By Uri Brito
Bonhoeffer’sĀ Life TogetherĀ is an apologetic for community life. But it is also a rebuke to those who take for granted the life in the community. Bonhoeffer sees community life as a privilege. The martyred prophet spoke of life together as an honor secured by the death of Jesus Christ. While many suffer the effects ofĀ aloneness,Ā Bonhoeffer urges us not to forsake this blessed fellowship.
Life Together, life in the messiness of human existence– but the experience of messiness with other believers– is a gift of grace. The Lutheran writer spoke of community as a foretaste of the life to come. “It is only by a gracious anticipation of the last things that Christians are privileged to live in visible fellowship with other Christians.” aĀ Eternal life is the beautification and glorification of life together. Eternal life is the perfection of community life.
This common life is all of grace. It is a privilege that should not be forsaken. To live separate lives is to despise grace. “It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.” b “Do not forsake the assembly” (Heb. 10:25) is not only a call to gather for corporate worship–it is primarily this–but it is also a call to live together daily, dwelling together in unity (Ps. 133:1).
Life Together is life as God intended. It is the humanification of fallen creatures. Humans are most fallen when they live separated from others. They are most redeemed when they are together. They are most God-like when they enter into the communion of saints, participating in that Spirit-led body that the Father bought through the blood of the Son.<>
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