Confidence in the Flesh

The concept of "confidence in the flesh" is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's writings, particularly in his letter to the Philippians. In Philippians 3:3-4, Paul warns against placing trust in human achievements or lineage: "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by His Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more."

Paul lists his credentials—circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, zealous, and blameless under the law (Philippians 3:5-6)—to illustrate that if anyone could boast in the flesh, it would be him. However, he considers these gains as loss for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7).

Confidence in the flesh refers to reliance on human abilities, achievements, or status for righteousness or favor with God. It encompasses trust in one's own strength, wisdom, or moral accomplishments. This confidence is often seen as a form of pride or self-reliance that detracts from the glory due to God alone.

The Old Testament also addresses this theme. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, the Lord declares, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the rich man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth."

Confidence in Christ

In contrast, confidence in Christ is characterized by a reliance on Jesus' finished work on the cross and His righteousness imputed to believers. Paul emphasizes this in Philippians 3:8-9: "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith."

Confidence in Christ involves a deep trust in His promises, His power, and His presence. It is a faith that acknowledges human insufficiency and the need for divine grace. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation and righteousness come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human effort. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Confidence in Christ also brings assurance and peace, as seen in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In summary, the biblical teaching contrasts confidence in the flesh, which is rooted in human pride and self-reliance, with confidence in Christ, which is grounded in faith, grace, and the righteousness of Jesus. This distinction is central to understanding the Christian life and the nature of salvation.