Book Review: “But God…” by Casey Lute
I was privileged to receive an advanced copy of Cruciform Press’ Featured Book for May, “But God…” by Casey Lute. Here is my review.
“May I put it quite simply? If you understand those two words—‘but God’—they will save your soul. If you recall them daily and live by them, they will transform your life completely.” – James Montgomery Boice
What do you think of when you hear the phase, “but God”? Does your mind go to Romans 5:8 or possibly Ephesians 2:4?
As Casey Lute searched the Scriptures he discovered that the phrase, “but God”, not only appeared in these memorable verses from Romans and Ephesians but all throughout Scripture. Consistently, Lute contends, this phrase “plays an absolutely necessary role in every great salvation epic in Scripture.” (p.17)
“Scripture shows over and over that without God’s intervening grace, without the “But God” statements in the Bible, the world would be completely lost in sin and under judgment.” – Casey Lute
In this refreshing read Lute narrows his focus from all of Scripture to nine key uses of the phrase “but God”. These verses include Genesis 8:1, Exodus 13:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 40:6-8, Romans 5:8, Acts 13:30, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Ephesians 2:4, and 2 Timothy 2:19.
Lute’s survey from Noah, to Paul’s words to Timothy, progressively demonstrate how the occurrences of these two words teach us how God saves, how God provides salvation for His people, and how God applies salvation to His people. In several instances, I had until now missed the significance of these two words.
“The flood account takes us up the mountain of God’s grace and back down, centering on this one glorious point: the world was doomed to destruction, but God chose to remember one man and show him grace.” – Casey Lute
While remaining exegetically faithful to his texts, Lute’s style is not dry and academic. Instead, he writes in a popular and engaging manner, making this book accessible and edifying for Christians at all stages of their walk.
At only 107 pages in length this title could easily be read in one or two sittings. However, I’d encourage using it as extended devotional reading, one chapter at a time, allowing yourself the opportunity to chew over, reflect, and give thanks to God for His grace.
“…there must be a ‘But God’ event in every sinner’s life, for no sinner would ever choose God if not for God’s prior choice of him or her.” – Casey Lute
The Two Words at the Heart of the Gospel
Reading “But God…” by Casey Lute you quickly discover (or rediscover) that “but God” are, as the subtitle states, “the two words at the heart of the Gospel”.
If you desire to grow in your appreciation for God’s grace, and how truly amazing the Gospel is, then “But God…” will be most beneficial to you, and a title you’ll no doubt read more than once.
“So does God love us because we are lovable? Quite the opposite. We all followed sin, Satan, and self. Apart from God’s gracious intervention, we would have remained objects of his wrath instead of recipients of his grace. But God chose to show grace, and in doing so, he chose us.” – Casey Lute
“But God…” is very affordable and available in both print and e-book formats. For pricing and purchasing details, please visit Cruciform Press.
You can connect with “But God…” on Facebook or download the introduction and a sample chapter for free through Cruciform Press.