Book III: On the Rise, Progress, Changes, and Comforts of the Spiritual Life explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Grace and Unmerited Favor

  Grace is portrayed as reigning, pardoning, and sustaining believers from first call to final glory.

• Redemption and Salvation

  Christ's atoning death and intercession secure salvation for sinners, transforming their nature.

• Faith and Trust in Christ

  Faith is described as a comprehensive sense that enables believers to see, hear, and taste spiritual realities.

• Suffering and Affliction

  The Christian life involves trials and conflicts, but these are overruled by God for good and lead to eternal comfort.

Characters to notice

• Jesus Christ

  Central figure as Redeemer, Advocate, and King; his sacrifice and intercession are celebrated.

• God

  Referred to as the Almighty and the Lord; source of grace, providence, and comfort.

• Satan

  Mentioned as an adversary whose power is overcome by grace and Christ's protection.

• The Holy Spirit

  Sent by Christ to move and conquer hearts, transforming enemies into friends.

• The Narrator

  Expresses personal faith, struggles, and reliance on Christ throughout the hymns.

• The Saints

  Believers who suffer but are assured of eternal joy and victory through grace.

• Angels

  Join in praise and wonder at the grace of God and the redemption of man.

• Pharaoh

  Referenced in the context of the Exodus, symbolizing bondage from which believers are freed.

Key passages

• “Now sin appears deserving death, Most hateful and abhorr’d; And yet the sinner lives by faith, And dares approach the Lord.”

  Though sin rightly deserves death and is utterly detestable, the believer, through faith, is able to approach God boldly.

  Highlights the paradox of sin and faith, and the confidence given by grace.

• “Grace reigns, to pardon crimson sins, To melt the hardest hearts; And from the work it once begins It never more departs.”

  Grace rules in forgiving the worst sins and softening the most stubborn hearts, and once it begins its work, it never abandons it.

  Emphasizes the sovereignty and perseverance of grace.

• “The flesh dislikes the way, But faith approves it well! This only leads to endless day, All others lead to hell.”

  The natural self dislikes the path of discipleship, but faith recognizes it as the only way to eternal life, while all other paths lead to destruction.

  Contrasts the flesh's aversion with faith's approval of the narrow way.

• “It smells the dear Redeemer’s name Like ointment poured forth; Faith only knows, or can proclaim, Its savour or its worth.”

  Faith perceives the preciousness of Christ's name as a fragrant perfume, and only faith can truly appreciate or declare its value.

  Uses sensory imagery to describe faith's perception of Christ's worth.

• “Though sin would fill me with distress, The throne of grace I dare address, For Jesus is my righteousness.”

  Even when sin causes me anguish, I can confidently approach the throne of grace because Christ is my righteousness.

  Expresses the believer's access to God through Christ's imputed righteousness.