Topical Bible: Being a Pilgrim

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Definition and Concept:
The concept of being a pilgrim in the Bible is deeply rooted in the idea of living as a sojourner or traveler on earth, with a focus on a heavenly destination. This notion is emblematic of the Christian life, where believers are seen as temporary residents in this world, journeying towards their eternal home with God.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament:
· Abraham's Journey: Abraham is often considered the archetypal pilgrim. In Genesis 12:1, God calls him to leave his country and go to a land that He would show him. Abraham's life is marked by faith and obedience, living in tents as a foreigner in the land of promise. Hebrews 11:9-10 reflects on this, stating, "By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

· Israel's Wilderness Journey: The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is another significant example of pilgrimage. This journey, filled with trials and divine guidance, symbolizes the spiritual journey of believers. Deuteronomy 8:2 reminds them, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart."

2. New Testament:
· Jesus' Teachings: Jesus often spoke of the transient nature of earthly life and the importance of seeking the kingdom of God. In Matthew 6:19-21, He instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

· The Epistles: The Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles" in 1 Peter 2:11, urging them to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. This language reinforces the idea of Christians as pilgrims, living in a world that is not their ultimate home.

· Hebrews 11: Known as the "Faith Chapter," Hebrews 11 highlights numerous figures who lived as pilgrims, seeking a better country—a heavenly one. Hebrews 11:13-16 states, "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth... they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one."

Theological Significance:
Being a pilgrim is a metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing faith, hope, and perseverance. It reflects the understanding that life on earth is temporary and that believers are called to live with an eternal perspective. This pilgrimage involves a journey of transformation, as Christians are conformed to the image of Christ and prepared for their heavenly home.

Practical Implications:
Living as a pilgrim involves a detachment from worldly values and a commitment to spiritual growth. It calls for a life of faith, characterized by trust in God's promises and a focus on eternal realities. Believers are encouraged to live with integrity, love, and service, reflecting the values of the kingdom of God as they journey through life.

Conclusion:
The biblical theme of being a pilgrim serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the hope of eternal life with God. It challenges believers to live with purpose and faithfulness, ever mindful of their heavenly citizenship.

Topical Bible Verses

Genesis 12:1-20
Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you:
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2 Corinthians 5:1-21
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
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Genesis 37:1-36
And Jacob dwelled in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.
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Library

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... 16. THE PILGRIM FATHERS ... not matters of conscience; that though they were not commanded
in Scripture, and hence were non-essential, yet not being forbidden, they ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... But the church, being supported by the civil authority, would permit no dissent
from ... known or to be made known to them." "J. Brown, The Pilgrim Fathers, page ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Parable of the Pilgrim
... and beneficial, but rather in a quiet consideration of the infinite being and goodness
of ... If you do this you will become a true pilgrim, who leaves behind him ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/the parable of the pilgrim.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress of 1352
... as in many respects he was, may well be called the Pilgrim's Progress of ... the net."
It does not therefore touch the question of saved souls being finally lost. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlvii the pilgrims progress.htm

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... himself, over all the Bishops, over all the members of the Pilgrim Band, over all ...
At Pilgerruh, in Holstein, another body were being tempted to break from the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm

Enduring to the End
... "Oh! " cries the flesh, "we have had enough of this; it is weary work being a pilgrim,
come, give it up." Sloth says, "Sit still where thou art. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

The Charge of the Pilgrim Priests
... EZRA THE CHARGE OF THE PILGRIM PRIESTS. ... So I think I may venture, without being unduly
fanciful, to take these words as a type of the injunctions which are ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the charge of the pilgrim.htm

The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan.
... Bradford at the head, and in the name of the Pilgrim church declared ... Being called
to account before the governor for their schismatic procedure, they took an ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter viii the planting of.htm

Wherein are Shewn Some of the Great Benefits, of Of which a ...
... so precious, that 'tis not to be bought for a thousand Worlds being a particle ... Dom.)
is Medicine to the Sick, Provision for the Pilgrim, fresh Strength to the ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iii wherein are shewn.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... Being connected with the living and incorruptible seed, it lives and abides for
ever. ... chosen, the life which God had commanded him, the life of a pilgrim and a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm