But God...

R. C. Sproul has said several times that the most important word in the Bible is the word, 'but'.

I'm reading Trevin Wax's book, Counterfeit Gospels.  On page 98, he illustrates Dr. Sproul's point with this section of text-

  "Because Jesus was filled with horror and cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" we are filled with wonder and cry, "My God, my God, why have you accepted me?

  Because Jesus cried, "Father, forgive!" the taunts we hurled at Him on the cross are transformed into praise for His generous mercy.

  Because Jesus said, "I thirst," we can drink from the fountain of living water and never thirst again.

  Because Jesus said, "Woman, behold your son," and felt the pain of separation from His earthly family, we can experience the blessing of being united with a heavenly family.

  Because Jesus cried, "It is finished!" our new life can begin.

  Because Jesus committed His spirit into the Father's hands, God commits His Spirit into our hearts."

...but God, who is rich in mercy...

Outstanding stuff.