05/27/2026
Ephesians 2:4 begins with two of the most important words in Scripture: “But God.”
Paul has just told us what we were apart from Christ: dead in trespasses and sins, enslaved to the world, the flesh, and the devil, and by nature children of wrath.
Then comes the interruption: “But God.”
Salvation is not humanity climbing upward to God. Salvation is God descending in mercy to the dead, the helpless, and the condemned.
God is rich in mercy. His mercy is not thin, hesitant, or easily exhausted. And behind that mercy is His great love, a love not caused by our worthiness and not prevented by our unworthiness.
That is why the believer’s assurance does not rest on the steadiness of our performance or the stability of our emotions. It rests on the finished work of Christ and the eternal mercy and love of God.
When you look at your salvation, do not finally say, “I was wise enough,” “I was sincere enough,” or “I was spiritual enough.”
Say with Paul: “But God.”
