The Powerful But

Recently, I led a group study through Romans chapters 5 and 6. I learned a lot as I went so I decided to write down what God was teaching me as I learned it. Ever notice God tugging on your heart somewhere in His word? Maybe it’s a Gospel story or a parable. He calls to you, whispering His truths, sharing the importance in those lines. That’s exactly what He does in Romans 5 with the powerful “but”. 

Seven times God introduces a truth following “but” in Romans 5. As the writer of the book of Romans, Paul has extensive knowledge and background in ministry. Prior to his conversion to Christianity, he was a Pharisee. With great understanding of Jewish customs and laws, he weaves this throughout his letter to the Romans.

           

 Reference verses for the “but’s” are vv. 3, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 20. Each time after using a “but” in one of these instances, we see a benefit of faith, an attribute of Christ, or a purpose of the law to follow.

             

The first time Paul uses “but” is in verse 3. The context is in the glory of our sufferings. Here, we see “but” as a benefit of faith because Paul explains the chain of spiritual maturity. By connecting “the hope of the glory of God” (v. 2) and understanding that “hope does not put us to shame” (v. 5), we utilize our chain of spiritual maturity.

             

The next five times Paul writes about Christ using “but” to connect a thought, it connects an attribute of Christ to his dialogue. In perhaps the most powerful example, the cross becomes God’s greatest love proof and man’s greatest hate proof. Romans 5:8 illustrates the height of man’s hatred toward Jesus. As He dies on the cross, it does nothing to defeat God’s love for us all, and in doing so, brings forth the idea of reconciliation.

             

Romans 5:11 continues the theme of reconciliation, speaking of boasting in God through Jesus. This proves Jesus is a gift. In this conjunction clause, Paul continues on the idea that at if at one point God’s enemies and loved ones are reconciled to Him through His Son, how much more powerful it would be to be saved to Him through His life. At this point in the scripture, Paul is setting up the reader for the introduction of the next theme:  The Two Men.

             

Out of this section come three more “but’s”. All attribute a life/righteousness connection to Christ. The first states the importance of the law justifying sin in the world.  The second attributes grace as a gift for us, and identifies the giver as Christ, while the final “but” explains why the giver is Christ. This final attribute of Christ’s is what brings the recipients justification through faith not works. Every part of this section identifies Christ as the giver and believers as the recipients.

             

The final “but” prepares believers for the clear purpose of the law. When compared with Christ’s holy standard, we are able to identify and explain sin. All sin is equal in God’s eyes, therefore all sin is to miss the mark.  

             

There is so much importance in Romans 5. Allow it to speak to you as you read through the themes of justification, righteousness, grace, and reconciliation. God speaks and we respond. That’s the point of the Jesus’ love for us. The “but” here, whether it is a benefit of faith, an attribute of Christ, or purpose of the law speaks to that exact truth.