When discussing salvation, "but God" is a powerful reminder that our rescue doesn't come from anything we've done. It's all about what God does for us. Even when we're lost in our mistakes and can't find our way back, "but God" tells us that He comes in with His love and grace. He gifts us his grace not because we worked hard for it or are good enough, but just because He loves us through Christ. That's the heart of being saved by grace alone – it's a free gift from God, no strings attached.