# LVI explained — The Imitation of Christ

> Chapter companion for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

## What happens

The chapter calls for self-denial and imitation of Christ through the cross, emphasizing that forsaking self inwardly unites one with God. Christ is presented as the way, truth, and life, and the disciple is exhorted to follow Him, bear the cross, and persevere in the holy life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imitation of Christ

The entire chapter is a direct call to imitate Christ by denying self and taking up the cross.

### Contempt for the World

The disciple is urged to despise the world and its honors in order to be exalted in heaven.

### Suffering and the Cross

The cross is presented as the path to blessedness and true light, and the disciple is called to bear it willingly.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Christ speaks as the way, truth, and life, calling the disciple to follow Him and bear the cross.

### The Disciple

The disciple responds to Christ's call, committing to carry the cross and follow Him unto death.

### God the Father

Referenced as the Father in whose Kingdom Christ promises to seat the faithful disciple.

## Key lines

> My Son, so far as thou art able to go out of thyself so far shalt thou be able to enter into Me.

The more you can let go of your own self, the more you will be united with God.

_This introduces the core theme of self-denial as the path to union with Christ._

> Without the way thou canst not go, without the truth thou canst not know, without the life thou canst not live.

You cannot journey, understand, or truly live apart from Christ, who is the way, truth, and life.

_Christ is presented as the essential guide, knowledge, and source of existence._

> If thou wilt be perfect, sell all that thou hast. If thou wilt be My disciple, deny thyself.

To be perfect, give up everything; to be my disciple, renounce your own will.

_This echoes the Gospel call to radical discipleship and detachment._

> Truly the life of a truly devoted servant is a cross, but it leadeth to paradise.

The life of a faithful follower is indeed a cross, yet it is the path that leads to heaven.

_The paradox of suffering leading to glory is affirmed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters