The Musician Who Played for God: J.S. Bach
- Ottawa Gospel Hall
- Oct 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 2
What makes music more than sound? For Johann Sebastian Bach, beauty was never an end in itself—it was a pathway to God. His life still asks a searching question: What is music for? Bach’s answer was clear—to proclaim the gospel and glorify the Lord Jesus.
“Jesus, Help Me”: Bach’s Purpose and Ours
Bach often wrote two sets of initials on his scores. At the end: SDG—Soli Deo Gloria (“to God alone be the glory”). At the beginning: JJ—Jesu Juva (“Jesus, help me”). He saw music as “a refreshment of spirit,” a tool to point people to Christ, not an “innocent luxury.” That purpose flowed from Scripture.
Like Bach, we are small and needy. The disciples felt that on a stormy night: “In the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea… ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid’” (Matthew 14:25–27, NKJV). Peter began to sink and cried, “Lord, save me!”—and “immediately Jesus stretched out His hand” (Matthew 14:30–31, NKJV).
When We Can’t Save Ourselves
Yet beyond the beauty of Bach’s music lies a deeper truth—the very message his melodies carried. The Bible describes our condition plainly: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6, NKJV).
“Without strength” means helpless—unable to lift ourselves, unable to stand before God. It’s not like carrying a heavy box with a friend’s help; it’s like being pulled from a burning building. Salvation is rescue, not teamwork. Jesus doesn’t assist the strong—He saves the helpless.
Bach lived with an open Bible. In his copy, near the temple musicians, he wrote: “At a reverent performance of music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence.” He believed music could preach—his cantatas, passions, and chorales are Scripture in sound. Beauty isn’t an escape; it’s a signpost.
Jesus: The All-Sufficient Savior
People still misunderstand Jesus: teacher? example? legend? The Bible says He is God’s eternal Son, the Creator who came to save sinners. Hear Him in His own words:
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NKJV).
“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, NKJV).
When the disciples were overwhelmed, Jesus came to them. When Peter sank, Jesus caught him. He does the same today, rescuing the helpless who call to Him. If you’re ready to trust Him, take heart from His promise: “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37, NKJV).
Bach signed SDG because the final credit belongs to God. A life, like a score, is complete when it ends in praise. Today, you can begin again—turning to Jesus in faith and resting in His finished work. If this stirred new questions, we invite you to watch the full message above and explore more on what it means to be saved. May your heart, like Bach’s music, point to Christ—to God alone be the glory.
