Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
“But God”. Those two words are the very substance of our salvation, beloved. Those two words follow a description of our sinful past, and they precede the revelation of our glorious eternity with our Lord. The only reason why I am writing this devotional and you are reading it is because of those two words, “but God”. The only thing that separates any of us from our sinful yesterday and aims us towards our glorious future are those two words, “but God”.
Those two words can be translated with another redemption word, grace. What is grace? Grace is The Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ IS the “but God” answer for the debt of fallen man’s sin and the depth of fallen man’s depravity. For the self righteous, ‘I-do-not-need-religion’ person, “but God” means nothing. For the religiously devout man, who places his trust in sacraments or rituals to get right with God, “but God” is a form of godliness with no power. But for the twice-born child of God, “but God” is the sum and substance of our very existence. “But God” means everything! “But God” is the source of the gift of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. The elements of the matzo and cup that we use to celebrate The Lord’s Supper speak loudly and clearly to us these two words, “but God”.
Reader, have you had a “but God” time in your life? Until you do, you are meandering aimlessly in life and will be lost for all eternity. But today, God is calling out to you through His word. Repent of your sin. Turn your life over to Jesus Christ. “But God” means that by grace are you saved, through faith; “it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Selah
