In the gospels the very first step a man must take is an act which radically affects his whole existence

In the gospels the very first step a man must take is an act which radically affects his whole existence

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor, was a key figure in the resistance against the Nazi regime during World War II. His faith and commitment to justice led him to take a stand against the atrocities being committed by the Nazis, ultimately costing him his life. Bonhoeffer's understanding of the gospel and the radical transformation it requires of individuals is evident in his writings and actions.

Bonhoeffer believed that the gospel calls for a complete reorientation of one's life. In his book "The Cost of Discipleship," he writes about the importance of taking the first step in following Christ, which he describes as an act that radically affects one's whole existence. This first step, according to Bonhoeffer, is the decision to turn away from sin and self-centeredness and to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

For Bonhoeffer, this decision was not just a one-time event, but a daily commitment to live out the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of life. He believed that true discipleship requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of persecution and opposition.

Bonhoeffer's own life exemplified this radical commitment to the gospel. As a vocal critic of the Nazi regime, he was arrested and eventually executed for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Despite facing immense pressure to conform to the prevailing ideology of the time, Bonhoeffer remained steadfast in his faith and his belief in the transformative power of the gospel.

In the midst of a dark and oppressive regime, Bonhoeffer's life and teachings serve as a powerful reminder of the radical nature of the gospel and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and societies. His example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what it truly means to follow Christ in a world that often values power and self-interest above all else.