The archetype of a journey across water is sometimes used in literature to represent a hero's purification. what effect does christian's crossing of the river have in pilgrim's progress? it demonstrates that christian, despite his prior sins, has finally earned salvation. it shows that if christian can cross into the celestial city, ordinary people can, too. it warns readers that getting to the celestial city is nearly impossible. it implies that in order to reach salvation, one needs to have a , like hopeful.