Bonhoeffer on the Cost of Discipleship

Bonhoeffer was a vital figure in 20th century Christian ethics, demonstrating the cost of discipleship through his actions and teachings.
Discipleship, according to Bonhoeffer, is a commitment that requires total surrender and sacrifice, which he referred to as the “cost.”
In his book “The Cost of Discipleship,” Bonhoeffer argued against “cheap grace,” a term he used to describe a commitment to Christianity that demands nothing from the follower.
Contrary to “cheap grace,” Bonhoeffer advocated for “costly grace,” emphasising that following Christ requires a genuine surrender of self and a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ.
For Bonhoeffer, discipleship was a living out of Sermon on the Mount and particularly the call to love one’s enemies.
He believed this was an ongoing, daily decision - not a one-time choice. This is often referred to as a ‘death and resurrection’ experience.
Bonhoeffer himself exemplified this costly discipleship, making serious personal sacrifices, including his eventual execution by the Nazis during the Second World War.
His moral convictions led him to join the resistance against Hitler, despite the potential personal consequences. He saw this as the true cost of following Christ – standing against evil even at the risk of one’s own life.
Bonhoeffer’s views on discipleship challenge Christians to consider the depth of their commitment to their faith and demonstrate the ultimate demands and rewards of following Christ.