The Cost of Discipleship

About the Author

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, is one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Christian thought. Born in 1906 into a prominent German family, Bonhoeffer displayed an early interest in theology and pursued his studies with vigor. He was profoundly influenced by the existential and theological questions of his time, particularly those posed by World War I and the rise of Nazism in Germany. Bonhoeffer's theological journey was marked by his commitment to understanding what it means to live out one's faith in the world, especially under oppressive regimes.

Bonhoeffer's life was characterized by a bold resistance to the Nazi regime, a resistance that ultimately led to his arrest in 1943 and his execution in 1945. His works, including The Cost of Discipleship, reflect his deep concern for the Christian faith and the ethical challenges of his time. His writings continue to inspire those who seek to understand the implications of following Christ in a complex and often hostile world.

Main Idea

At the heart of Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship lies a profound critique of what he terms "cheap grace" and a call to embrace "costly grace." Cheap grace, according to Bonhoeffer, is the grace that Christians bestow upon themselves, a grace that requires no real sacrifice or change. It is the grace that makes Christianity easy and, in doing so, renders it meaningless. In contrast, costly grace demands a total commitment to Christ, including self-denial, suffering, and even the forfeiture of one's civil rights. Bonhoeffer challenges Christians to rediscover the true meaning of discipleship—a life lived in obedience to Christ, no matter the cost.

Table of Contents

• Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace
• The Essence of Discipleship: Obedience to Christ
• Becoming a Disciple: The Role of Baptism
• The Lifestyle of a Disciple: Humility, Self-Denial, and Suffering
• Pacifism and Withdrawal from Government
• The Weakness of the Gospel

Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace

Bonhoeffer begins his discussion with a stark contrast between what he terms "cheap grace" and "costly grace." Cheap grace, he argues, is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ. It is the grace that allows one to live as if nothing had changed, as if no sacrifice were necessary. Bonhoeffer writes:

"Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In contrast, costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price for which the merchant sells all he has. It is the call of Jesus Christ that bids a man come and die. Costly grace is the grace that compels one to follow Christ even to the point of suffering and death.

"Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer’s distinction is crucial for understanding his entire argument. He believes that the church has, in many ways, lost its way by embracing cheap grace, offering comfort without challenge, and forgiveness without repentance. He urges Christians to reject this false sense of security and instead embrace the difficult, yet ultimately rewarding, path of true discipleship.

The Essence of Discipleship: Obedience to Christ

For Bonhoeffer, the essence of discipleship is obedience to Christ. This obedience is not abstract or theoretical but is manifested in the daily life of the believer. To be a disciple, according to Bonhoeffer, is to be personally and unconditionally obedient to Jesus Christ, placing His commands above all other obligations, whether to family, nation, or self. Bonhoeffer writes: