Boasting in the Cross (pt. 1)

A theology of glory says boast in yourself
A theology of the cross says boast only in Christ!

At the end of Galatians the apostle Paul famously declares, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Gal. 6:14).” Paul realized that whatever someone boasted in or took pride in was ultimately the heart of their religion. If Jesus dying on the cross is just some help to us, then you need to complete your salvation with good works. That would mean that ultimately it is really your good works that makes the difference for whether or not we are made right with God. For Paul, the ultimate reason he had confidence in a right relationship with God was because of the cross. His faith did not rest on his own works, self-image, or significance.

As humans we repeatedly try to find our identity and boasting in ourselves. We tend to look to our worth, confidence, and righteousness in ourselves and what we accomplish. Theologians have often described this condition by contrasting between a theology of glory and a theology of the cross. A theology of glory in some ways in a catchall for virtually all other theologies and religions that teach humans to boast in themselves. A theology of glory expects success and is all about my strength, my power, and my works. A theology of the cross in contrast doesn’t emphasize human abilities and human reason but rather emphasizes man’s great need for redemption in Christ by looking at the cross. A theology of the cross tells us that our identity lies in what God has done for us in Christ. A theology of glory says boast in yourself, a theology of the cross says boast only in Christ!

We may not boast in our circumcision like the Galatians were doing, but we all times may boast in our sense of morality, our families, careers, ministry, or reputations. The first step of moving away from a theology of glory to a theology of glory is seeing our identity and worth in the righteousness of Christ and not in ourselves. For those in Christ, may we along with the apostle Paul firmly make our boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the next few months, we will consider more ways where we need to endeavor to follow a theology of the cross and not of glory. My hope and prayer are that we will begin to rejoice more in our dear Savior and live out our true identity of those united to Christ.

Here are a few of the topics we will consider in the future.

The Theology of Glory Says: My résumé makes me righteous
The Cross Says: My righteousness is found in Christ alone

The Theology of Glory Says: Hide weakness
The Cross Says: Boast in weakness because Christ's power is displayed there

The Theology of Glory Says: Be impressive
The Cross Says: God delights to use weak people

The Theology of Glory Says: Earn God's approval
The Cross Says: Receive God's mercy

The Theology of Glory Says: Hide your sin
The Cross Says: Bring your sin into the light