The Pilgrim: That which Costs Dear not Easily Parted with

They cost him dear; and that which is dear bought is not easily parted with (1 Corinthians 6:20). They were bought with “his blood” (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18,19). They were given him for his blood, and therefore are “dear children” (Ephesians 5:1); for they are his by the highest price; and this price he, as Advocate, pleadeth against the enemy of our salvation; yea, I will add, they are his, because he gave his all for them (2 Corinthians 8:9). When a man shall give his all for this or that, then that which he so hath purchased is become his all. Now Christ has given his all for us; he made himself poor for us, wherefore we are become his all, his fullness; and so the church is called (Ephesians 1:23). Nay, further, Christ likes well enough of his purchase, though it hath cost him his all-“The lines,” says he, “are fallen to me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage” (Psalms 16:6). Now, put all these things together, and there is a strong plea in them. Interest, such an interest, will not be easily parted with. -John Bunyan, The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate