How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #4
[God] did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. (NRSV 3:25-27)
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. (KJV 3:25-27)
Okay, so according to Paul, God has done some pretty great things for us, but that doesn't mean we should get a big head. After all, it's not like we actually did something to deserve God's goodness. He's just that nice of a guy. It doesn't make sense for Christians to gloat about their salvation. It's just tacky.
Quote #5
If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. (NRSV 4:2-5)
If Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV 4:2-5)
Quote #6
We boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. (NRSV 5:2-4)
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope. (KJV 5:2-4)
So there are some things it's okay to brag about? Christians shouldn't go on and on about how great they are, but it is totally fine to boast about bad things like all the suffering they're doing for Christ. Sounds like a lot of fun.