Summary

In "The Cost of Discipleship," Dietrich Bonhoeffer explores the true meaning of following Jesus Christ, contrasting cheap grace with costly grace. He argues that cheap grace, the idea of forgiveness without repentance or discipleship, is a perversion of the Gospel and the enemy of the Church. Bonhoeffer emphasizes that true discipleship requires a radical commitment to Christ, a willingness to leave everything behind and follow his commands, even to the point of suffering and death.

The book begins by defining cheap grace as the preaching of forgiveness without repentance, baptism without discipline, Communion without confession, and absolution without personal confession. It's a grace that requires nothing of the recipient and allows them to remain unchanged in their sinful ways. Bonhoeffer contrasts this with costly grace, the treasure hidden in the field for which a man sells all he has, the pearl of great price, and the call of Jesus at which the disciple leaves his nets to follow.

Bonhoeffer discusses the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the radical nature of Jesus' teachings. He emphasizes the single-mindedness of obedience required of disciples and the call to abandon all earthly attachments. He explores the concepts of love for enemies, non-resistance to evil, and the hidden righteousness of disciples, challenging conventional interpretations of these passages. Bonhoeffer stresses the visible nature of the Christian community and its role as salt and light in the world.

The book delves into the role of prayer, fasting, and material possessions in the life of a disciple. Bonhoeffer warns against hypocrisy in religious practices and emphasizes the importance of a pure heart and single-minded devotion to God. He challenges the accumulation of earthly treasures and encourages a carefree life lived in trust of God's provision.

Bonhoeffer explores the concept of discipleship in the context of the Church and the world. He discusses the importance of baptism, the Body of Christ, and the sacraments in fostering true fellowship among believers. He examines the Christian's relationship with the state and emphasizes the call to live in the world but not be of the world.

He then moves into a discussion of messengers. Bonhoeffer addresses the suffering of messengers and the decision they face in proclaiming the gospel. He highlights the importance of bearing the cross and enduring persecution for the sake of Christ. He discusses the call to discipleship and the demands it places on individuals, emphasizing the breach with the world and the creation of a new fellowship in Christ.

The concluding chapters address the harvest of disciples and the visible community they form. Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the kingdom of God and the necessity of good shepherds to lead the flock. He speaks of the hiddenness of prayer and the devout life, and he stresses the importance of simplicity and freedom from anxiety.

The final section of the book explores the concepts of saints, sanctification, and the image of Christ. Bonhoeffer defines saints as those who have been justified and sanctified in Christ and called to be holy. He discusses the visible nature of the Church and the importance of walking worthily of the gospel. He concludes with a powerful reflection on the transformative power of Christ's image, emphasizing that disciples are destined to bear his image and be conformed to his likeness.