Discover the Marvelous Things Our Lord Does for Us
Paul writes to the church in Rome, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). There are many wonderful passages in the Bible like this one that use the phrase but God.
Let’s consider some of them.
But God
Sixty versus contain the phrase but God. Most of them reflect God’s power and the amazing things he does for us.
The creation account in Genesis contains more than any other book in the Bible with eleven mentions. This shows us how instrumental God was in the formation of his people.
Here are three: “But God remembered Noah…” (Genesis 8:1); But God sent me ahead of you (Genesis 45:7) and “But God will surely come to your aid” (Genesis 50:24).
Acts leads the New Testament with nine mentions of God at work. This shows how instrumental he was in the formation of his church.
Here are three of them: “But God raised him from the dead” (Acts 2:24); “But God promised him” (Acts 7:5); and “But God has helped me to this very day” (Acts 26:22).
But the Lord
But there are more passages to consider. Sixty-four verses use the phrase but the Lord.
“But the Lord God called to the man” (Genesis 3:9); “But the Lord said to Gideon” (Judges 7:4); and “But the Lord is faithful” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Most are in the book of Psalms, such as “but the Lord helped me” (Psalm 118:13).
But Jesus
Thirty-three verses have the phrase but Jesus. As we expect, they’re all in the New Testament, with all but one in the four gospel accounts of Jesus’s life.
Luke records the most at eleven. They include “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16); But Jesus knew what they were thinking” (Luke 6:8); and “But Jesus called the children to him” (Luke 18:16).
But Christ
Jesus is also called the Messiah, which means the Christ. Four verses say but Christ. Consider “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20); “but Christ lives in me” Galatians 2:20); and “But Christ is faithful” (Hebrews 3:6).
But the Holy Spirit
Let’s not overlook the Holy Spirit. Though there’s only one verse that says but the Holy Spirit, it’s significant. It says, “for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11). What a comforting promise.
But…
Considering all these verses that include the phrases but God, but the Lord, but Jesus, but Christ, and but the Holy Spirit, we get encouragement about all God does for us.
He is all powerful and loves us unconditionally. These but God verses reveal that to us. May we never forget this and praise him for who he is and what he does for us. May we then share this good news with others.
Here’s a final passage to end with: “But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses.” (Acts 13:30-31).
Thank you God!
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo Christianity and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
Bogged Down Reading the Bible?
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.