C ontinuing his explanation that salvation is entirely of God who is the justifier, and that man contributes no part at all, Paul asks; “So is there any place left for boasting?” He provides the answer – No! Man has nothing to boast of, not of observing the Law nor of doing good deeds? No, except in the principle of believing by faith [1 Corinthians 1:31]. Warren Wiersbe explains it this way; “If salvation is through the Law, then men can boast; but the principle of faith makes it impossible for men to boast. The swimmer, when he is saved from drowning, does not brag because he trusted the lifeguard. What else could he do? When a believing sinner is justified by faith, he cannot boast of his faith, but he can boast in a wonderful Saviour.” (Wiersbe, Bible Exposition Commentary ). If any man has reason to boast, that man would be Paul, “an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee” [Philippians 3:5]. But after the Lord opened his spiritual eyes, he realised that his pride and misplaced zeal made him the “chief of sinners” [1 Timothy 1:15]. Paul’s teachings in this chapter is needful for many liberals of our day who are misled to think that all religions are good, teach people to be good and thus make them acceptable in God’s sight. May the Lord use us as channels to point such people to the Word of Truth to see what God really thinks of our self-righteousness.
LESSON
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
THOUGHT
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. – Isaiah 64:6a
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