Topical Bible: Faith: Excludes Boasting

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Faith, as presented in the Bible, is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life that inherently excludes boasting. This concept is rooted in the understanding that faith is a gift from God, not a result of human effort or merit. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes that salvation and righteousness come through faith, not works, thereby eliminating any grounds for personal boasting.

Biblical Foundation

The principle that faith excludes boasting is clearly articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Here, Paul underscores that salvation is an act of divine grace, accessed through faith, and not a consequence of human deeds. This passage highlights the unearned nature of salvation, ensuring that all glory is directed to God rather than human achievement.

Similarly, in Romans 3:27-28 , Paul asks, "Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." This rhetorical question and answer reinforce the idea that justification before God is based solely on faith, not adherence to the law or personal accomplishments.

The Role of Grace

The exclusion of boasting is intrinsically linked to the concept of grace. Grace, by definition, is unmerited favor from God. In Romans 4:4-5 , Paul explains, "Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." This passage illustrates that righteousness is credited to those who believe, not to those who rely on their works, further nullifying any basis for boasting.

Faith and Humility

Faith inherently requires humility, as it acknowledges human insufficiency and total dependence on God. In 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 , Paul writes, "so that no one may boast in His presence. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" This passage directs believers to boast only in the Lord, recognizing that all spiritual blessings and achievements are due to His work in Christ.

Faith in Practice

The practical outworking of faith that excludes boasting is seen in the life of a believer who lives in gratitude and service, acknowledging that all they have and are is due to God's grace. James 2:18 states, "But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." While faith is not based on works, genuine faith naturally produces good works, which are a response to God's grace rather than a means of earning favor.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching that faith excludes boasting is a profound reminder of the nature of salvation and the believer's relationship with God. It calls Christians to a life of humility, gratitude, and service, recognizing that all glory belongs to God alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 3:27
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also ... free, wise, holy,
and unchangeable; [2109] that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... Now if faith utterly excludes boasting, the righteousness of works cannot
in any way be associated with the righteousness of faith. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

None but Jesus --Second Part
... not forsake the righteous, nor will he cast away the innocent." I say, then, the
child of God may have his faith at a low ... Well, I am sure it excludes boasting. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/none but jesussecond part.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
... This method excludes human boasting, and can be experienced by ... His faith shows that
the Old Testament supports the Christian method of salvation (iv.). ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiii the epistle of.htm

Baptists.
... being infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting,
and promotes ... they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... Hymn 1:94. Justification by faith, not by works; or, The law condemns, grace justifies,
Rom. 3. 19-22. ... Hymn 1:96. Election excludes boasting, 1 Cor. 1. 26-31. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

The Covenant of Grace
... that has saved me; but if it be of faith, where is boasting? ... If faith be the condition
of the covenant of grace, it excludes desperate presumptuous ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the covenant of grace.htm

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... Dependence, see Faith. Desertion and temptations complained of, 2:163. ... Election excludes
boasting, 1:96; free, 1:11, 1:12, 1:54, 1:117; see Decrees. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm

Indexes and Tables
... [1644]65, [1645]82, [1646]111. Dependence, see Faith. Desertion and temptations
complained of, ii. ... [1672]144. Election excludes boasting, i. [1673]96; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/indexes and tables.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... 8:34-36. HYMN 94 Justification by faith, not by works. Rom. 3:19-22. HYMN 95
Regeneration. John 1:13; 3:3, etc. HYMN 96 Election excludes boasting. 1 Cor. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/