Scripture Post #537: *HUMBLE JUSTIFIED*

Luke 18:

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

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Full Context:

Luke 18:9: "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"

V. 10: "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican."

V. 11: "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."

V. 12: "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."

V. 13: "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."

V. 14: "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

The publican was justified (V. 14a) because of his humility (V. 13, V. 14b). The Pharisee bragged. Scripture states he was basically praying to himself (V. 11): "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself…" It's not by works, lest any should boast, that man is saved. But by grace are we saved through faith. 

Eph. 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

V. 9: "Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Originally Published: Mon. 3/3/14