We can never brag about earning a gift because if we earned it, it would not be a gift. We can earn wages and rewards but we can’t earn gifts. A gift must be free or it is not a gift.
Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
While salvation is a free gift from God, it is a gift that changes us. We cannot claim credit for the gifts of God or the works of God. He can use us in His process of the salvation of others but we cannot choose them or give it to them.
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Only after God has performed His workmanship on us can we participate in His plan or do the good works He has ordained for us.
Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.
Psalms 60:11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
