Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Costly Grace” as a Reminder of Reformation Theology

This article discusses key elements of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s concept of “costly grace” from the perspective of the theology of the Lutheran Reformation of the 16th century. Using examples taken from the definition of “cheap grace” in Discipleship, including the appeal to Luther’s own religious experience, the call to follow Christ, the question of voluntarily submitting one’s will to Christ through discipleship, and the appeal to Luther’s famous declaration pecca fortiter (“sin boldly”), the author demonstrates how the thought of this 20th century theologian is rooted in the theology of Martin Luther and the Lutheran Symbolical Books. As a result, it is argued, the concept of costly grace served the Church of that day as a critical reminder of the practical consequences for Christian life that result from the Reformation doctrine of salvation sola gratia, sola fide.