The Imitation of Christ · Question
How does The Imitation of Christ develop the theme of Grace and Divine Dependence?
Answer
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis develops Grace and Divine Dependence across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
A major theme is the absolute necessity of God's grace for any good work, progress in virtue, or resistance to sin, teaching that without grace human nature is powerless and all merit must be ascribed to God alone.
The prayer for the Spirit to inspire the dedicatee emphasizes reliance on divine grace.
Emphasizes watching and praying to prevent idle time, relying on God's help to guard the lips.
God is always ready to help those who strive and trust in Him, providing occasions for victory.
Evidence in the book
- Dedication
The prayer for the Spirit to inspire the dedicatee emphasizes reliance on divine grace.
- That Holy Communion is not lightly to be omitted
Emphasizes watching and praying to prevent idle time, relying on God's help to guard the lips.
- XI
God is always ready to help those who strive and trust in Him, providing occasions for victory.
- That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to yearn after union with Christ in the Sacrament
The chapter urges crying out to God for help and trusting in His provision of a way of escape.
- Of bearing injuries, and who shall be approved as truly patient
The resolution of the righteous depends more on God's grace than on their own wisdom, and man proposes but God disposes.
- XXV
The chapter teaches that labor is lighter because of God's grace, and that one must commit all to God's will.
- II
The chapter emphasizes reliance on God's help and grace, stating that God defends and delivers those who resign themselves to Him.
- IV
The transformation of the soul from sloth to fervor is described as a work of turning wholly unto God, implying reliance on divine grace to become a new man.
