John Bunyan is known across the English-speaking world as the author of The Pilgrimâs Progress. But who was Bunyan, and what was it that provided him with the stimulus and inspiration to write that most revered and well-loved of allegories?
The answer can, in part, be found in Grace Abounding, for it is here that we are given a glimpse into Bunyanâs own spiritual experience. The vivid images of Pilgrimâs Progress, such as the âSlough of Despondâ, or âDoubting Castleâ, are brought to mind as Bunyan tells of his own pilgrimage â how he came to understand and rest in the love of God in Christ.
The full title of Bunyanâs story is Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. Like the apostle Paul, it was the remembrance of his past sins that brought Bunyan to appreciate the great grace that God has shown towards him. Written for the benefit of his âspiritual childrenâ, Bunyanâs intention was that âothers may be put in remembrance of what he hath done for their souls, by reading his work upon me.â
Grace Abounding is in the following collections:
