Introduction
Abortion, the deliberate termination of a pregnancy, remains one of the most contentious issues in modern society. For Christians, the matter is further complicated by the need to align personal beliefs with scriptural teachings. This article aims to address Christians who identify as pro-choice, guiding them to Scriptures that emphasize the sanctity of human life, including that of the unborn. Additionally, it seeks to provide non-believers with an understanding of the biblical perspective on abortion, shedding light on the value of life as seen through the lens of the Holy Bible.
The Sanctity of Human Life in Scripture
The Bible underscores the sanctity and intrinsic value of human life from the moment of conception. Several passages convey the message that life is a divine creation, valued and known by God even before birth.
Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” This foundational verse emphasizes that every human being is made in the image of God. This notion of imago Dei (image of God) signifies that human life is sacred and worthy of protection.
In Jeremiah 1:5, God speaks to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” This passage reveals that God’s relationship with a person begins even before their physical formation in the womb, indicating a divine purpose and recognition of personhood before birth.
Psalm 139:13-16 provides a poetic reflection on God’s intimate involvement in the creation of life: “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”
These verses celebrate the miracle of life, emphasizing that each individual is “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God, and that their development in the womb is part of His wondrous creation.
Commandments and Teachings on the Sanctity of Life
The Bible’s commandments further reinforce the value of human life. The sixth commandment, Exodus 20:13, simply states, “Thou shalt not kill.” This commandment is often cited in discussions about the morality of abortion, highlighting the prohibition against taking innocent life.
In Exodus 21:22-25, the Bible addresses the consequences of causing harm to a pregnant woman and her unborn child: “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”
This passage establishes the principle of justice for harm caused to both a pregnant woman and her unborn child, underscoring the value and protection due to the unborn.
The Teachings of Jesus and the New Testament
While Jesus did not directly address abortion, his teachings consistently affirmed the value of life and the importance of love and protection for the vulnerable. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus says, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Though this passage primarily refers to children, it can be extended to imply care for the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn.
The Apostle Paul also underscores the sacredness of the body in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This passage emphasizes that our bodies belong to God, and by extension, so do the lives within them.
Addressing the Pro-Choice Christian Perspective
For Christians who identify as pro-choice, it is essential to revisit these scriptural teachings and reflect on the biblical view of life’s sanctity. The modern pro-choice stance often hinges on arguments about personal autonomy and rights over one’s body. However, from a biblical perspective, the concept of autonomy must be balanced with the recognition that life is a divine gift, and that our bodies, including those of the unborn, belong to God.
The argument for personal choice is valid within many contexts, but when it comes to abortion, Christians are called to consider the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the protection of innocent life. The Bible does not advocate for personal choice at the expense of another’s life, especially one that is defenseless and innocent.
The Non-Believer’s Perspective and Understanding God’s View
For non-believers, understanding the biblical perspective on abortion involves recognizing the foundational beliefs about the sanctity of life in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The Bible presents life as a sacred gift from God, beginning at conception and deserving of protection.
The value of life is a recurring theme throughout the scriptures, indicating that life is not a mere biological phenomenon but a profound spiritual reality. This perspective may differ from secular views that prioritize individual rights and bodily autonomy, but it provides a lens through which to understand why many Christians hold strong pro-life convictions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Bible provides a compelling case for the sanctity and value of human life, including that of the unborn. Through scriptures that highlight God’s intimate involvement in the creation of life, commandments that protect innocent life, and teachings that underscore the sacredness of the body, the biblical narrative consistently affirms the protection and value of life from conception.
For Christians who identify as pro-choice, it is crucial to re-examine these scriptures and align their beliefs with the biblical teachings on the sanctity of life. For non-believers, understanding the biblical view on abortion can provide insight into why many hold life to be sacred from conception and advocate for its protection.
Ultimately, the Bible calls all believers to uphold the value of life, advocate for the vulnerable, and recognize the divine nature of human existence. The scriptures invite us to see life as a precious gift from God, worthy of protection and reverence from the moment of conception.
