The Cost of Discipleship

I have valued "The Cost of Discipleship" for years and most certainly consider it a classic and an undeniable must-have book. I just had to have a newer, larger and easy to read copy by purchasing this later edition. I would go so far as to say "If a person that calls themselves a Christian and have not read this book -- that they only have a partial view of what the Christian faith is about.

A book that talks about discipleship in real terms with a message of standing up for the word and truth even when it's uncomfortable. Too often people become wishy washy about what the word says on touchy subjects. You can stand on the word in Love and not compromise what its states.

Great words, but hard to read. Bonhoeffer was a brilliant man and a strong Christian, but he's a little too deep for me. I did learn some things, though, and I may pick it up again and read a little more. The message is true: Christian discipleship is not easy, but the reward is great.

The first three chapters alone speak to the message of real grace, not the half grace or prosperity spoken of in many churches today. Making Jesus you lord, taking up His cross, knowing His sufferings, knowing His will for us. These are all deep things to consider. This book was opened my heart to receive the depth Christ has for us. It isn't without cost or effort. How do we be an imitator of Christ? This has the answers.

I just completed "The Cost of Discipleship" and it has caused a profound change in my life. The change was to the point that it made me finally give in to my called ministry which I had delayed in fulfilling. Along with Lewis' "Mere Christianity", Merton's "Life and Holiness", Strobel's "The Case for Christ", and Nouwen's "The Return of the Prodigal Son" it is a stalwart of reading that is truth and avoids all false religiosity and emotion.

Whether you need a book for daily meditation or are pursuing a sound theological education this small volume ishould be apart of your library.
It describes discipleship through the perspective of one of the 20th cent. marters. It challenges and makes you think and reflect.

Written over seventy-five years ago, this treatise on discipleship is still as relevant today as it was in the days of Adolf Hitler. I especially enjoyed the sections on sanctification and the challenge presented in the closing section on becoming like Christ.

This is very explosive approach to Christianity. It makes reader to self evaluate whether his/her faith is lookwarm or real, belonging to this world or eternity.
Even though martyr Dietrich was Lutheran, this book is for everyone, who wants to discover true meaning of being Christian regardless of confession - even for Eastern Orthodox.
It calls us to following real Christ, the way how He taught his disciples.

The Cost of Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I found this book to be significantly instructive on how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. However, Bonhoeffer does not make a clear distinction between being saved by grace through faith and following Jesus as His disciple in obedience to His commands. He does not distinguish the salvation passages from the biblical warning passages to Christians. Nevertheless, if Bonhoeffer’s exhortations are taken by the believer to embrace costly discipleship as an invitation to follow Jesus there is great benefit.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer succinctly explains justification in chapter 31, “The justification of the sinner consists in the sole righteousness of God, wherein the sinner is utterly and completely unrighteous, and has no righteousness whatever of his own, side by side with the righteousness of God…But when we are brought to faith in the death of Christ, we receive the righteousness of God triumphant on the cross in the very place where we receive our own condemnation as sinners.” Yet later in the chapter we read statements that contradict the truth of faith alone in Christ alone. “Discipline in a congregation is a servant of the precious grace of God. If a member of the Church falls into sin, he must be admonished and punished, ‘lest he forfeit his own salvation’ and the gospel be discredited.” When a Christian sins, he never forfeits his salvation, but severs his fellowship with God and harms his relationship with other believers.

Above all I was drawn to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life as he lived it sold out to Jesus Christ as described in the Memoir section given by G. Leibholz before the text. He was truly a man of God who gave his life as a martyr for the sake of Christ. But he was full of life, a believer who served the Lord by serving others. This description by Leibholz gives the reader a look into Bonhoeffer’s heart:

“Bonhoeffer was as open as any man could be to all the things which make life beautiful. He rejoiced in the love of his parents, his sisters and brothers, his fiancée, his many friends. He loved the mountains, the flowers, the animals- the greatest and the simplest things in life. His geniality and inborn chivalry, his love of music, art and literature, the firmness of his character, his personal charm and his readiness to listen, made him friends everywhere. But what marked him most was his unselfishness and preparedness to help others up to the point of self-sacrific. Whenever others hesitated to undertake a task that required special courage, Bonhoeffer was ready to take the risk.”

Bonhoeffer believed that only a turn to Christ could save a nation, “Dietrich Bonhoeffer more than anybody else realized that nothing less than a return to the Christian faith could save Germany.” I believe that his words are true for us in the United States today. Our only hope is revival in Christ Jesus.

Here are some lessons in discipleship that I took from reading The Cost of Discipleship:

-“’Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ That is the love of the Crucified. Only in the cross of Christ do we find the fulfilment of the law.”
-“Adherence to Jesus allows no free rein to desire unless it be accompanied by love.”
-In agreeing to pray for our enemies (his enemies, the Nazis would ultimately martyr him) Bonhoeffer sees a prayer of love: “It will be the prayer of earnest love for these very sons of perdition who stand around and gaze at us with eyes aflame with hatred, and who have perhaps already raised their hands to kill us.”
-More on prayer: “It matters little what form of prayer we adopt or how many words we use, what matters is the faith which lays hold on God and touches the heart of the Father who knew us long before we came to him.”
-“Earthly goods were given to be used, not to be collected”

Finally, Dietrich Bonhoeffer in these words speaks prophetically of himself: “A few, but only a few, of his followers are accounted worthy of the closest fellowship with his sufferings—the blessed martyrs. No other Christian is so closely identified with the form of Christ crucified.”

Intense book . Gives a very clear picture of true discipleship as illustrated in biblical teaching. Particularly challenging having just read the biography of Bonhoeffer. He lived and was ultimately martyred for the principles he teaches in this volume. A must read for anyone who wants to expand their understanding of true discipleship and Bonhoeffer's pet topic cheap grace vs costly grace.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a modern classic which has had a profound effect upon modern theology. It is written by a Luthern clergyman in Germany who was facing death as a member of the German underground and his rebellion against Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer wrote in a style that is relatively easy to read and understand. Beware! It strips away much of the facade which we have applied to ourselves over the years leaving our souls exposed and naked before God.

Highly inspiring and thought provoking. Such a great man that very few people have ever heard of .
Maybe if more people knew this part of human history we wouldn't be repeating the same mistakes in this day and age.

This is a classic from last century that still has power today. Although somewhat Lutheran as one might expect, it resonates universally today. The issues are the same, call, response, church getting in the way of following. It is well written and has no need for me to add to its strength. All should read as it is a classic for today.

Probably the most important work on application of the teachings of Christ for all Christians, no matter their denomination. A masterful work produced during the turbulent years on the rise of Hitler and his attach on the rather complacent state church; a rousing call to renewed discipleship, courage, faith, and statesmanship.

An important read for the Christian sincerely seeking to walk in His ways. It's all too easy to fool ourselves into thinking we are Christians and living the way Christ would have us live. Bonhoeffer carefully points out the errors of our thinking and helps us understand more clearly what discipleship in Christ really means.

Great book! I have already given it away and need to buy a new one. When thinking about discipleship DB gets it right by evaluating the cost and realizing just what it takes to walk with Christ yourself, let alone helping another. This is a well worth if book.

The purchase was flawless, shipping quick and item exactly as described. I don't agree with the philosophy, think the author is sort of pompous and wonder if this work would be so respected if he hadn't been executed by the Nazis.

Bonhoeffer brings challenging clarity to what it means to following Christ. Buckle up. This is not an empty theological opinion. It is a straightforward, uncompromising explanation of discipleship that was fully borne out in Bonhoeffer's life. If you're ready for some spiritual meat this is a full meal. If you'd like to know and understand Dietrich Bonhoeffer better, I highly recommend Eric Metaxas' biography "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy".

Excellent book. Great theology! Bonhoeffer was an amazing man! At times very deep -- I believe due to his German heritage. Have to read a few of the sentences two and three times of grasp the meaning.

Excellent!

Bonhoeffer was a man descendent from a long line of Christians. This is plain to see in his assertions found within, The Cost of Discipleship. This book sets the bar to which all Christians should aim. He breaks down the wall between those who preach, teach and minister, and the layman. It is the right and responsibility of every God fearing man to suffer for his brothers, his world and his Savior. Do not be beguiled and deceived by the offer of cheap grace, instead, live for the righteousness found only in Christ. Take up your cross daily and follow Him. Bonhoeffer so aptly asserts, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." This is the truth of the Christian life.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's, The Cost of Discipleship, is an argument and plea to the believer to heed to the call of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Bonhoeffer sets his argument up like a seasoned theologian, systematic and clear.

If I had to re-title this book I would call it, Christian, Grace is not cheap, so stop living as though it is! I, now, consider myself a reformed believer, and as a good reformist we speak of Grace often. We even speak of the cost of God's Grace! But truly, rarely, do I see it lived out in a believer's life. That's what this book is about.

Beg, Borrow, or Buy, but read this book!

Bonhoeffer's book is a direct challenge to those who call themselves Disciples of Christ. He encourages the reader to take active steps in Discipleship because Christ requires it as a way a life. Bonhoeffer was a very intellectual and learned man and this is reflected in his writing style. Therefore, some of his arguments require the reader to read a few paragraphs multiple times to fully grasp his point. However, it is worth the effort of the reader to "keep up" with Bonhoeffer because his lessons on Discipleship are so essential to the daily walk of faith.

Whether you are a conservative or progressive Christian, there is something for you in this amazing work. Even for non-Christians, this book has a lot to say about what it means to live a truly committed life. It's not an easy read, but it's so very worth the time. This is very arguably the greatest theological work of the 20th Century.

Bonhoeffer pulls no punches in communicating what real discipleship is. American Christians have made discipleship at most an option. Bonhoeffer is clear that a complete surrender to Jesus is not optional. It's expected. He demands it. We want the Savior, but we're slow to make Him Lord. It's a package deal. They are the same person.
This book has caused me to look deeply at my own Christian walk, and I know I have some radical changes to make.

Good for mature believers in Christ. Old fashioned, but SOLID Biblical insight. I admit that I have NOT finished the book yet, but I am REALLY enjoying it thus far! The shipping from this vendor was not the fastest I have experienced via the store.