Divine nature Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
““But God does not neglect his lost creature. He plans to re-create his image in man, to recover his first delight in his handiwork. He is seeking in it his own image so that he may love it. But there is only one way to achieve this purpose and that is for God, out of sheer mercy, to assume the image and form of fallen man. But this restoration of the divine image concerns not just a part, but the whole image of divine nature. It is not enough for man to simply recover right ideas about God, or to obey his will in the isolated actions of his life. No, man must be re-fashioned as a living whole in the image of God. His whole form, body, soul and spirit, must once more bear that image on earth. Such is God’s purpose and destiny for man. His good pleasure can rest only on his perfected image.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cost of Discipleship, 1937
Human restoration requires divine intervention that fully reshapes body, soul, and spirit into God's image, beyond mere intellectual belief.
In simple terms: God must become human to restore humanity fully.
Key Takeaway
Seek holistic transformation, not just ideas.
Themes
theology
spirituality
redemption
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
- ethical living
- community building
Key Concepts
Divine incarnation
holistic renewal
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be fully restored?
- How can we embody divine love?
A Different Perspective
Human effort alone cannot achieve complete renewal.
