“But God”
The message of salvation is, “But God.” We were not worthy, “But God” saved us anyway; we fell short, “But God” lifted us up; we were dead “But God” made us alive. The is no “and I” in the message. God has saved us by grace alone and made us alive in Christ.
Assurance that we are saved by grace
Ellie reassures us in this recitation, as she sets a plant into its new home, with her calm tone of voice that advances the message that although we fall far short, God loves us even so. We are saved by grace. Not our works, not our humility–actually, nothing of ourselves. It’s by God’s grace.
Ultimately, it is because God chose to love us and that by doing so He would demonstrate His own nature. He sees us as we are, and now we see him as He is: compassionate, graceful, kind–and a gardener, working his craft. Ellie’s tone of voice perfectly expresses the calm compassion and assurance.
God’s compassion and craftsmanship
Firstly, Ellie gives the plant water, without which it would eventually die, and then she gives it nourishment, so that it will grow. As the plant settles into its new home, she assures us that “we are God’s craftsmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Therefore, now, given a new home and new life, the plant will thrive, blossom, and produce fruit.
Scripture recitation
You, too, can recite passages of Scripture, like this passage in Ephesians 2:4-10 about God’s compassion. In whatever way you naturally communicate, you can convey the message of the Bible. Visit the By Heart website to learn how you can memorize Scripture and learn to recite. Visit the By Heart recitation videos webpage to see our other recitation videos, like 1 Peter 1:1-25.
Read it for yourself at Ephesians 2:4-10 on Bible Gateway