Ephesians 2:4,5
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”
“But God”, that’s a huge transition. The previous verse describes humanity as being lost in our sins and walking as children of wrath. That’s not positive. This would make a humanist cringe. This passage describes us in a bad way. Today’s post is an attempt to explain why. Those in the criminal justice system believe this. They see the dark side of people all day long. They see what we are capable of. Those that live in the suburbs, miss some of the depravity of people. Go to an inner city and there’s a harsher environment.
We were described as children of wrath. It’s as if we were storing up punishment. The ledger was getting long. From God’s perspective, we were guilty. Keep in mind, our sins accrue. This is difficult to view some people in this category. They appear so sweet. It is relative. Some are better than others. We have learned to be civil. We live up to a level of respectability. We judge by what we see, God looks at the heart, the motives. What would appear to be goodness on the outside, may look different behind the scene. My daughter marched in several parades at Disneyland. They lined up and rehearsed in the areas that patrons aren’t allowed; the back lots. She was amazed at the contrast to the public face and the back stage. It wasn’t pretty. So also the thoughts of our hearts aren’t good. To God, our thoughts and imaginations are on a video screen. Those things that would make us ashamed. This is what makes us guilty, all the envy, jealousy, anger, resentment, etc..
Spiritually speaking many are not on God’s side. They are opposed to Him. He crimps their style. God reaches out to all and some say, “thanks, but no thanks”. His outreaches are suble and quiet. He is disguised by small choices. God also sees those motives. He would call them self centered and dark. God says, “you’re fallen and in need redemption”. Most would have no clue what that means. Our humanistic society tells us how good we are. We aren’t familiar with God’s perspective and insight.
In this state of rebelliousness comes the phrase, “But God”. This doesn’t mean humanity welcomed Jesus. Quite the opposite. Many were enraged at Him and ended up killing Him. He knew that He wouldn’t be received. In spite of that, “But God”. This gives a greater contrast. His love came and gave the way. Thank You, God, for coming even though we were resistant. Thank You, that You accept us when we’ve done plenty contrary to Your ways.