after another scramble up that second mountainside, we reach 8:28, expecting again to come to a peak where we can peer down deep into valleys we came up from but, surprise, surprise, we're gazing instead into a magnificent new country stretching endlessly before us: "And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 

 

Those "who have been called according to his purpose" in 8:28 are "those who are in Christ Jesus" in 8:1. And the God in 8:28, intricately, impenetrably coordinating and orchestrating, moving behind and underneath and through ALL THINGS--yes, all things, everything that happens and ever has happened, including all the things that are terrible and awful and painful--the God relentlessly operating to finally bring His cherished children whole and hearty into the never-ending country of Christ, that is the God of Romans 8:1 Who stood there with open arms at the first summit, the threshold of glory, announcing, "We've arrived, children, we're there: here in My Son, because of what I have wrought in Him, there is now therefore no condemnation to you." In 8:28 "And we KNOW" elevates "Therefore NOW" from 8:1 to a whole new level, to that second peak and summit that turns out, to our stunned amazement,  to be the entrance to a never-ending country. 

The same God Who proved that no matter what anything ever looked like in the whole past history of the world He was always driving the project of His grace forward, this is the God we can now KNOW will keep on doing precisely that. For how long? Forever and ever. He's the God Who's eternally for us, as it was always in the divine heart to be, no matter what things we still have to go through, still have to suffer. And how do we know? Because He proved it by surrendering  His Son to get us into His mountaintop country, His forever kingdom—so it's inconceivable He could ever do otherwise or be different than that. That's the whole point of this glorious, getting-acquainted ramble our expeditionary guide Paul takes us on, just a little ways into this mountaintop country, from 8:28 to the rest of the chapter. Our guide says, "Look, over there, do you see it: the Father's purpose, to conform us to the very image of His Son, so that forever and ever when Jesus is with you He's with family—in a way the word "family" never even compared to before. And, look, over there, gaze at God for you, turning every possible opponent or foe into utter nonsense! And, wait, what's this jewel audaciously, lavishly set by the roadside for every child of this mountaintop country to embrace: it's the love of Christ that can never be ripped or torn away from you!" 

Like I said at the beginning, there's more, always much more. Now (8:1) "there is no condemnation"—and that would already be enough, and a good deal more than we deserve; but now (8:28) we KNOW, too, here on the upper summit, that just as God DID work in all things, through all history, to get us HERE, He goes ON "working in all things" to get us THERE—and that too would already be enough and a good deal more than we deserve. But as we gaze out at the endless horizons that the Father has unveiled through the Son, it only gets better, if such a thing can be imagined. ALL THINGS that we and all human history have come through, the Father steered and channeled into the Son's transcendent triumph over sin, death and condemnation. That's the glorious mountain peak of 8:1. And then, (8:28) ALL THINGS that you and I ARE going through now, the Father keeps on steering and channeling into the blessedness predestined to us in the same Son. And THEN, as we gaze into the endless mountaintop world stretching out before us, the reality dawns that ALL THINGS in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, mighty and meek, good or evil, ultimately fall in submission, or defeat, before the same Son's all-conquering love that holds us in its invincible grip and, yes, makes us, too, as if we deserved it, super-excellingly conquerors over ALL THINGS in union with the Son. 

THAT, brothers and sisters, is what "all things" lead to—"all things," whatever they were, whatever they are, and whatever they will be—because they will never overcome the all-conquering love of the Risen Son, Christ Jesus, who IS "God for us," who IS the love of God at the heart of the Gospel. 

The Pilgrim's Dream

 Play: "The Pilgrim's Dream"

 

Scene 1: Escaping the City of Destruction

 

Narrator: Who is this now coming into view, materializing as though out of a mist, or out of a dream? He has a book in hand, he wears a dusty, torn, stained mantle, and bears a sack which must be a heavy burden, it weighs him down so. Where have you come from, stranger? What is your name? 

Christian: From where? Who am I? I cannot say--but wait! It comes back to my mind. Yes, I see it vividly. But to say when or where exactly it all happened—I cannot. I ran, terrified, out of a huge city. Running out, I looked back at the city gates, over which was written a name: Destruction. I was dirty and covered with sores, dressed in--yes, in these pitiable rags I wear now, with this book in my hand and this strange, heavy burden on my back. I didn't know who I was, or where I was running to; I remembered nothing at all, except these two things: that I was called Lost, and I was doomed to perdition.

 

(Fade in the  citizens of Destruction.)

 

Citizens: (shouting variously) Lost! Lost! Where are you going? Don't be a fool! Stay here! You've got it good here! Traitor! (Fade out.)

 

Christian: I reached a field that stretched in every direction as far as I could see, empty and lonely. (Fade in the sound of wind. Here Christian switches from description to direct experience.) Hello? Hello! Does anyone hear me? Does anyone see me? Who can help me? Can this book tell me anything? (We hear Christian opening the book.) "The city called Destruction will be annihilated by fire from heaven; no hope remains there." Oh no! I must warn them! (We hear Christian running.)

Narrator: The man called "Lost" races back to the city he just abandoned. Is this wise? What does he think he can accomplish there? 

 

Citizens: (fade in again; speaking variously) Look who's back! Ah, ha, you learned your lesson, didn't you! Too late to apologize, traitor! Well, let's show him mercy and let him back in!

 

Christian: No! I've come to warn you! Flee the city while you can! The city is doomed!

 

Citizens: (variously) Are you joking? First, you betray us, then you come back to insult us? How dare you? Who put you in authority over us? Now you'll get what you deserve! Arrest him! Death to the traitor!

(We hear Christian struggling as the Citizens grab hold of him)

 

Christian: No, no! Let me go! 

Citizens: (variously) Don't let him go! Watch out, he's getting away! Stop him! Stop him! (Fade out, and we hear Christian running again, panting)

Narrator: And now our friend, this poor, distressed man they call "Lost," seems not to know we are watching, listening. What is this--our dream? Or his dream? Or a dream within a dream? I cannot say, but let us stay with our friend and watch, and try, if possible, to help him. After running a long time, "Lost"  now returns to the field where we first met him. This place is called the Field of Contemplation.

(Fade in the wind, as on a barren plain)

Christian: I can never go back there. But where? And now, look…this empty field again. So bleak and lonely! No shelter or companionship here! This place terrifies me, but why? There is nothing to fear here. There is nothing here!  Yes, that is what terrifies me! Nothing here except... except me! And my thoughts! (Raises his voice in dawning desperation) Isn't there anyone to help me? (Cries out louder) What must I do to be saved?

 

(Enter Evangelist.)

 

Evangelist: Saved…from what?

 

Christian: Who's that? Oh! ...I know you. You are... Evangelist. Yes, it is coming back to me. You put this book in my hands, back there in the city.

 

Evangelist: That's right. Never let go of it, but hide it in your heart. But please answer the question I asked you. Tell me what you want to be saved from.

 

Christian: But don't you know, my city will be destroyed, with all its inhabitants! This book has told me, and my heart cannot deny it!

 

Evangelist: But look, you have run away from the city. Doesn't that mean you are safe? Yet look how terrified and trembling you are.  So, tell me what you fear, what you asked to be saved from. 

 

Christian: (the question surprises him, forces him to think) What am I afraid of? I… I…. There is something I must do… I don't know what, but there some kind of a burden.... Why, here, on my back! Do you see it? And it is somehow getting heavier. And, and...yes, it seems to me there is Someone I must meet. But with this burden I cannot. Please help me!

 

Evangelist: Look over there, far in the distance. Do you see that Gate over there?

 

Christian: I...I am trying, but, no, I cannot see it. 

 

Evangelist: Alright then, tell me, do you see at least a certain radiance,  a glow, over the horizon where I'm pointing? Think! And look! 

 

Christian: Yes, yes! I see it...a little.

 

Evangelist: Go! Go toward that light. When you get there, you'll see a gate. By the eternal Mercy, you will then know what to do.

 

Christian: Come with me!

 

Evangelist: That is impossible. Only you can walk your own road to the light. Remember to go straight toward the light, following this narrow road.

 

Christian: What road? Oh! How is it I couldn't see this road before? There it is right in front of me! Yes, I'll do what you say, Evangelist. I'll do anything to get free of this burden! Thank you! Thank you!

(We hear several footsteps on Christian's part; they stop when Evangelist speaks; Evangelist's voice sounds farther away now)

 

Evangelist: Wait. What is your name?

 

Christian: They call me Lost.

 

Evangelist: Lost, you are not far from the kingdom. A new name awaits you.

 

Christian: What name?!

 

Evangelist: It is not for me to tell you your name. Another will tell it to you, there, at the gate, in the Light. Go, my friend, with hope, to the Gate. (His voice fading out) And—never let that book out of your hands.  

Narrator: And so our friend, known as Lost though a new name awaits him, heads for that faint glow on the horizon, still weighed down by the burden he bears, yet on his face there is a dawning hope. (We hear, fading in, running and panting.) But wait--who are these two now running up to catch him? I believe they are citizens of the city called Destruction. Indeed they are: I recognize them. The one is called "Obstinate" [Ozhestochonniy] and the other "Pliable" [Sgovorchiviy]. But what on earth do they want? 

 

 

Obstinate and Pliable: (shouting several times, their voices getting louder as they draw near) Wait! Wait!

 

Christian: What do you want? Don't delay me, I mustn't stop!

 

Obstinate: (we hear that he has fully caught up with Christian) Listen, we were thinking about what you said, back there in the city Destruction.

 

Pliable: Yes, we love to think about things!

 

Obstinate: Shh! I'm talking.

 

Pliable: Yes! Talk! I love it when you talk!

 

Obstinate: Quiet! (To Christian) I'm a very serious person and I am never ashamed to express my opinion and I always require proof and--

 

Christian: I remember you two. I knew you back there in the city. You are called Obstinate—

 

Obstinate: Bezuslovno! ["Unconditionally"]

 

Christian: And you are called Pliable—

 

Pliable: Well, yes, if you say so….

 

Obstinate: (To Pliable) Quiet! (To Christian) What we came here to say is this: come back home, and we will show you mercy...probably... and, of course, we'll explain your errors to you.

 

Pliable: He's right!

 

Christian: No! Don't you understand? You will all perish there. Come with me instead! I am on my way to that light, you see, look, over there….

 

Pliable: Hmm, that also sounds right—

 

Obstinate: (To Pliable) Quiet! (To Christian) Look, don't even think of persuading us to accompany you on your delusional quest. You are a naïve idealist.

 

Pliable: Yes, a naïve idealist—

 

Obstinate: (To Pliable) Shh! (To Christian) We won't waste time arguing with you because.... because I know I'm right. So tell me simply: will you come back with us or not?

 

Christian: No. I will never go back.

 

Obstinate: Phoo! You're so... obstinate! I'll waste no more time on someone who doesn't recognize how much I'm right. In any case, (we hear the wind of the empty plain again) I already miss the conveniences of our magnificent city. (We hear him shudder, and the wind whips up again) Why on earth would you want to be out here in this horrible emptiness, where there is nothing to do but... ugh!.. (a shudder again) think! Pliable! We're leaving!  (pause) Did you hear me? Let's go, I said! (pause) Are you coming or not?

 

Pliable: (tentatively) If what he says is true, I think I should go with him….

 

Obstinate: What, you too? Eh! This is too much! I've had enough! (Voice fading) Good luck chasing your "glow" on the horizon, you foolish dreamers! Ha, ha, ha.... 

 

Pliable: (eager and excited like a puppy) Well, where are we going?!

 

Christian: From what I have seen in this book, and heard from a faithful friend, we are taking this road to a place of freedom and light—

 

Pliable: (As he speaks we hear his running feet and his voice fading) Wonderful! Come on! Let's hurry!

 

Christian: Not so fast, please. Wait. I can't hurry, I've got this burden. (Voice fading) Could you help me? Wait, Pliable, wait for me....

 

(Music to conclude the Scene)

Scene 2: The Bog of Despair (Топь Уныния)

 

(New music to bring in Scene)

Narrator: Our friend and his newly acquired traveling companion have been making their way along the road to the Gate for almost an hour already. Our friend, who's called "Lost", is growing tired under the weight of his burden, but his companion, who's called "Pliable", is carefree and skitters along like an eager puppy, imagining to himself a new world of freedom, light and ceaseless joy.

(We hear Pliable running. He stops, and speaks with only slightly winded enthusiasm, impatiently.) 

Pliable: Come on, Lost, come on! Why so slow? We want to get there before supper, don't we? I bet the food there is wonderful. 

(Christian's voice begins by sounding a little farther away but he "catches up" with Pliable by the end of the line [replika].)

Christian: Pliable, I beg you, have some sympathy for me. Don't you see what a heavy weight I'm carrying? I can't possibly.... 

Pliable: Oh, stop complaining. Come on, hurry, this way--! (We hear a splash and Pliable lets out a yelp of terror.) Aiee! What is this?! It's quicksand! I'm sinking! Help me! 

Christian: I told you to stop running without watching where you were going! 

Pliable: Help! Help!

Christian: Yes, I'm helping you, stop yelling. Here, give me your hand--no, don't grab my arm like that. Wait! Let go! You're pulling me in! (We hear another splash; Christian sputters and gurgles) Look what you've done! 

Christian and Pliable: Help! Help! Help!

Narrator: Our friends Pliable and Lost are sinking into the quicksand; all looks hopeless. But I see a woman has approached. She stands half-hidden in the shadow of a nearby boulder, watching. She sees their plight, yet does nothing. Strange. Who is she? 

Pliable: (to Christian)  This is your fault, Lost! You promised me a new world of happiness and light, and now look! (gurgles, chokes) Obstinate was right! If only I can get out of here I'm going back home once and for all! Wait, don't move, Lost--here, don't move, I said! 

Christian: Ow! Stop! What are you doing? 

Pliable: Wait, if I can just climb up on your shoulders... (Christian yelps "Ow!", gurgles, splashes), yes, it's working (Pliable grunts, Christian keeps making noises of pain), now if I can reach that tree branch--I got it! I'm almost....yes, I'm out! I'm safe! [Спасся!] 

Christian: Good, now pull me out! 

Pliable: And risk getting pulled in again? You're kidding! You got yourself into there, you get yourself out. Bye! (Pliable whistles as he walks away, the sound of his whistling fading out as Christian calls after him....)

Christian: No, please, don't leave me. Pliable! Pliable! (dead silence) Well, that's it, this is the end. (gurgles, splashes) Oh please! Where's help?!

Narrator: Ah, finally the mysterious woman steps forward. 

Help: Here I am. Give me your hand. (We hear the sound of squishing, gurgling sounds as Christian is pulled from the quicksand, then the final release from the suction of the quicksand, Christian's sigh of relief.) There now, you're free. 

 

Christian: Thank you so much, thank you! Who are you?

 

Help: (with a chuckle) What do you mean? You should know me. You called me. I'm Help.

 

Christian: Oh! But I didn't mean...er, that is, well, I'm glad you showed up! 

 

Help: How did you fall in there?

 

Christian: I was following Pliable, but he wasn't looking where he was going, and he fell in and of course I tried to pull him out but he pulled me in and...er....

 

Help: Yes, indeed. You were following Pliable. And you both fell into the Bog of Despair. You didn't even see the stepping-stones by which you could have walked safely across the bog. But now look closely. Look there! Do you see them? 

Christian: Oh! Yes, I see! Why, it was such a simple matter all along. How could I have missed them? 

Help: You let Pliable take charge, that's why. 

Christian: I admit it, you're right. But why is there such a bog between the city of Destruction and the gate of salvation? It seems unfair. The way should be smooth and clear!

 

Help: That's impossible. Every pilgrim meets fear and doubt and discouragement—of such things this bog consists. Pliable was no friend to you in this case—you see how he only pulled you deeper into the bog? Only when he left could I answer your call and help you. Now, without Pliable at your side, you can cross the bog safely on the firm stones. (Help's voice is fading, she is walking away) Now see to it that you don't forget this lesson! Farewell! 

Christian: Thank you! (Talking to himself) Well, here I go now. And...1! Yes, and...2! Good! Yes, of course, these stones make the way across the bog easy.  3! 4! 

Narrator: And so, Lost is jumping from stone to stone across the wide bog. Even with the heavy weight on his back he jumps lightly, with new strength and determination. 

Christian: ...68, 69, 70, and that's it, I'm across! Whew! But I do need a moment's rest now. Just to sit for a second (we hear him sitting down, putting down his bag). Ahh.... 

 

Worldly-Wise (Мирской Мудрец): What's new?

 

Christian: Huh! Who are you? Where did you come from? What did you say? 

 

MM: I said, 'What's new?' It always interests me to hear what's new. But let me introduce myself. I am Мирской Мудрец. News reached me about your shocking abandonment of our marvelous city and your peculiar, incomprehensible pilgrimage, so I came out of curiosity, to observe for myself. You know, away from the doltish crowd, just between us two intelligent people. So…what's new?

 

Christian: I just escaped from the Bog of Despair—

 

MM: Molodets. [Good for you.]

 

Christian: And I'm going to follow that road to that gate and that light, where I can lay down my burden and find freedom.

 

MM: Re-e-eally? Who gave you such advice?

 

Christian: The man they call Evangelist.

 

MM: Oh, him! I know all about about him. Now I'll tell you: listening to him was your first mistake. Look, you've already fallen into the Bog of Despair. There is worse to come (worse ahead): dangers, hunger, sorrows, wild animals—why throw away your life by listening to a stranger's advice?

 

Christian: But…then…why should I listen to you?

 

MM: (momentarily unbalanced by this logic, but pulls himself together) Uhh, well, (clears throat) I…emm…as you can plainly see, I am older than you. right? 

Christian: Well, yes, but--

MM:  And I have much experience, and as you can also see from my clothing and my general bearing, I am a very successful man. And why? Good question! I'll tell you why: I adhere to the laws of advanced civilization, that's why! Now listen. Do you see me carrying a burden like yours? 

Christian: Um--

MM: No, of course not. Therefore, take my advice, and you will be able to forget all about your silly burden. Now, look over there. Do you see where I am pointing? 

Christian: Uh, huh. 

MM: Over that hill, there is a town. It is the town called Morality. Knock at the door of the first house on the right; there lives the town's most eminent figure, Mr. Legality. He has helped countless souls forget their burdens completely. If Mr. Legality isn't home, you can spend time with his son Mr. Entertainment, who is also an expert in distracting people from their burdens.

 

Narrator: (whispers) I see Evangelist drawing near, watching, listening, though our friend and his interlocutor are unaware of his presence. I am amazed, because Evangelist's face is stern and angry yet at the same time radiant with love and compassion. To me this is a marvel, beyond my understanding. What will he do? Will he make his presence known? 

 

Christian: (his voice sounds like that of a man hypnotized) It would be so wonderful finally to forget all about this burden….

 

MM: (soothingly, charmingly) Of course it would. To forget all about it, as if it were never there; wouldn't that be delightful, I ask you! Now you just do as I say and everything will be fine indeed. Forget about this way, get off this road, and head over there--there, you see that hill? It's known as the Hill of Compromise—and just on the other side of it you'll find the town called Morality. Don't delay! (Voice fading, he's walking away) My last advice: don't delay! 

Narrator: Our friend takes a step from the road, toward that hill. Won't Evangelist intervene? Yes! He steps directly in front of our friend, whose eyes open wide as if just waking up! 

 

Christian: Hey! Get out of my way. I need to forget, to forget.... Why won't you move? Who are you? Wait, don't I know you? You're...you're... Evangelist. 

Narrator: Evangelist speaks not a word, only nods, his eyes blazing with--is it with love or wrath...or both? 

Christian: You brought me good news. 

Narrator: Evangelist is nodding his head. 

Christian: Good news about freedom and light. 

Narrator: Evangelist is nodding his head. 

Christian: And you pointed out the way....

 

Evangelist: (sternly) And is that the way you are going now? 

Christian: No. 

Evangelist: I know what Мирской Мудрец promised you: that you would forget your burden in the town Morality, with the help of Mr. Legality and his son Mr. Entertainment. (pause) And is that really all you wanted? Simply to forget?  (Christian gasps with horror) Ah, you understand. To forget is the most dreadful deception. Don't forfeit your freedom for oblivion. At the gate, the Light of the World waits for you, to take away your burden truly and forever.

 

Christian: Forever? 

Evangelist: Forever and truly. 

Christian: What kind of power can do such a wondrous thing?

 

Evangelist: Only the power of Love: the power of Him Who redeemed your burden with His own life, Who rose from the dead to save your soul. It is all in that book, the book that warned you to flee from the city called Destruction. He waits for you at the gate.

 

Christian: How much time I have wasted foolishly, listening to deceivers! May I still go to the gate, after such foolishness?

 

Evangelist: 'He who comes to Me, I will in no way cast aside.' This is His word to you! Go! Hurry! (we hear Christian running, earnestly shouting "Yes, yes!" as his voice fades away) Hurry to the gate of life and be 'Lost' no more!

Scene 3: Through The Gate of Conversion

 

Narrator: Not long after Evangelist sent him off with renewed determination, we see our friend "Lost" reaching at last the Gate. He sees a banner above the gate and reads it....

[These words were a poem in the original; I have reduced it to poetic prose; perhaps you can make it a poem in Russian or, if not, at least retain the poetic flavor.] 

Christian: "Knock and it will be opened to you." (Knocks twice) May I now enter here? Will You open to a pitiable soul, though I've been a defiant rebel, hostile and unworthy? (Knocks twice) In repentance I've come, to leave my paths of sin, and to trust [hope upon] only You, in faith. I confess: I have nothing. (Knocks twice) Open, Gracious One, to the poor in spirit, and let me exalt your glory forever!

 

Christophany/Truth: (voice reverberates, echoes) I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved. 

 

(We hear the gate opening.)

(When Christophany speaks as "Truth" together with Forgiveness and Humility, his voice does not reverberate; he is on the same "plane" with them.) 

 

Forgiveness, Humility and Truth/Christophany: Come in.

Narrator: The gate has swung open! Lost passes through! On the other side a radiant Man all in white and two noble ladies dressed in silver and gold wave their arms over him and--look! He is falling, as if in terrible pain. (We hear Christian gasp.) What is happening? Has he been deceived? But no, the pain disappears quickly from his face. He rises and--what is this?! His aspect is transformed, freedom radiates from his eyes, joy sings in his smile, and--look! Where is the crushing burden he was carrying? It's gone! The filthy, stained mantle that covered his shoulders--it has disappeared!  

  

Forgiveness: The shadow of His cross has enfolded (blanketed, okutala) you.

 

Humility: The holiness of His blood has cleansed you.

 

Truth/Christophany: The glory of His resurrection has raised you.

 

Forgiveness, Humility and Truth/Christophany: Rejoice, child of God! Rejoice, CHRISTIAN!

 

Christian: Yes, I am…Christian! I am no longer Lost. I am Christian. That is my name!

 

Forgiveness: Hear me, child of God. I am Forgiveness: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins!

 

Christophany/Truth: Hear me, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. I am Truth: He has given you birth through the word of truth!

 

Humility: Hear me, Christian. I am Humility: Let him who boasts boast in the Lord!

 

Christian: I want to boast only in the Lord! Look, look all around us! The mountains, the rivers, the birds, the clouds, the sun, everything around us has changed. Everything has become ...new! It is as if I never saw the real world before. What kind of strange [neprivychnoye], wonderful feeling is this, this gladness that surges all through me? 

 

Christophany/Truth: (voice on the same plane as Christian) It is freedom. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

 

Christian: (gasps in surprise) What? You are alone! Those two ladies who were with you, where did they disappear to?  I owe you all so much! 

 

Christophany/Truth: (with a smile) In truth, there were no others. It only seemed to you that we were three. Yet we were always one. The manifold grace of God gives itself to you in boundless ways. Forgiveness, Humility and Truth, we are one. Here stand we before you, and with you, now, in Me. 

 

Christian: Then...(but why do I tremble so with fear, yet I must ask!)...then, what is your name?

 

Christophany/Truth: I am... Reconcilation with God.

Narrator: Christian falls to his knees. 

  

Christian: (speaking with difficulty, overcome with emotion) These things are too great for me….

 

Christophany/Truth: (affirmingly) Blessed are those who know this. Take my hand. Rise, my son. Now begins your genuine story. You have entered true freedom—it's the obedience of faith, the law of Christ written on your heart. Look, your old burden is gone, your stained mantle is taken away. And the Risen Lord Christ calls you friend, for He will reveal [future imperfect, continuous, "be revealing"] to you what He receives from His Father, that you might do it and your joy be complete.

 

Christian: (earnestly, anxiously) But…do what? How? When? Where?

 

Christophany/Truth: (with a soft chuckle) Christian, listen: step by step. He who is faithful in the little will be faithful in the great. Your first task is to go to that house over there--look, do you see it? 

Christian: Yes, I can see it, though it seems to me I could never have seen it before. Such a house would have concealed itself from my old [former] eyes. 

Christophany/Truth: It is the house of the Paraclete. The master of that house is the Counselor [Advocate, Helper, Comforter—there are various English translations of parakletos; I leave the choice of the most effective Russian term up to you!], sent to abide with you forever. (Christophany's voice begins to fade; he is backing away from Christian.) There, your brothers and sisters will prepare you to do well everything that the Lord asks of you. (His voice is still more distant) Go in peace.

 

Christian: You will not come with me?

 

Christophany: (warmly, lovingly, faint in the distance, but with added reverberation) I am with you always.

Scene 4: House of the Paraclete

 

Narrator: Christian has come to the House of the Paraclete. He holds the Book, which Evangelist told him never to lose, over his heart. He knocks at the door. A young woman in a radiant golden mantle, her eyes sparkling with joyous welcome, swings the door wide open, as to a long-lost loved one finally returned! 

Christian: Reconcilation with God impelled [urged, constrained] me to your door. 

 

Koinonia: I know, Christian. I saw you when you fell and rose at the gate. Now I see the blood of the cross that blots out your sins, and the Word of the Lamb over your heart. Come in, brother, come in to the Church of the Firstborn! Look, our brother has come! 

Shepherd: Welcome, Christian! 

 

Christian: Who are you?

 

Koinonia: I am Koinonia, the fellowship of the saints, the unity of the Body, the bond of the Spirit. 

 

Shepherd: And I am an under-shepherd, a pastor-teacher, your brother and fellow servant of the King. Welcome to the House of the Paraclete, the Church and temple of the living God.

Narrator: But now Christian sees a very strange sight: there in the room stand two...what are they, statues? Indeed they look very much like Christian himself, yet they are cold and lifeless. Each one has on his chest a paper affixed, and on the paper a word written. On the one it says "Greed", while on the other it says "Passion" [Strast', or perhaps some other word you think appropriate; obviously I don't mean "passion" in the "good sense"!]   

 

Christian: And these…on whom such shameful words hang? Who are they?

 

Shepherd: Look into the law of liberty, Christian. Open the Word and see yourself. 

Narrator: Christian opens, reads...softly closes the Book and gravely ponders what he has seen....

  

Christian: (sadly) I know who they are. These are my cherished [sokrovenniye?] sins and weaknesses, my craven habits of mind and will. But, wasn't I cleansed at the gate? What, must I be cleansed over and over? 

 

Christophany: (nobody in the room sees him, but all hear his voice, in which there is a faint echoing reverberation) He who has bathed is clean, and needs only to wash his feet….

 

Shepherd: You hear? The Master of the house has spoken. Do you still cherish these pitiful, lifeless things?

 

Christian: No! No! Drive them out! Destroy them!

 

Koinonia: (with a gentle laugh) Wait, dear brother. Here we do not drive out. Here we transform. This is not a house of destruction, but of restoration and renewal. Watch….

Narrator: Koinonia produces [withdraws] a shimmering white cloth from her mantle, and as Shepherd speaks she is wiping away the words from the lifeless figures. 

  

Shepherd: Before, fear and unbelief compelled Greed continually to grasp desperately after everything, all for itself. But now, love and faith blossom in the fruit of the Spirit that is: Patience.

Narrator: Truly, the word "Greed" is gone and in its place is the word "Patience," and the cold, grey statue flushes with life and color! 

Patience: I am Patience, I am Greed no longer. 

Christian: (with huge relief and delight) Oh, how wonderful! How wonderful!

  

Shepherd: Before, Passion ran in every direction, like storm-driven waves, in desperate flight from its own emptiness. But now living hope has stilled the waves and filled the emptiness. Instead of vanity and passion now thrives:  Constancy.

 

Constancy: I am Passion no longer, I am Constancy. 

Christian: Yes, Patience! Yes, Constancy! You are mine. With you I fix my eyes steadfastly on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith! [Heb.12:12]

 

Christophany: (again, a distant, echoing voice) Thus the Lord sanctifies His Bride with the washing of water by the Word.

Narrator: And now Koinonia, Shepherd, Patience and Constancy lift up their hands in solemn blessing, and speak: 

 

Shepherd: Go, Christian, wherever the Lord leads you, even to the ends of the earth.

 

Koinonia: Nevertheless abide always in this house, the Church of the Firstborn!

 

Patience: Terpi, 'shtoby, ispolnivshi volyu Bozhyu, poluchit' obeschannoye.' [Heb. 10:36] [Endure, "so that, having fulfilled the will of God, you receive the promise(d)."]

 

Constancy: Stand firm, be courageous, be strong! [1 Cor. 16:13]

 

Christophany: (reverberating voice) I am with you always….

Scene 5: Mountain of Testing

 

Narrator: Christian went out from the House of the Paraclete enveloped in blessing, enriched with Patience and Constancy, to follow wherever the Lord might lead. Christian strode forth bursting with confidence that sustained him all through a long, winding path, but, look now, there he is, suddenly stopped. He appears perplexed and helpless. Why? Because he finds himself at the foot [base] of a mountain that, however strangely, he never noticed from a distance. It is as if the mountain popped into existence, out of nowhere, at just the moment Christian reached it. And it is the highest, steepest, most impossible mountain he has ever seen. He stands there, rooted to the spot, unable to go forward—because "forward" means "straight up"—yet determined not to go back. But he cannot simply stand there forever! What to do? 

 

Christian: (calls out, hoping someone hears him) Hello? Hello? ...No one answers. But...but this is simply impossible! I never expected this. I was told to stay on the path, but the path leads directly up this mountain! Maybe someone made a mistake? Hello! Does anyone hear me? Isn't there an easier way? (no one answers) This can't be. (asking himself) What am I to do…?  What does the holy Book say? (opens the book, reads) "The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today. Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from any of the words I command you today...." [Deut. 28:13, 14] (again looks in front of him, up the mountain, sighs) Do not turn aside? I don't understand! Lord, I might as well try to fly as go up this mountain! Yet, Lord, according to your word, so I will do.

 

Narrator: Christian takes a step, the first step of an impossible task, and immediately as [the moment that] he does so, look who comes running to his assistance: it is Patience and Constancy! 

Patience and Constancy: Christian, here we are! Wait for us! We will help you! 

 

Christian: There you are! I was calling and calling, but you didn't answer! I was full of fear and doubt and you didn't comfort, didn't strengthen me! Why did you delay? Didn't you know I needed you?

 

Constancy: (in a lively, merry tone) No, Christian, you didn't need us! What kind of help could we be as long as you only stood there and doubted? You were able to do that perfectly well without us!  We came as soon as you truly needed us. It was when you took the step of faith. 

Patience: Yes, your step of obedience instantly summoned us more powerfully than any cry of fear could. 

Constancy: Remember, Christian, I am Constancy. My appointment is to make you constant in devotion, not constant in doubt. 

Patience: And I am Patience. I come to your aid when you obey the voice of the Lord. Otherwise, what do you need Patience for?  

 

Christophany/Truth: (echoing, reverberating voice; he is not visibly present to Christian, Constancy and Patience, but they hear him) You see, child of God, doubt and fear do not summon Constancy and Patience, it is faith that summons them. The step of faith that you took summoned them and, in truth, summoned Me.  And look, we answered! So it will always be. Walk in faith, but walk. (Fading out) And remember, I am with you always. 

Narrator: The voice of Truth fills Christian, Patience and Constancy with courage, even with supernatural strength. Together they go, ascending the mountain, as if defying the very law of gravity. They near the summit, exhilarated by the effort. Though their muscles ache and they begin to desire sleep, still their spirit bursts with joy. But now look! Running toward them from the summit is a man with a face twisted in terror! 

Self-Vaunting: [Note: Self-Vaunting speaks to Christian using "ty" because he doesn't see Patience and Constancy.] Run! Run away! Quick, go back, don't go any further! There are monsters up there! Terrible goblins! Frightful ghouls! Turn around! Go back as fast as you can!

 

Christian: (with calm incredulity, in distinct contrast to Self-Confidence's hysteria) My friend, what you are saying simply cannot be. The way to the kingdom is forward, not back. 

 

Self-Vaunting: (scornfully) Ha! Like you, I once thought I would find my kingdom up there—

 

Christian: (with perplexity, attempting to interrupt) Your kingdom? What do you—

 

Self-Vaunting: (doesn’t pay attention, speaks over Christian) —but I only encountered cruel, inhuman creatures who wanted to confiscate my trophies, steal my medals, pretend I never committed the great feat of scaling this mountain and deny that I am a hero! 

 

Christian: What is your name?

 

Self-Vaunting: (Christian's question suddenly snaps him out of his hysteria) Oh! (in a haughty, self-satisfied tone) I am known as Self-Vaunting.

Narrator: Self-Vaunting seems suddenly to have forgotten his fear. He grins complacently after announcing his name, waiting for Christian to show how impressed he is. Christian is not impressed. While Self-Vaunting waits, Constancy, whom Self-Vaunting cannot see or hear, whispers into Christian's ear. 

 

 

Constancy: (to Christian) Tell him…. (then the sound of Constancy whispering into Christian's ear)

 

Christian: (to Self-Confidence) Your name is no longer Self-Vaunting; now it is "Fearful." But, if you will let me and my friends help you, you will be called Courageous.

Narrator: And now Patience whispers to Christian. 

 

Patience: (as Constancy did) Tell him…. (sound of whispering)

 

Christian: Listen, Fearful, if you are ready to re-ascend, this time with me and my friends Patience and Constancy, you will be called "Courageous, Tested and True." 

 

Fearful: Wait, about what friends are you—

(Before he can finish asking, we hear the voices of Truth/Christophany and Koinonia. Their voices reverberate/echo, which means that they are invisible to all the others. But all the characters hear them. To Christian, Patience and Constancy their voices are encouraging and reassuring, but their voices terrify Fearful.)

 

Koinonia: And I, Koinonia, also will accompany you [plural] to the top, to encourage and support you.

 

Christophany: And I will always be with you [plural]!

 

Self-Vaunting: Aieee! Where are those voices coming from?! What kind of magic is this? You [Ty] must be one of those terrible goblins, too! Ohhhh! (running away, his voice fading out) Help! He-e-elp! 

Narrator: Christian, Patience and Constancy watch with sadness as Fearful flees in panic. But with an encouraging smile between them, they continue their ascent up the Mountain of Testing. 

Scene 6: The Refuge of Sacred Rest

 

Narrator: Time has passed. How much time? I cannot say for sure, yet it seems to me it could be many years. And all this time, Christian, together with Patience and Constancy, has been ascending the Mountain of Testing. I sense they are not far from the summit. I sense the time is approaching, perhaps, for rest, and, yes, the time for descent...only, descent to where? Ah, but look, here comes Christian now. Why [Nu], he is talking with his companions, but they are hidden to my eyes. I see only Christian! 

Christian: (his voice fading in rapidly as he "comes into the scene") How many days have we been climbing this mountain, dear friend Patience? Or is it weeks, or months? Even years? So many dangers we have faced, and temptations, faithful helper Constancy!  And though I have lost many things that I once counted precious, now my spirit soars, free of their weight! Most of all, I exult that I've been able to assist others along this difficult road. Just to think that a sinner such as I became a blessing to others! Without you, dear Patience and Constancy, it would never have happened! And the voice of Truth, and the support of Koinonia, they have sustained and refreshed us again and again all along the way. Yes, such a long way we have come together, and how thankful I am. Yes, thankful, but, you know (I hope it is not to my blame), I admit I am weary.

 

Christophany: (echoing voice) Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while. [Mark 6:31]

Christian: Rest? Where? 

Christophany: (voice is normal because he is now visible to Christian, but we hear him from a distance, as he calls to Christian joyfully) Here! Hurry! We are waiting for you! 

Koinonia: (also calling from a distance) Come to the Lord's sacred refuge, and rest! 

Narrator: Look! There, still some distance away, at the very tip of the mountain's summit, stands the most inviting house, all in soothing gray and blue, though warm golden light, as from many rejoicing hearths, radiates from its windows offering holy rest. Christian's face radiates sudden joy in return as he catches sight of his beloved friends Koinonia and Truth standing at the open door with outstretched arms. He doesn't hesitate a moment; despite the years of hard ascent Christian runs with new, young strength like an eager child coming home. 

(We hear the sound of Christian's final running steps as he arrives at the House.) 

Christian: (out of breath but exhilarated) Here I am! 

 

Christophany: (chuckling) Yes, indeed, here you are! 

Koinonia: Welcome, Christian!

Christian: What is this majestic place?

 

Koinonia: This house was built by the Lord of the mountain, to give refuge, relief, restoration of soul to His weary pilgrims.

 

Christian: Is this…is this the heavenly city?

 

(Truth and Koinonia laugh gently)

 

Christophany: No, no, Christian. Ahead of you is still a long road to the heavenly city. You see, that is precisely why you must now rest a while, after the long difficult ascent you have completed. Do you know what mountain you have scaled/ascended/climbed/conquered [You can pick the Russian term that sounds best]?

Narrator: Christian slowly turns, glances back toward the long way he has come, and ponders deeply....

Christian: I...don't know its name, but I know this: in the ascent I lost much that was good for me to lose, and my love for the Lord grew only more fervent and pure, together with my love for my neighbor.

 

Christophany: Look at me, Christian. (pause, as we understand Christian is turning to look at him attentively) I will tell you my name, and then you will know what mountain you have scaled.  I am: Sanctification. 

 

Koinonia: And your name, now, is not simply Christian. Now, you are also "Courageous, Tested and True."

 

Christian: But…those are the names that Patience and Constancy told me, so long ago, that I must tell Fearful--that, if only he would resolve to climb the mountain with us, those names would become his! 

 

Koinonia: And now they have become yours. Your friends spoke truly [rightly] of you.

 

Christian: Of me? Or of him?  

 

Christophany: Of both. For was not Self-Vaunting, who turned out to be Fearful, also a side [aspect/part] of yourself? "No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it." [1 Cor. 10:13]

 

Koinonia: And did not Self-Vaunting, who was Fearful, urge you to give up and leave the Way? (pause) But the Lord provided you a way out, in your companions Patience and Constancy, because you called on His name and resolved to walk in faith.

 

Christian: Why, yes, you're right! Certainly the Lord provided me these wonderful companions— (Christian abruptly stops talking, because he is now realizing that he cannot see Patience and Constancy) But wait, where are they? They were with me; they accompanied me all the way up the mountain! Why have they disappeared? 

 

Koinonia: (with a merry chuckle) Oh, Christian, don't you know? They are in your heart. But now (gesturing toward the house) come in—the Lord calls you to come away for a time, to rest in His presence and refresh your soul in Him.

 

Christophany: It is vitally necessary for you, before you encounter the trials still awaiting you. 

Narrator: At these last words, a momentary fear crosses Christian's face, but the steady, loving gaze of Truth braces him, and with a glad smile he follows Truth and Koinonia into this holy refuge on the summit of the Mountain of Testing. Inside the house Christian is greeted by three more lovely maidens, all of them dressed in blazing hues of red, yellow and orange. 

Discretion (Благоразумие), Piety, Compassion: (in unison) Welcome, brother!

 

Discretion: I am Discretion.

 

Piety: I am Piety.

 

Compassion: I am Compassion.

 

Discretion: (gesturing to a room offstage) Over here, through this door, is your room, furnished and readied for you.

 

Piety: Go in, take your rest, sleep for a while.

 

Compassion: Like the Lord Himself, in the hold of the boat—

 

Discretion: When the storm and waves terrified His disciples—

 

Piety: But He rested in the Father's keeping. 

 

Compassion: While you rest, we will guard you.

 

Discretion: And when you are ready—

 

Piety: To continue your way—

 

Compassion: We will accompany you.

 

Christian: What is this room?

 

Discretion, Piety and Compassion: The peace of Christ.

Narrator: Christian is so moved, he cannot speak. He nods his head in wordless gratitude, and as he enters the room prepared for his rest, all the others speak words of blessing to him....

 

Piety: May the peace of Christ rule in your heart, Christian—

 

Compassion: May the grace of God comfort you, Courageous, Tested and True.

 

Discretion: "Don't be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil— 

 

Christophany: And this will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your soul." [Prov. 3:7, 8]

 

Koinonia: Rest, child of God, in the Light, in whom we have fellowship with each other—

 

All: And all the more as you see the day drawing near!

 

Christophany: (voice reverberating) To him who overcomes I will give the Morning Star.

Scene 7: Долина Уничижения [Valley of Humiliation]

 

Narrator: Though his ascent up the Mountain of Testing took whole years to accomplish, his descent down the other side takes, it seems, but moments. Refreshed wonderfully after his rest in the refuge at the summit, Christian's soul gushes with gratitude. The light in his eyes is so bright that he appears not to notice an ominous gloom in this valley or the two strange gray boulders lying nearby...or are they really boulders? 

 

Christian: I thank you, Lord, for such wonderful rest as I enjoyed in your sacred refuge on the Mountain of Sanctification. And what great friends I acquired there: Discretion, Piety and Compassion, who were added to my beloved Patience and Constancy, Koinonia and Truth! And then, to be bestowed with the surpassing Peace of Christ! Oh, my dearest friends, you have refreshed my spirit and restored my soul—"my cup overflows!" Though I'd have loved to stay on the mountain top, my Lord, I go gladly where You [Ты] direct. (Christian gasps slightly)

Narrator: Christian stops abruptly. Some thought has seized him. He looks so grave and solemn! 

Christian: Holy Savior, did you not say, "For their sakes I have sanctified Myself"?  (slight pause, he is thinking) Grant me, like You, to sanctify myself for others' sake.      

 

Christophany: (reverberating, echoing voice) The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

 

Christian: Then, do You mean...that I am also to give my life?

 

Christophany: The slave is not above his Master.

 

Christian: (pause, then, in grave but simple determination) I am ready.

(Sound of lightning, thunder)

Narrator: What is this?! The sky has gone dark, all around there are flashes of a sickly green light, an angry rumble in the air, more like a raging lion than thunder, and a sour, evil smell all around. And look! One of the gray boulders--it is not a boulder! It unfolds into the shape of a man, covered in a mantle the color of bones and dust. It rises and rushes upon Christian, yet I cannot see this creature's face. Why? Because the creature holds a mirror before his face. The mirror reflects Christian! Christian tries to avoid this malignant being, darts to the left, to the right, but the creature is too quick for him, always blocking his way, always thrusting the mirror into Christian's face, so that he can see nothing but his reflection.

Accuser: You are "ready," you say? Ha, hah! You will never be ready! Just look at yourself! I know you, and I know where you are from. And everything you've ever done! Who are you trying to fool? Look! Look here! See yourself? Look deep! Here are all your sins, all your weaknesses. Look, do you see them? (We hear Christian gasping in suffering, the sound of his attempts to dodge the Accuser) Ho, no, not that way! (Another attempt) Ha! No! Not that way, either! I am faster than you. You can't escape me. Look, lo-o-ok and see, a-all your failures. You know what they are. Stop pretending. Listen to me: I'm your old friend. I know what city you came from. Remember me? I'm the owner--it's my city! You are native to my city. That means you belong to me! (crash of thunder; Christian gasps in pain) Abandon this empty illusion of yours and come back, to the real world, to my world, the world that I gave you from the beginning. There is no heavenly city. Why waste your life seeking a fable and denying yourself the pleasures of real life? Come back to my city. (Christian is gasping, suffering, weakening) Ye-e-s, my old friend, come back and...I will give you everything.

 

(This last pronouncement was a mistake.) 

 

Christian: (Christian gasps again, then lets out a sigh that is between a chuckle and a sob of relief.) Wait. "Everything"? You will give me... "everything"? Oh, you went too far, and now you cannot deceive me any more. You, give me everything? Ha, now I recognize you for the liar and murderer you have been since the beginning, desiring only to kill and destroy. You are the Accuser. Oh yes, you can accuse me, you can kill me, you can even appear as an angel of light, but there's one thing [or, 'yest' to, chevo] you cannot do: you cannot be true! (The Accuser groans as if in pain) Even truths become deception on your lips. You will give me everything? That is an old, old lie. You give nothing, you only steal and kill. You are the one who offered the holy Son of God  "everything" in the desert, if only He would worship you. And do you remember His answer to you? (The Accuser groans, whimpers like a dog in pain) Yes, you remember. When you reminded me of my sins and weakness, I was ashamed. But Truth and the Peace of Christ reassure my soul: "There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." (Accuser yelps in pain) You have nothing to give me. You are emptiness and perdition. I belong to the Resurrected Son of God; He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (Accuser groans) Look here, in my hand, this is His Word, the power of salvation! His word have I hidden in my heart, for "these words are faithful and true!" [Rev. 21:5]

 

(Accuser howls, and the sound of his howling fades out as if he is running away)

Narrator: The Accuser has fled, defeated by the word of truth. Christian has conquered but, yes, he is also drained and weary. He slumps to the ground, exhausted, yet I see not pain or grief on his face but peace, even joy. Look! (We hear the sound of running feet, shouts of joy and delight) Many friends have appeared, they are running toward him. I see Constancy and Patience, Compassion, Piety and Discretion, and look, there are Truth and Koinonia! (We hear the sounds of movement, indistinct, cheerful words, soft laughter) They rush to him, help him to his feet, they murmur gentle but eager words of commendation and reassurance to him! 

 

Christophany: (with a smile) Christian, why do you not ask this time, as you did before, why we failed to come to your rescue when you needed us?

 

Christian:  This time, there is no need to ask! This time I understand. You were here, with me, fighting for me, as soon as I stepped in faith. Before I could even think of calling out for your help, you were already with me. Otherwise, I could not have stood against the enemy's wiles.

 

Koinonia: Yes, I, Koinonia, was praying for you!

 

Patience and Constancy: And we, Patience and Constancy, strengthened you!

 

Discretion: And I, Discretion, guarded your mind.

 

Piety: And I, Piety, guarded your spirit.

 

Christian: You are precious gifts to me!

 

Christophany: "Every perfect gift is from above," child of God, "from the Father of lights".

 

Christian: And you, Compassion? Though you have not spoken, yet I feel you are working [producing] something great and glorious. 

 

Compassion: Did I not move you to desire sanctification, not only for yourself but for the sake of your brother and sisters?

 

Christian: Yes! And it was just then that the enemy attacked!

 

Compassion: He attacked not only to destroy you but also others whom the Lord would strengthen, comfort and bless through you, such as... (we can hear that Compassion is stepping away a little) this wounded, scarred brother….

 

Narrator: Compassion has taken several steps back and pointed to what I thought was another grey rock on the ground. But I was wrong! The "rock" shifts, changes shape, unfolds itself into the shape of a man. Is this yet another Accuser? But no, the man groans pitifully. This is a soul in pain and grief. As Christian runs to help him, all the others disappear from our view, as if enveloped in a mist. 

 

Christian: My friend, let me help you!

 

Faithful: (weakly, as if coming back to consciousness) Who are you?

 

Christian: I am Christian!

 

Faithful: (with great relief) Christian? Why, I know you! You were my neighbor in the city of Destruction! Remember, one day I begged you to escape with me, but you.... I don't want to say it. 

 

Christian: I will say it. I remember now. I was foolish and I  mocked you. How ashamed I am for my behavior. 

 

Faithful: I prayed for you. I never stopped praying for you.

 

Christian: Oh, dear brother, how can I ever repay you? Your prayers have been answered. Look at me now: I am no longer "Lost". Now my name is Christian.

 

Faithful: And my name was Deceitful. So I truly was for such a long time. I cannot blame you too greatly for disbelieving when I warned you, considering how often I lied before. But like you I have a new name now: it is Faithful. But here, in this place…I fell….

 

Christian: You were attacked.

 

Faithful: Yes! Were you attacked the same way? 

 

Christian: With accusations and humiliations? With confusion and deceitful promises? (pause, we understand that Faithful is nodding) Yes, he attacked me the same way. But thanks to the Living Word, hidden here, in this Book, and here, in my heart, I withstood him.

 

Faithful: I tried…I tried, but he startled me, so unexpectedly, just when I thought I'd transcended all trials, and then he terrified me, and I was filled with doubt, and so I tried to push past him with all my strength, but I dropped, somewhere, the Book of the Word, didn't know where it was, and then…everything became dark…I no longer knew who I was... (he cannot speak further).

 

Christian: (soothing him) My brother, I rejoice that I too suffered such an attack, if only for this, to rescue you--you who warned me of the coming destruction and prayed for my soul. I owe you my very life! We are debtors to each other, debtors of love. Come, we will go on together, to the heavenly city. Only, you must bring the Book of the Word with you! Where did you lose it? 

 

(We hear Faithful getting up, movement. His voice fades a little as he steps away from Christian, looking for his Book.)

 

Faithful: Where? I had it with me, and then.... Oh, look! Here it is, where I senselessly let it go the moment I began to fear that I wasn't strong. 

 

Christian: Hold on tight to it. Come, let's go on. Together we will be strong in the Lord.

Narrator: As Christian and Faithful stride forward with renewed vitality and bursting hope, the whole company of virtues and powers materializes to pronounce blessing upon them. 

(All their voices reverberate and echo) 

 

Compassion:  "Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones." [Isaiah 49:13]

 

Koinonia: "Strengthen the hands that have gone limp; steady the knees that shake! Tell those who panic: 'Be strong! Do not fear!" [Isaiah 35:3-4]

Christophany: "Look, your God comes to avenge! With divine retribution He comes to deliver you!" [Isaiah 35:3-4]   

 

All the Virtues: "Our citizenship is in heaven, from where we eagerly await a Savior" [Phil. 3:20], for "here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come" [Heb. 13:14]!

Scene 8: Vanity Fair and the Conclusion of All Things

Narrator: Again time has passed. Again I cannot say how much time. But now, as I look in one direction, I see Christian and Faithful approaching, on a road that stretches out behind them to the very horizon. Where they have been, what they have met on the way, I do not know. Yet this I see plainly: our friends are much older since last we saw them....

 

Christian: Dear brother Faithful, after so many years in the Way of the Lord, I feel in my spirit that we are nearing the end of our journey.

 

Faithful: You know, I was just thinking that very thing, Christian. Yet, do you feel the same thing as I do, that before us awaits not the end but truly a glorious beginning?

 

Christian: Indeed! And even though my old bones ache me—

 

Faithful: And mine, too! (they laugh)

 

Christian: —all the same my heart thrills with youthful hope at the prospect of arrival in the heavenly city.

 

Faithful: As the apostle wrote, though the outer tent is worn away by the elements, the man on the inside is renewed!

 

Christian: Renewed in the Spirit of the Lord, amen!  (Christian suddenly gasps in surprise)

Narrator: Christian and Faithful suddenly stop, staring fixedly at the sight that greets them, their faces revealing shock, perplexity. What could possibly have affected them so? I turn and look where they are looking. It is a town square, or a market--no, a fair [yarmarka]! But it is not like any fair I ever saw before. There are nine cages there, in each cage is imprisoned one of that glorious company that has sustained Christian and Faithful along their way: Constancy, Piety, Patience, Discretion, Compassion, Forgiveness, Humility, Koinonia and Truth. In front of each cage stands a table covered with cheap, shoddy wares, yet townspeople are flocking to these tables as if to buy them, though I cannot see what they are paying with. There, look now! A man walks up to one of the tables. On the other side of the table is the vendor. Who is that? Wait a moment.... Oh! I have seen him before! That is the Accuser who attacked Christian and Faithful on the way. He seems to be master of the fair. He flits from table to table, handing each eager customer some useless trinket from the table, and he seems to take something in return, but I cannot see what! 

  

Faithful: Wait. I know this place. What's this? How can it be? The straight path has led us back to—

 

Christian: To the city Destruction! You're right! But I don't understand. It doesn't make sense. Why would the Lord bring us here again?

  

Christophany: (reverberating voice) "Come out from among them and be separate, and touch no unclean thing, and I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you will be my children."  [2 Cor. 8:17]

 

Christian and Faithful: (reflectively repeating to themselves what they have heard) "Come out from among them, and be separate."

Narrator: Only Christian and Faithful heard the voice of Truth. But everyone at the fair heard them repeating to themselves the sacred summons. The people freeze in horror, and in fear. But every one of the Company of Virtues rises, standing straight and strong in spite of their cages, their eyes blazing with freedom. The Accuser swings round, enraged, searching for the source of this insult to his domain. 

  

Accuser: Who dares to pronounce such words here, in my fair?!

 

Faithful and Christian: (in unison) It is the word of the Lord.

Narrator: And now the Accuser and all the fair's customers are staring at Faithful, only at Faithful, aghast. Why are they not looking at Christian, too? I don't know. But it's as if they do not see him. The Accuser glares malevolently at Faithful, then seems to change his mind. He smirks nastily, he chuckles, he laughs. The crowd laughs, too, as if at his command. 

(We hear them all laughing. From this point on, with one exception at the end, nobody in this scene sees Christian anymore, and all speech directed at Faithful use "ty.")

 

Accuser:  Of course, I understand. You [Ty] are just joking. Well, my friend, I must tell you, you are a very poor comic. I advise you to find yourself more profitable work. Perhaps I can interest you in some of my wares? What I sell here will make you successful and happy beyond your wildest dreams.

 

Faithful: What is this place?

 

(The townspeople gasp. Accuser starts to chuckle, then laugh fully. The rest of the townspeople join along hesitantly, fearfully imitating him.) 

Narrator: Among those laughing there are familiar faces. I see Pliable and Мирской Мудрец, and there is Obstinate, and, look, there is Fearful who once came running down from the summit screaming about ghouls and goblins. 

 

Pliable: (with a tentative, fearful laugh, effectively begging for approbation) Yes, yes, he is a poor comic, indeed, heh, heh!

 

Мирской Мудрец [Worldly Wisdom]: (proudly) Terribly naïve!

Obstinate: Come now, you know perfectly well what this wonderful place is!

 

Fearful: Time for you to smarten up, because if we stop laughing, I'm afraid it will be the worse for you!

 

Faithful: I… yes, I remember: this fair, this horrid fair—when I was a citizen of this doomed city. This is Vanity Fair, the marketplace of sin (the shoppers gasp, stop laughing) where deceitful pleasures are acquired in exchange for the surrender of—

 

(The Virtues cry out, in very quick succession, from their cages)

 

Truth: Truth!

 

Humility: Humility!

 

Forgiveness: Forgiveness!

 

Discretion: Discretion!

 

Piety: Piety!

 

Patience: Patience!

Constancy: Constancy! 

 

Compassion: Compassion!

 

Koinonia: Love!

 

(The townspeople gasp and moan in fear at this vibrant outburst) 

Accuser: (enraged) Quiet! (immediate, tense silence; the Accuser speaks with a simmering anger) Listen, you.... I tried to make light of your insolence at first, but now you insult my glorious fair—you have gone too far! (The shoppers cravenly begin to murmur assent) Quiet! (They shut up; he continues to address Faithful) I am the Master of the Market, the Lord of the Fair. I provide these worthy citizens with everything their hearts long for: power, fame, wealth, pleasure; or, to those with more refined tastes: forgetfulness, emptiness, sweet final oblivion. And do I demand money for these treasures? Not at all! Instead, what small, miserable compensation do I ask in exchange? Look what's in these cages! In payment I ask you [plural, i.e., everybody] only to surrender them, to throw away such useless trinkets as them. They were never of any use to you anyway. Look at them, (scornfully) absurd illusions of a different world outside my city, outside my kingdom which is the only real world!   

 

(The shoppers cheer and applaud; as they do...)

Accuser: Thank you, thank you....

Narrator: I see a look of recognition dawn on Christian's face. He raises his arm and points at the Accuser. But look, the same recognition dawns on Faithful's face. As if they were one person, Faithful and Christian point at the Accuser and speak.

Christian and Faithful: I remember you…

 

Faithful: (speaking alone) You are the Accuser who attacked me on the Way, many, many years ago. You offered me everything if only I would forsake my Lord. You tried to steal my soul from me.

 

Accuser: And…now I remember you! You are…

 

Faithful and Christian: (in unison) I am Christian.

 

(The shoppers gasp in horror.) 

Narrator: Accuser momentarily shrinks with fear but quickly recovers himself. He points at Faithful who now calls himself "Christian." No one, except perhaps you and I, sees or hears our old friend Christian. Yet I think Christian does not yet realize this. Accuser's mouth contorts with rage; he is about to speak, but no! Wait! Who are these two men--one appears on the right, one on the left, each raises high a staff in one hand, in the other the Word of Revelation. Yes, we know them! We have met them before: they are Shepherd and Evangelist! 

(As Shepherd and Evangelist speak their lines, we hear cries and groans and general chaos in the background)

 

Shepherd: Repent!  The Kingdom of God is at hand!

 

Evangelist: Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has arrived!  [Rev. 14:7]

 

Shepherd: Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on! [Rev. 14:13]

 

Evangelist: They have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony! [Rev. 12:11]

 

Accuser: (shouts to the shoppers) Silence them! Destroy them!

Narrator: The townspeople spring as one on Shepherd and Evangelist, brandishing knives, stabbing savagely. For a moment I can see only the frenzied crowd, but now, look, the crowd backs away, and there lie Shepherd and Evangelist on the ground, dead. But look, the glorious company of Virtues are free from their cages. They stand, like a crescent moon, around the bodies of the slain servants of God, glowing like candles. They are invisible to the townspeople. But where is Christian? Ah, I see him now. He has stepped away from the scene, he watches from a distance. He too is invisible to the townspeople, and now it seems to me that he knows, though he cannot understand it. Faithful runs to the bodies of his slain brothers, weeping. And, what's this--one of the townspeople joins Faithful, weeping with him. Who is this? 

  

Accuser: You! Pliable! What are you doing?! Get away from them!

 

Pliable: No! I have been a fool! I will be "Pliable" no longer! (speaking to Faithful) Christian, is there hope for me? Can the Lord receive such a sinner as I?

 

Faithful: All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved!

 

Pliable: Lamb of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Narrator: Suddenly the eyes of Pliable, and of Faithful who is now "Christian," are opened to see the company of Virtues surrounding them and the bodies of God's slain servants. 

Virtues: (in unison) Glory to God!

 

Faithful: Glory to God! Now I know why His perfect Way led me back to this place—

 

Christophany: (reverberating) For the Son of man came to seek and save that which was lost.

 

(Accuser and the shoppers cry out in agony.)

 

Accuser: Enough! Arrest them!

Narrator: The townspeople are surging forward, grabbing hold of Faithful and Pliable. Our poor friend Christian stands to the side, unable to grasp why no one sees or hears him anymore. 

  

Christian: (his voice seems to be from a slight distance away) Stop! No! Wait! Doesn't anyone hear me? I am Christian! "Christian"--that's me! I too am ready to die for the Lord! Why doesn't anyone see me? Can't you hear me? What's happening? 

 

Accuser: Now we know that you are out of your minds. After seeing these two mercilessly cut down for insulting our noble market and city, do you still insist on proclaiming this treasonous doctrine?

 

Pliable: I now know Whom I have believed, and that my Redeemer lives!

 

Accuser: And with those words you have sealed your fate. And you, Christian? 

Christian: (from a distance, plaintively) But I am Christian....

Faithful: I am Christian and belong to Christ. There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!

 

Accuser: (with a groan of rage) Vsyo! We will listen to no more of this! Noble citizens, their guilt is clear! What is your judgement? 

 

All the Shoppers: Death! Death!

Accuser: Death it will be, then. Look out there, beyond the gate, outside the town. You see that hill there? We have two crosses prepared for just such contingencies as this. Isn't it convenient that there are two of you?

 

Christian: No, three of us! I am Christian! It's me, I am here! (no one hears him)

 

Accuser: To crucifixion! 

Townspeople: To crucifixion! To crucifixion! 

Narrator: Accuser and the townspeople seize Faithful and Pliable and drag them out of the town. The company of Virtues, still shining, visible only to Faithful and Pliable, follows them in a strangely quiet, triumphant peace. But our friend Christian remains alone, by the bodies of Shepherd and Evangelist. He is trembling and in tears, confused and horrified. Wait, look! One of the Virtues, the Master of the Virtues, Truth, Who first revealed Himself to our friend as Reconciliation with God, stops, turns back, approaches with a warm smile, love in his eyes, and lays a hand on Christian's shoulder. 

Christian: (with tearful relief) You see me? 

 

Christophany: Of course I see you. I always see you. Be comforted, Christian, you are not forgotten. Just a little longer, and all will become clear.  

Narrator: With that, Truth turns again and goes out to the hill of execution. And then--

Christian: Yes, and then--

Narrator: Christian! You are speaking to us! 

Christian: Yes, now I see you, and I can tell you what happened then. The words of Truth definitely comforted me, though I still couldn't grasp what was happening. I stood by the bodies of the two servants of God, and watched while my dearest brother Faithful and my new brother, now no longer "Pliable" but "Valiant," were led to two crosses on a distant hill. Their faces glowed with peace and courage, which only made the citizens of Destruction more furious. I steeled myself to witness the agony of my beloved brothers, but suddenly—the earth shook, the sky turned blood red, the walls of the city crumbled all around me, the citizens of Destruction first shrieked and then were turned to dust, the Accuser tore at his own face in a mad rage and screamed at the heavens before he disappeared in a flash of fire, and a magnificent voice resounded through all creation, saying:

 

Christophany: (reverberating) Come up here. [Rev. 11:12]

 

Christian: At that very moment Shepherd and Evangelist stood up, alive! And the whole Company of Virtues, together with Faithful and Valiant, came running back--or were they flying!--exclaiming with exultation: 

All (except Christian): The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever!

  

Christian: Then I looked up and saw a city descending from heaven, the city of God, radiant and glorious, with hosts of angels welcoming the saints of the Most High. All of the joyous company with me lifted their arms in welcome, like children reaching up to their beloved father,  and the gates of the holy city were opened, and light blazed out from it like many suns together, imparting life—I saw streets paved with gold, and throngs exulting, with crowns on their heads, and the bells of the city were ringing with joy—and again that Most Holy Voice shook heaven and earth:

 

Christophany: (reverberating) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. All is prepared. Come, enter into the joy of your Lord!    

All (except Christian): (a great cheer of triumph and joy)

Christian: And like leaves swept up by a mighty wind they flew into the light of that majesty and glory. All of them except one, who lingered, to my comfort....

 

Christophany: (the sound of his walking up to Christian, then he speaks gently, warmly) Christian, do you understand what has happened here? 

 

Christian: I… I think that it is now becoming clear to me. It's...all right [good]. Yes, I understand. 

Christophany: Keep in your heart all you have seen here. Give me your hand, Christian. (We hear Christian sighing sleepily) Yes, you're sleepy. Lie down here on the ground. (We hear him lying down) Good. Sleep in peace. I am with you always. Remember. (reverberating) Remember.

Scene 9: The Pilgrim Awakes

 

(Christian is now Johnny. The character formerly Help is now Grandma. We hear a few knocks at a door.)

Johnny: (as if mumbling in his sleep) Remember... remember... remember.... 

(Two or three more knocks at the door) 

Grandma: (voice slightly muffled, as if speaking through the door) Johnny! Johnny! Wake up! It’s time for breakfast. Come on now, you’ll be late to your classes! 

 

(Johnny makes a "waking-up" grunt, utters a "What? Oh--", we hear him getting up, rushing across the room, opening the door.) 

 

Johnny: Sorry, Grandma, I was sleeping! 

 

Grandma: (entering room) Oh is that what you were doing? And here I thought you were on a tropical cruise!  Good morning, Johnny. 

 

Johnny: Good morning, but, Grandma, I wasn't on any tropical cruise. I was really in another world!

 

Grandma: (her voice volume varies as she is fussing about the room, picking things up) Well that's certainly nothing new. Tch, tch! Just look at this at this room, it’s a mess. And your shirt I ironed yesterday, on the floor all wrinkled. Why can't you hang your clothes up like I tell you? 

 

Johnny: But listen! I really was...somewhere else. And you came and helped me! 

 

Grandma: (a pause; she has stopped fussing about the room; with a warm smile in her voice...) Yes, I did, Johnny. In the middle of the night you started yelling "Help!" loud enough to wake the dead, so I rushed in to see what was wrong. There you were, shouting away but sound asleep and I couldn't wake you up for anything. I never saw anything like it. You did give me a scare. But then you grabbed my hand as if you knew I was there, as if you were hanging on for dear life. After a moment you quieted down, and you smiled. And you let my hand go—for which I was very grateful or I'd have been standing here for the rest of the night and you'd have no breakfast waiting for you on the kitchen table as there is right now so hurry up and get yourself together. Your breakfast will get cold.

 

Johnny: I was in the Bog of Despair, where Pliable abandoned me after we escaped the city of Destruction. I called for Help. You came and pulled me out. 

(Pause, as Grandma tries to absorb this.)

 

Grandma: Yes....Well, like I said, you usually are in a different world. But if I showed up at just the right moment, well...that's what I'm here for, grandson, you know that. 

(We hear a kiss)

 

Johnny: Grandma, you are the best! 

 

Grandma: (embarrassed, a little teary) Oh, stop. (changing the subject, her voice getting a little distant as she walks to the door) Hurry up now. Your teacher won't wait for His Majesty Johnny to show up so the lesson can start. (slightest pause, she reaches the door) Breakfast is on the table. Come on, snip-snap! (We hear the door close.)

 

(We hear Johnny moving around in his room, as if he's doing things like changing into his clothes, picking up his books, brushing his hair. Finally we hear footsteps and the turn of a doorhandle.) 

 

Christophany: (reverberating) Christian. 

(Johnny gasps)

Johnny: Yes? I hear you. 

Christophany: Remember. 

 

Johnny: (awed, hushed) I will.

 

(We hear the door open, then close. The following lines are muffled, as if we hear them through the door and from other parts of the house.) 

Grandma: Johnny! 

Johnny: Coming, Grandma! 

 

 

FIN