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August 8 Daily Devotional

But God!

Peter G. Feenstra

But God…. Ephesians 2:4a

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:1–10

Devotional

If we are to understand what it means to be church of the Lord Jesus we need to acknowledge the gospel that is packaged in those two words “but God”; salvation is from God and God alone! The words “but God” stand in stark contrast to the darkness of our human condition. We as people of God were dead in trespasses and sins, but God did something amazing. He made us alive, raised us up, and seated us together with Christ.

The apostle underlines what we have in Christ by splitting Ephesians 2:1–10 into two sections. The first part begins with two convicting words: and you. “And you… were dead in trespasses and sins.” You went places where you shouldn’t have gone and you did things you shouldn’t have done and that brought you in the realm of death! The second section begins with two amazing words: but God. (2:4) These words emphasize God’s sovereign initiative in saving us from death. What have we done to escape divine wrath and to be in a right relationship with the Lord? Nothing! “And you…were dead in trespasses and sins.” Being dead does not leave us in a position to contribute anything to our eternal well-being. But God did something! He did it all!

Paul shows us the great contrast between the grace of God (2:4–10) and the gravity of human depravity (1–3). The finger is directed at us so that we come to see the immeasurable riches of God’s mercy in Christ. The apostle wants us to be convinced that believers do not have a special relationship with God because of who they are by nature. Dead in trespasses and sins we followed the course of this world and marched to the drumbeat of the devil. But God! Life would be dull, drab, dreary, meaningless and miserable without those two powerful words. We were children of wrath and destined for hell and destruction, but God permits us to sit in heavenly places. He puts on display and allows us to enjoy the riches of His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

When you are discouraged or confused about life and when you may be tempted to look at the dark side, be encouraged by two of the most amazing words ever spoken! Take a moment to remind someone of these two glorious words. Are you faced with trials or struggling with temptation? Are you feeling droopy or depressed? Always remember: but God!

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