The issue of abortion is a highly contentious and emotional topic. For Christians, the guiding principle in addressing such ethical matters is the Bible, which is the ultimate source of authority in all aspects of faith and practice. The Bible provides clear teachings on the sanctity of human life, affirming its value from conception. Here, we explore why Christians should not support abortion, using Scripture to support this position.
The Sanctity of Human Life
The Bible consistently affirms the sanctity of human life. This principle is foundational to the Christian worldview, and several passages underscore the belief that life is sacred because it is created by God.
- Psalm 139:13-16:
- “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” This passage highlights God’s intimate involvement in the creation of each human being. The psalmist acknowledges that God is at work even in the womb, forming and shaping the individual. This underscores the belief that life begins at conception and is precious in the eyes of God.
- Jeremiah 1:5:
- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” God’s words to the prophet Jeremiah reveal that He has a purpose and plan for individuals even before they are born. This pre-birth knowledge and consecration affirm the value and significance of life in the womb.
- Exodus 20:13:
- “You shall not murder.” The commandment against murder is a clear directive that underscores the value of human life. Abortion, which ends the life of an unborn child, is seen as a violation of this commandment.
The New Testament Affirmation
The New Testament also provides strong support for the sanctity of life, emphasizing God’s care and purpose for individuals from conception.
- Luke 1:41-44:
- “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.'” This passage records the response of John the Baptist, still in his mother’s womb, to the presence of Jesus, also in the womb. This reaction affirms the personhood and significance of the unborn.
- Galatians 1:15:
- “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace…” The Apostle Paul speaks of being set apart by God before his birth, indicating that God’s plan and purpose for individuals extend back to the womb.
- Ephesians 2:10:
- “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This verse emphasizes that every human being is God’s workmanship, created with purpose and intention. The good works prepared by God for each person begin at conception.
The Christian Response
Given the biblical evidence for the sanctity of life, Christians are called to protect and value life at all stages. This includes advocating for the unborn, who are the most vulnerable and voiceless among us. Supporting abortion is incompatible with the biblical teachings on the value of life. Instead, Christians should:
- Promote Life-Affirming Alternatives:
- Encourage and support alternatives to abortion, such as adoption and foster care.
- Provide practical support to expectant mothers, such as counseling, medical care, and financial assistance.
- Advocate for Just Laws:
- Work towards creating and supporting laws that protect the unborn and uphold the sanctity of life.
- Offer Compassionate Care:
- Show compassion and support to those who have experienced abortion, offering forgiveness and healing through Christ.
The biblical position on the sanctity of life is clear and unequivocal. Christians are called to uphold and defend the value of life from conception, reflecting God’s love and care for all His creation. By standing against abortion and advocating for life-affirming alternatives, Christians can faithfully represent the teachings of Scripture and the heart of God.
