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the Christian is the man who no longer seeks his…

“the Christian is the man who no longer seeks his salvation, his deliverance, his justification in himself, but in Jesus Christ alone. He knows that God’s Word in Jesus Christ pronounces him guilty, even when he does not feel his guilt, and God’s Word in Jesus Christ pronounces him not guilty and…” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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““the Christian is the man who no longer seeks his salvation, his deliverance, his justification in himself, but in Jesus Christ alone. He knows that God’s Word in Jesus Christ pronounces him guilty, even when he does not feel his guilt, and God’s Word in Jesus Christ pronounces him not guilty and righteous, even when he does not feel that he is righteous at all. The Christian no longer lives of himself, by his own claims and his own justification, but by God’s claims and God’s justification. He lives wholly by God’s Word pronounced upon him, whether that Word declares him guilty or innocent.””

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A Christian’s identity rests entirely on Christ’s righteousness, not personal merit, accepting both guilt and grace as declared by God’s Word.

In simple terms: Identity comes from Christ, not self.

Key Takeaway

Live by divine truth, not self‑justification.

Themes

faith identity grace

Mood

contemplative reverent

Type

theological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • believers
  • clergy
  • spiritual seekers

Key Concepts

theology spiritual dependence humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile personal doubt with divine assurance?
  • What does true humility look like?
A Different Perspective

Self‑reliance may conflict with faith’s surrender.

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