Galatians 6:14: But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
As Ephesians 2:8-9 points out, salvation is not something we deserve. Rather, it is made possible through God’s grace, which is extended to us through Christ. Thus, our boasting should be in Him, rather than self.
Without Jesus, we would be forever enslaved to sin. Yet, through Jesus’ death on the cross, it is possible to be redeemed. Ephesians 1:7 says, “in whom we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Christ’s blood paid the ransom in order that we might be released from the bondage of sin.
Without Jesus, we would forever face the wrath of God. Yet, through Jesus’ death on the cross, propitiation for sins is possible. 1 John 2:2 says, “and He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” A perfectly just God does not let sin go unpunished. Christ’s death offers the appeasement of God’s wrath against sin.
Without Jesus, we would stand condemned before God. Yet, through Jesus’ death on the cross, it is possible for man to be justified. Notice Romans 5:9: Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through Him. The guilty can be pronounced “not guilty” because the “just” (Christ) died for the “unjust” (us) – 1 Pet. 3:18.
Without Jesus, we would be forever out of fellowship with God. Yet, through Jesus’ death on the cross, it is possible for man to be reconciled to God. Romans 5:10 teaches, “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by His life.” Though sin has separated us from God, the blood of Christ allows us to be brought back into harmony with Him.
The cross of Christ demonstrates the height of man’s wickedness. Acts 13:28 says, “Though they found no cause of death in [Jesus], yet desired they Pilate that He should be slain.” Before His crucifixion, Jesus was mocked (Matt. 27:29), spit on and smitten (verse 30), reviled (verse 39), and falsely accused (John 18:30).
Yet, what was the ugliest act of man’s hatred was the perfect demonstration of God’s love. Romans 5:6-8 says “For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a good person someone would even dare to die. But God commends His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
When we understand and appreciate what Christ has willingly done for us, it leaves no room for arrogance.
We must trust and obey Christ to receive salvation (Heb. 5:9), but there is still nothing for us to boast about except the death of Christ. Without Him, we would be doomed to eternal condemnation in hell.
May we boast in Jesus rather than self, considering His greatness and what He has done for us.
– Michael Hickox