That we Ought to Deny ourselves, and to Imitate
The work emphasizes the necessity of self-denial and the imitation of Christ through the acceptance of suffering and the cross. It begins with the idea that true peace and unity with God come from forsaking worldly desires and embracing a life of humility and obedience to divine will. The text presents Christ as the ultimate model, asserting that following Him is essential for understanding truth and attaining eternal life. The author outlines a series of paradoxical statements that challenge conventional values: to gain life, one must keep commandments; to know truth, one must believe in Christ; to achieve perfection, one must renounce material possessions; and to attain greatness in heaven, one must humble oneself on earth. The cross is portrayed as a necessary burden for those who wish to share in Christ's glory, reinforcing the notion that true discipleship involves suffering and sacrifice. The narrative encourages readers to embrace their crosses, viewing them as pathways to salvation and holiness. It stresses the importance of community in this journey, urging believers to support one another in their struggles. The text concludes with a call to courage and perseverance, reminding followers that Christ, as their leader, will provide strength and guidance in the face of adversity. Overall, the work serves as a spiritual guide, advocating for a life of devotion characterized by self-denial, humility, and a steadfast commitment to following Christ, even amidst trials. It reinforces the belief that through such a life, one can attain true joy and fulfillment in the divine presence.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1620 · Genre: Christian Spirituality, Theology, Devotional Literature · 658 words
First lines
My Son, so far as thou art able to go out of thyself so far shalt thou be able to enter into Me. As to desire no outward thing worketh internal peace, so the forsaking of self inwardly joineth unto God. I will that thou learn perfect self-denial, living in My will without contradiction or complaint. Follow Me: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. "135 Without the way thou canst not go, without the truth thou canst not know, without the life thou canst not live. I am the Way which thou oughtest to follow; the Truth which thou oughtest to believe; the Life which thou oughtest to hope for. I am the Way unchangeable; the Truth infallible; the Life everlasting. I am the Way altogether straight, the Truth supreme, the true Life, the blessed Life, the uncreated Life. If thou remain in My way thou shalt know the Truth, "and the Truth shall make thee free,"136 and thou shalt lay hold on eternal life.
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That we Ought to Deny ourselves, and to Imitate Christ by Means of the Cross is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1620 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1620 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Christian Spirituality, Theology, Devotional Literature, Philosophy, Religious Instruction
- Length: 658 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Of The Oblation Of Christ Upon The Cross And Of Resignation Of Self by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Obedience Of One In Lowly Subjection After The Example Of Jesus Christ by Thomas A. Kempis
- That We Must Give Ourselves To Humble Works When We Are Unequal To Those That Are Lofty by Thomas A. Kempis
- That A Man Should Not Be A Curious Searcher Of The Sacrament But A Humble Imitator Of Christ Submitting His Sense To Holy Faith by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Fewness Of Those Who Love The Cross Of Jesus by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Lack Of All Comfort by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Christian Spirituality — The text focuses on self-denial, imitation of Christ, and the significance of the cross, central themes in Christian spirituality.
- Theology — The work discusses theological concepts such as salvation, commandments, and the nature of Christ, making it relevant to theological studies.
- Devotional Literature — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual growth, characteristic of devotional literature.
- Philosophy — The exploration of self-denial and the nature of truth and life reflects philosophical inquiries into existence and morality.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Meditation · Self-denial · Imitation · Christology · Theology · Devotional · Philosophy · Religion · Faith · Discipline
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis