I remember seeing a motto with only two words, and was so impressed by it that I had one made like it and put in my study. A great many visitors to my home have asked me, "What do you mean by those two words on your motto?" It said simply, "But God."

Though these words by themselves do not form a complete sentence, nevertheless they are of great importance. When reading or studying the Bible, it is good to take note of the little word "but," and cultivate the habit of pausing momentarily whenever it occurs, especially when it is followed by the word "God."

When asked about the meaning of the motto, I would take the opportunity to explain God's way of salvation from some of the Scriptures that contain these two words "But God."

1. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons" (Galatians 4:4,5). Because the whole world was in bondage to sin and death, God provided His Son as the Redeemer. Without God's great intervention, man would not receive the redemption of his body, nor would creation realize deliverance from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21-23).

2. We "were dead in trespasses and sins" and "were by nature the children of wrath…. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ…For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:1-9). Being morally and spiritually dead, a person's condition is hopeless until he realizes the meaning of those two words "But God" which indicate the immense change that takes place in the person who is saved from the clutches of death to the exceeding riches of the glory.

3. "For when we were yet without strength…ungodly…But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6-8). The love of God was poured out on Calvary's cross for those unable to help themselves, for those so unlike God and so very far from Him.

4. "They took Him (Jesus) down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre. But God raised Him from the dead" (Acts 13:29,30). Wicked men tried their best to get rid of Jesus, but when He died He fully paid the price for sin, and God righteously and with mighty power brought forth His Son from among the dead to die no more. God's Word to you now is, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).

5. Do not say with the rich man that you have "many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee" (Luke 12:19,20). It is most unwise to make this earthly life one's object and ignore the realities of eternity. At any moment God can remove you from earth in death, and where will you be then? Make sure you avail yourself of God's salvation today.

—L.A.A. (adapted)