Boasting in Jesus
Scripture Reading — Romans 3:27-31
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? . . . Because of the law that requires faith.
Paul often asks interesting questions, and this is one of them: “Where, then, is boasting?”
This question is not about the general appropriateness of bragging. Paul is asking whether there is anything we can do in the process of getting right with God, so that we might say: “Hey, this is what I contributed to being okay with God.” If there is, that would be good to know so that we could brag—or at least feel good—about it.
But the answer is that there is nothing we can boast about, because there is nothing we can contribute. That’s what Paul keeps driving at.
Apparently someone also asked, “Well, if there’s nothing I can do to help the process of getting right with God, what’s the point of being obedient? Why should I even try to keep the law?”
But the law is given for a purpose. It guides our living as God’s children. It also shows us where we fall short so that we can see how much we need the Savior. But it doesn’t do anything toward making us God’s children. When all is said and done, the only way to God is through Jesus’ sacrifice.
There is nothing in the whole process that I could boast about. With one exception: I may boast in my Savior.
Lord Jesus, it is hard for our minds to grasp that you alone have done all that is needed for us to be children of God. Increase our faith, we pray, and receive our heartfelt thanks. Amen.
About the author — Henry Kranenburg
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