"no one can claim credit for becoming a christian it is all done by gods grace alone
so that we can only boast in gods saving grace nothing of ourselves "
This seems a bit of a conundrum for you in reconciling the claim that faith is a free gift through God's grace but in order to receive it you must be drawn by God to have faith in Jesus. So nothing from yourself but what are the requirements to be drawn by God ?
If it was all free, unencumbered and completely independent of works and pre-existing faith, then everyone would be drawn by God to have faith in Jesus and become a Christian. However, clearly this isn't how it works.
Perhaps you place too much emphasis on Paul's particular tactics with his fledgling converts who were no doubt exhibiting the usual social one-upmanship and boasting that certain people inevitably display. Strutting, boasting and preening etc.
One sees this becoming an epidemic in our culture with unabashed self praise, high fives for the most trivial events, false self esteem raised to ridiculous levels, participation certificates regardless of genuine merit .. I expect them to be handed out at preschools even for a successful squat before too long !
However, it is possible to earn something through one's own effort and persistence and willingness to accept a certain amount of voluntary suffering. If genuinely deserved, it should not hinge on confirmation or approval from others as to merit nor is it an excuse for boasting or self congratulation.
Long ago there were character traits such as modesty, humility, service, gratitude, altruism etc taught by example as part of general societal customs.
Notwithstanding this could be exploited by those with no conscience as has always been the case.
If "Christians" use good works as a reason for boasting which is akin to self worship, then it doesn't say much for their Christianity does it.
