Ephesians 2:4 (KJV)
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
God makes all the difference! There was a time when the whole world was in bondage to sin and death. But God! That little word “but” says different things depending upon where it is placed in a sentence or thought. For example: “I know what the Bible says, but . . .”. “I know that is the law, but . . .” “The doctor says there is no cure but . . .” “The world is full of sin and wickedness but . . .”
The first two are us trying to eliminate our self from what is right, while the other two express a hope beyond the situation. In each we could add “God” after the “but” and in each case it makes all the difference. How many times have I heard a young man or woman try to tell me how it is right to leave their spouse by one of these very forms of “but” placing – “Pastor, I know it is not right to leave him/her, but . . .”
Sin is very prevalent in the world and in people and the judgment of sin is serious, but God sent forth his Son, made of a woman . . . To redeem them who were under the law,” and because He did “the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
There was a problem, though, because every man individually was still a lost sinner, deserving to die under the righteous and deserved judgment of a Holy God, Whose wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. . . But God!
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Christ died for us suffering on the cross in our place, why? Because He loved us. However, the issue is not settled, because how could a dead Redeemer ever complete the work He was sent to do? But God!
But God raised him from the dead: The price for sin was forever settled and done, so God in full righteousness and power, could raise Jesus alive forever more.
Yes, “but” we ourselves are still sinful – our spirits are dead with no fellowship with God, our Creator. Sin is powerful and holds us fast, even though the price has been paid. But God!
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;). . . For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
These truths are impossible for us to fully understand, but God does not require full understanding, only simple belief, reception and obedience.