Romans 5:2
And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Normally we would say that boasting, i.e. bragging, isn’t a Christian virtue. Usually it turns into a very self-centered affair. However, you’ll notice in Romans 5:2, Paul says Christians boast.
What? How? Isn’t that anti-Christian? Aren’t Christians supposed to be others-centered, God-centered, and humble?
Here’s the neat thing, though. The boasting Paul talks about isn’t self-centered. It’s God-centered. The boasting or bragging is the certainty, hope of seeing the glory of God. Paul tells Christians they can boast in all that God has done for them and the certainty of being with God in heaven.
Why? Well, that’s all centered in God. It was God the Father who made you and sent his Son to save you. It was the Son of God who lived a perfect life, died to pay for sins all people committed, and rose triumphantly from the grave. It was God the Holy Spirit who planted a growing faith in your heart that clings to Christ. Yes, the certainty you have today, the reason you can boast is because of what God has done for you and what he has given you.
You will see the glory of God. You do have God present in your life. You do have the promise of eternal salvation and the present reality of standing in God’s grace. You have the peace of forgiveness and the sure promises of God leading and directing your life. You have God holding onto you at all times.
That is all reason to boast and be proud. God gave you that.
