In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul tells us the lost sinner “is dead in trespasses and sins.” Satan and the world system keeps them in a constant state of deception, separated from God, doomed to face Him in judgment one day. What every dead, deceived and doomed sinner needs is divine intervention. That’s exactly what Ephesians 2:4, in clear, simple language, tells us the two most powerful words − but God.
Let’s see what occurs when God “buts” in − when He intervenes on a dead sinner’s lost situation to bring salvation to our souls.
God’s intervention is personal. The words “but God” are filled with power and meaning. Those two words tell us where salvation originates. It originates in the Person of God.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Praise God! He took a personal interest in me. He came calling and “butted” in on my life. I was lost, desperately needing a Savior. Thanks to His personal intervention, I am saved. What about you? Can you praise Him for personally intervening in your life?
God is 'rich in mercy' without measure
God’s intervention is precious. Verse 4: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” Paul mentions the fact that God’s “rich in mercy.” The word “rich” refers to “an overabundance, that which is without measure, unlimited. This says God possesses an overabundant, measureless and unlimited quantity of “mercy” and “mercy” refers to “goodness or kindness toward the miserable and afflicted, coupled with a desire to help them.”
Verse 8 and 9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Calvary says everything you need to know about the eternal, sacrificial, unconditional, personal, effectual love of God. He loves you, no question about it.
God’s intervention is profound. Notice when God’s divine intervention occurred “even when we were dead in sins” (vs. 5). God didn’t wait until we improved our condition. He didn’t wait until we got better. No! He loved us while we were still dead in our sins.
Because God’s rich in mercy and great love He offers forgiveness to us as He does to every repentant sinner. John 15 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (vs. 13). Greater love for those who do not deserve it makes salvation possible. That is profound. Thank God for His divine intervention.
“But God!” I was lost in sin! “But God!” I was trapped in darkness! “But God!” I was dead, deceived and doomed! “But God!” Because God intervened in my life; I’m not the person I used to be; my life has changed. I’ve been delivered from my past. I’m secure in His salvation. Thank God the Bible says, “But God!”
Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com .
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Pastor column: God's intervention is personal, precious and profound
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