The Fallacy Sessions: Is Jesus Still Relevant?

Why follow someone who lived 2000 years ago?

To many people, it’s crazy to imagine believing in someone who lived 20 centuries ago. So why do millions of people do it?

Personally, I follow Jesus because I believe He is God, He died on the cross and rose again to save me from my sins, and He alone offers me the hope of eternal life in Heaven.

Let’s take a quick step back to answer an important question.

Was Jesus God?

I’ll say it here: if Jesus isn’t the Son of God, I’d have to change the direction of my life pretty quickly. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 (NIV), “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

But Jesus did rise from the dead. Many renowned pagan (non-Christian) scholars of the time acknowledged that Jesus lived, was killed, and came back on the third day. On top of that, thousands of corroborating manuscripts (dating back to mere decades after Jesus’ life) have been found.

If you want to know more about this, you can read a three-part series I released in April, which covers truth, why Jesus was the Messiah, the spread and impact of Christianity, and more. Here’s the link to the first post: Is Truth True?

Putting that point aside, there’s one sure-fire way to measure Jesus’ relevance.

The Test of Time.

Nearly everything nowadays is measured by its longevity. How long it lasts, how well it adapts to change, how it holds up against decades and centuries of new ideas.

Some of the most iconic words surrounding the early church came from a Pharisee named Gamaliel, and can be found in Acts 5:38-39 (NLT). He says, “If they [the Disciples] are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”

I’ll ask you now, did the Disciples’ actions get overthrown? Did their missionary work throughout the world flicker and die? Even if you don’t believe in God you can answer that one. No.

For Better or For Worse?

I will acknowledge that people have done terrible things “in the name of Christ” (such as the Crusades). But just because someone claims to be a Christian or says they’re doing something in the name of Christ doesn’t mean Jesus would approve of their actions – He would condemn them.

Pick any other industry – sports, movies, fashion, etc. – and you’ll also find people who thought they were doing the “right” thing but really messed up.

The amount of good that missionaries and churchgoers have done over the years has shaped our world into what it is today. Countless charities and outreach programs owe their founding to Christians. All because of one “Man” named Jesus.

One example of Christ’s global impact is the United States. The country was founded upon Christian principles. It’s no coincidence that the USA is now arguably the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth, even though God has slipped to the back burner for many.

Does Jesus Matter in the 21st Century?

Short and simple, yes. Jesus remains one of the most relevant figures in history. His book, the Bible, remains the best-selling piece of writing worldwide. I don’t see any other books that people are dying to get. Not even Harry Potter is that big.

So next time someone asks you why you follow a Man who lived 2000 years ago, I hope you have a better answer: Because He was no man, He was God. And while He may have left Earth 2000 years ago, He lives on to this day in Heaven.

Jesus didn’t just die, rise from the dead, forgive us of our sins, and leave. He changed the world for the better, and His Spirit still lives in us and guides us. Earth wouldn’t be what it is today without Jesus and His message of hope – it’s the one thing keeping us together.

I follow Jesus because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Through Him and Him alone, I have peace and assurance about the future. I know where I’m going at the end of this life. If you want that hope, all you have to do is ask Him. Jesus is as relevant today as He was 2000 years ago. And it’s a fallacy to think that’s going to change.

As Jesus said in Matthew 24:35 (NIV)…

“Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will never pass away.”