Being dead to sin, we cannot move to God unless God chooses to move first. Paul’s writing in Ephesians 2:4 uses two simple words to show how magnificent the Gospel message is when he says, “But God.” 

God’s holiness and justice mean that he hates sin and punishes it, and unless he is the one to address the problem of sin, we will remain in the state of sin and death. But God sent his only Son to address the issue of sin. We couldn’t act to accomplish or atone for anything, but God could! “But God” shows us how merciful and loving our God is without forgetting his holiness and justice. 

But God continues to pour his grace upon us as He leads us through life and invites us to trust him. God’s grace doesn’t just mean that we are saved from sin but also that God loves us as we trust and follow him through this life. Our God is rich in mercy (Micah 7:18) and delights to show it. We like to think we are responsible for accomplishing a life of faith and trust in God, but God leads. We are called then to respond by following. 

This week, we will face the reality of God’s grace at work in our lives. Our works are like filthy rags (Isa 64:4-9), yet we continue to believe they are worthy apart from Christ. ”But God” is a challenge to depend on the Lord’s righteousness to provide for his people as we follow him in a life of faith. 

Questions
1. How do the words “But God” help us understand what the gospel is not? What are some common misconceptions that you have heard regarding the gospel?