The Abortion Amendments; A Commentary On Tragedy

What will be the outcome of Christians who voted “yes” to bills and amendments that directly approve of abortion? The short answer is nothing good.

The quiet confession came after a long dinner table debate—a friend admitted they had voted for a measure they regretted, one that involved a subject weightier than most: abortion. “I knew it was wrong, but it felt complicated,” they murmured, voice barely above a whisper. For many Christians, navigating choices on moral issues—especially something as spiritually charged as the life of the unborn—can stir deep internal conflict. The 2024 election brought this reality to the forefront, with ten states voting on abortion-related measures, forcing individuals to confront the weight of direct versus indirect responsibility. Is a direct choice in favor of a pro-abortion amendment different from an indirect support of a pro-choice candidate? The Bible speaks to this, challenging believers to understand that both their intentions and their actions have consequences.

Direct vs. Indirect Sin: Accountability in Scripture

The Bible emphasizes accountability, especially when people have full knowledge of their actions. In James 4:17, it says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” This verse slices through rationalizations. There’s no mistaking it—when you know the right path and choose another, it’s not just a small slip. It’s sin, plain and simple.

Jesus also addresses this in Luke 12:47-48. He talks about the servant who knew his master’s will but chose to ignore it. This servant receives many stripes, a vivid image of how direct knowledge brings stricter judgment. The message is stark: knowing God’s command and choosing against it places a person under greater scrutiny. This isn’t just about making a mistake; it’s about consciously aligning oneself against God’s instruction. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the 2024 voting outcomes across the states.

State Outcomes: Abortion Ballot Measures in 2024

Here is the list of the 10 states with reproductive rights ballot measures from the November 5, 2024 election.

Spiritual Consequences of Direct Sin: Footholds and Divine Chastening

Ephesians 4:27 warns Christians not to “give place to the devil.” The word “place” (Greek: topos) implies a foothold, an entry point. When people knowingly and willingly sin, they effectively leave a door cracked open. The Bible suggests that knowingly supporting sinful actions—even with a vote—can be spiritually damaging.

Another verse, Hebrews 12:6, says, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” It’s a sobering reminder that God disciplines those He loves, particularly when they step out of line with knowledge of His ways. For a believer who votes directly for a sinful action, God’s chastening may come to correct and restore, though it may feel painful. The story of King Saul illustrates this vividly. When Saul continually rebelled, God’s Spirit departed from him, and he was tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). It wasn’t a direct demonic possession, but an influence that darkened his heart and mind, and it all stemmed from his willful disobedience. When we open ourselves to sin, knowingly or through active choices, we invite not only God’s discipline but also spiritual shadows we may not expect.

The Occult Belief on Willful Sin: The Power of Intent and Choice

In occult belief systems, the power of intent—particularly in knowingly choosing to do wrong—carries a unique and significant spiritual potency. While Christianity views willful sin as a grave transgression against God’s commands, occult teachings often regard conscious, deliberate choices as a form of spiritual energy or “offering.” Choosing to embrace darkness with full awareness, they argue, amplifies the act’s spiritual impact. This mindset aligns with the biblical warning in Ephesians 4:27, which cautions believers to “neither give place to the devil,” suggesting that willfully engaging in sin can create a foothold for evil influences.

Occult philosophies hold that the more a person is conscious of their actions being wrong, the more they spiritually “charge” those actions. In these practices, intentional wrongdoing isn’t seen as a simple mistake or slip; it’s viewed as a powerful commitment, a deliberate step toward aligning with darker forces. This choice is often depicted as an “invitation,” a form of spiritual permission that opens one to influences beyond mere human willpower. By knowingly choosing to defy moral or divine laws, practitioners believe they are inviting energy, power, or insight—though always at a cost.

This idea of deliberate alignment with sin mirrors biblical warnings about the consequences of willful disobedience. In Hebrews 10:26-27, the Bible states, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment.” Here, willful sin is portrayed as a path to judgment, suggesting that knowing the truth and choosing to act against it intensifies the sin’s spiritual consequences. In the occult, this same principle of intent amplifies the spiritual energy behind actions, creating a stronger bond between the individual and the dark forces they’ve chosen.

In this way, both Scripture and occult beliefs acknowledge the enhanced impact of knowingly embracing sin. For Christians, this underscores the danger of giving spiritual “permission” for negative influences by consciously stepping into actions opposed to God’s will. The occult views this as harnessing power through intent; the Bible, however, warns that this choice invites spiritual bondage and oppression.

Steps Toward Restoration: Scripture’s Path for Repentance and Healing

For a Christian who finds themselves in the position of having made a wrong choice knowingly, Scripture offers clear steps toward forgiveness and restoration.

1. Confession and Repentance: Start with honesty before God. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us.” This isn’t just about saying “sorry” and moving on. True repentance means recognizing the seriousness of the choice and asking for the strength to align our hearts with God’s will.
2. Renewing the Heart and Mind: Romans 12:2 urges believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Diving into Scripture, reflecting on God’s heart for life, and seeking His wisdom transforms us from within. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Filling our minds with His Word helps guard against future compromises.
3. Prayer for Protection: James 4:7 is clear: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Prayer isn’t just a defense mechanism; it’s our spiritual shield. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes putting on the “armor of God” to stand strong against evil. For those feeling the weight of a wrong choice, praying for strength and protection from further spiritual harm is vital.
4. Making Amends and Standing Firm: In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus teaches the importance of reconciliation. While voting can feel distant from personal relationships, actions like advocacy, prayer, or volunteering in life-affirming ministries demonstrate a heart returned to God’s way. Joshua 24:15’s “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” challenges us to make conscious choices for God, rejecting ways that lead us away from Him.

Practical Application: Evaluating Future Voting Choices with Wisdom

As elections bring more measures and candidates that clash with Christian values, making biblically sound choices becomes crucial. Direct actions—votes cast with clear knowledge of consequences—carry more weight than indirect involvement. But it all matters. Romans 14:23 tells us, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Whether we’re choosing amendments or candidates, our choices reflect who we serve.

Final thoughts

In a world where moral choices often come wrapped in complex policies, the call for Christians remains straightforward: follow God’s path and seek His wisdom. The road back from wrong choices may involve confessing, repenting, and even making amends. But as long as we remember that God offers forgiveness and strength, we’re never beyond His grace. So next time we stand in the voting booth, let’s remember the call to “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” For in every choice, big or small, He watches, He cares, and He calls us back to Him.

Citations:

• The Holy Bible, King James Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/. Accessed November 6, 2024.
• Crowley, Aleister. Magick in Theory and Practice. Dover Publications, 1976.
• Fortune, Dion. The Mystical Qabalah. Weiser Books, 2000.
• Greer, John Michael. The Occult Philosophy Workbook: A Guide to Spiritual Alchemy. Llewellyn Publications, 2001.
• Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Hendrickson Publishers, 2006.
• KFF. “Ballot Tracker: Abortion-Related State Constitutional Amendment Measures Confirmed for the 2024 Election in 10 States.” KFF, 5 Nov. 2024, www.kff.org. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
• Newsweek. “Map Shows States That Will Vote on Abortion Rights in November.” Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2024, www.newsweek.com. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
• Schnoebelen, William. Lucifer Dethroned: A True Story. Chick Publications, 1993.
• Unger, Merrill F. Biblical Demonology: A Study of the Spiritual Forces Behind the Present World Unrest. Kregel Publications, 1994.
• Brennan Center for Justice. “Abortion Rights on the Ballot in 2024.” Brennan Center for Justice, 22 Oct. 2024, www.brennancenter.org. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.