Accompanied by the two Shining Ones, Christian and Hopeful soon came to the river.  It seemed very wide and very deep.  They looked for a bridge but found none and knew that they must pass through the waters.  They trembled as they stood on the bank.

They sought comfort from the Shining Ones who accompanied them thus far.  “Is the water always the same depth?” they asked.

“No,” replied the angels.  “Its depth is according to the faith of the one who is passing over.  Death is an enemy, it is true, but for the children of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in passing through death, has taken the terror from it.  They know that it is but a moment’s darkness and then they will enjoy the light of His presence for all eternity.  The more they are able to rest upon Him the easier the passing of the river.”

Christian and Hopeful stepped into the water.  Immediately Christian began to cry, “Oh, it is over my head!  I am sinking!”

 

Hopeful tried to comfort and strengthen him by saying, “I feel bottom and it is good.”

But Christian found it hard to be comforted and replied, “I shall never see the good land which I have sought so long.”  Then he almost lost consciousness so that Hopeful had to help him keep his head above water.  He thought of all his sins both before and after he had been saved.  Surely God would not let him into glory.  But Hopeful reminded him that his own righteousness was not supplying him with salvation, but the righteousness of Christ had saved him.  The past is under the blood shed upon Calvary.  The sins were blotted out before the eyes of God.

“Brother,” said Hopeful, “I see the gate of the city, and men standing there to receive us.”

“It is for you they are waiting,” said Christian.  You have been hopeful ever since I knew you.”

“Be of good cheer,” said Hopeful to his friend, “Christ Jesus makes you whole.”

Then Christian looked at his Lord and heard Him say, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.”

After that the enemy troubled them no more and they passed over in peace.  Upon reaching the other side, angels came from the city and took them by the arms to lead them to the gate.  Their mortal had been left behind in the river.  They did not know when they lost them, but when they came out upon the eternal side they were clothed with bodies of immortality which could know neither death nor decay.  As they went toward the gate the two angels talked to them of the glories of the city.

“You will see Abraham there and Isaac and Jacob, and all the saints of God who have lived throughout the ages.  You will receive comfort for all the sorrow you have known upon earth.  There will be no more pain, or sickness, or crying, or sadness, for the former things have passed away.  You will wear crowns of gold, and sing praises to Him who is worthy.  There you meet your Christian friends who have gone before you and will rejoice with them through all the days of eternity.  You will be in the presence of your Lord forevermore.”

As they talked they drew near the city and a host of heavenly beings came forth to meet them.  The angels said, “These are men who have loved our Lord and believed on Him in the world.”

The Heavenly Host replied, “Blessed are they that are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Then there came also a company of the King’s trumpeters and blew joyful blasts on their trumpets and made glad melodies to accompany the welcomed pilgrims to their heavenly home.

They came to the gate and were announced by the angels who escorted them.  The gate was swung open to receive them and a voice rang out saying, “Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Christian and Hopeful replied with a burst of praise, saying, “‘Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sits on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever.’ “

So they entered into their eternal home—into the presence of their Lord—into the fullness of joy forevermore!