Socrates taught for 40 years. Plato for 50. Aristotle for 40. Jesus for only a little more than 3. Yet the incredible influence of Jesus’ 3 year ministry transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from three men who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity.

    Jesus painted no pictures; yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him.

    Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world’s greatest poets were inspired by him.

His name alone can bring freedom, peace, and joy to our lives.

    Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns and symphonies they composed in His praise.

    Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble carpenter of Nazareth. His unique contribution to the race of men is the salvation of men’s souls. Philosophy could not accomplish that... nor art... nor literature... nor music. Only Jesus Christ can break the enslaving chains of sin, death, and Satan.

    So let’s not substitute what is enticing but empty for what is simple, humble, and earthy. Jesus saves because he chose to be among us, as one of us, to lift the burdens of sin, death, and Satan from us. He came down, he came near, and he came to give himself for us. Is it any wonder that the Bible says that, “God highly exalted Him (Jesus) and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). His name alone can bring freedom, peace, and joy to our lives. Don’t substitute another for the one who truly saves.

Copyright (c) 2001, Timely Truths Ministries. Used by permission.
Title: "Truly Saves"
Author: Brent Nidiffer and Jamie Shell
Publication Date: November 9, 2001

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