But: The Happiest Conjunction

Usually "but" is a maligned conjunction. It can be unhappy: "I love you, but..." or "You're doing a good job, but...." Plus, all the management books say not to use it. Today, though, I've decided that "but" is the happiest conjunction. Allow me to explain:

First, look at Romans 3. Paul spends verses 9-20 explaining how we are all sinful. Really, really sinful; if you read it, you'll find that we are all condemned as unrighteous and useless, having turned away from God. It's not a happy passage; in fact, much Romans up to then is condemning people. Further, we are all accountable to God and will not be justified through the Law; "for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin."
Then you hit Romans 3:21 and on: "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe...being justified as a gift by His grace..."
Did you hear that? We're all sinful, not seeking God, not able to become righteous ...but... He made a way, through Christ, as a gift.

Second, there is today's sermon. The elder was preaching on Psalm 5 (the pastor and his wife are on vacation). This his third sermon on Psalm 5 and for the most part he was talking about verses 4-6: "For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. You destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit."
The elder called his sermon "The Hatred of God" and talked about how much God abhors sin and all who do iniquity. He pointed out that none of us lives up to God's perfect standard and we don't find all sin to be an abomination as we should. It was a very heavy, convicting sermon (and a very good sermon; go listen to it here). And then he reached verse 7:
"But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You."
Do you see that? God hates sin and all who do iniquity ...but... His love for His people is abundant.

It's all over the Bible: we are sinful, God hates sin, there is no way for us to save ourselves ...but... Romans 6:22-23 and Romans 10:8-10.

And that is why "but" is the happiest conjunction.