Faith Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
““The new situation must be created, in which it is possible to believe on Jesus as God incarnate; that is the impossible situation in which everything is staked solely on the word of Jesus. Peter had to leave the ship and risk his life on the sea, in order to learn both his own weakness and the almighty power of his Lord. If Peter had not taken the risk, he would never have learnt the meaning of faith. Before he can believe, the utterly impossible and ethically irresponsible situation on the waves of the sea must be displayed. The road to faith passes through obedience to the call of Jesus. Unless a definite step is demanded, the call vanishes into thin air, and if men imagine that they can follow Jesus without taking this step, they are deluding themselves like fanatics.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1937
Faith requires confronting impossible, risky situations that expose personal weakness and divine power; obedience to a divine call is essential.
In simple terms: Faith grows through daring, impossible challenges.
Key Takeaway
Embrace risky obedience to deepen faith.
Themes
faith
obedience
risk
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- missionary work
- personal crises
- ethical dilemmas
- spiritual retreats
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
theology
existential challenge
trust in divine
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks are necessary for genuine belief?
- How do you discern divine calling?
A Different Perspective
Risk can lead to harm if not guided by wisdom.
