Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian, wrote a book with the working title "The Cost of Discipleship." It examines the idea of Christian discipleship and the difficulties and costs associated with following Jesus Christ. It was published in 1937. An important member of the German resistance to the Nazis, Bonhoeffer was ultimately put to death for his part in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
In "The Cost of Discipleship," Bonhoeffer criticizes what he terms "cheap grace" or the notion that salvation is possible without a commitment to a life of obedience and discipleship. He stresses that in order to be a true disciple, one's life must undergo a profound transformation that is marked by faith, obedience, and a readiness to put up with pain and suffering in order to further the cause of Christ.
To highlight the high standards and demands of discipleship, Bonhoeffer draws attention to Jesus' teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount. He contends that denying oneself, taking up the cross, and unreservedly following Christ are all necessary components of being a disciple. He refutes the idea that faith and works can be separate and emphasizes the significance of living out Jesus' teachings in every area of one's life.
The book "The Cost of Discipleship" has had a significant influence on Christian thought and has been read and studied by pastors, theologians, and Christians all over the world. It is still regarded as a significant work on the characteristics of true discipleship and the difficulties Christians face in a secular society.