What does the Bible say About Abortion
Day 5
You may have heard that Scripture is silent on abortion, and that the passages cited by pro-life advocates do not actually state that the unborn are human. Thus, the reasoning goes, given the choice between a self-aare woman and a developing fetus, only the former bears God's image and thus has value.
Let's suppose for a moment the Bible is silent. Does that mean it supports abortion? There are good reasons to say no.
First, gay bashing is never expressly condemned in Scripture, but Christians almost universally agree its wrong. Indeed, the Bible's alleged silence on abortion does not mean that it authors condoned the practice, but that prohibitions against it were largely unnecessary. The Hebrews of the Old Testament and Christians of the New were not likely to kill their offspring before birth.
Second, we don't need Scripture to expressly say the unborn are human before we can know it's wrong to intentionally take their lives. The Bible affirms that all humans are God's image bearers (Genesis 1:27, James 3:9) and, because they are , the intentional killing of innocent human beings is forbidden (Exodus 23:7, Prov. 6:16-19). The facts of science make clear that from the earliest stages of development the unborn are unquestionably human. Therefore, biblical commands against the unjust taking of human life apply to the unborn as they do other human beings.
Third, abortion choice advocates cannot account for basic human equality. If humans only have value because of some developed characteristic like self-awareness, it follows that since that characteristic comes in varying degrees, basic human rights come in varying degrees. Theologically, it is far more reasonable to argue that although human beings differ immensely in their respective degrees of development, they are nonetheless equal because they share common human nature in the image of God.
You may have heard that Scripture is silent on abortion, and that the passages cited by pro-life advocates do not actually state that the unborn are human. Thus, the reasoning goes, given the choice between a self-aare woman and a developing fetus, only the former bears God's image and thus has value.
Let's suppose for a moment the Bible is silent. Does that mean it supports abortion? There are good reasons to say no.
First, gay bashing is never expressly condemned in Scripture, but Christians almost universally agree its wrong. Indeed, the Bible's alleged silence on abortion does not mean that it authors condoned the practice, but that prohibitions against it were largely unnecessary. The Hebrews of the Old Testament and Christians of the New were not likely to kill their offspring before birth.
Second, we don't need Scripture to expressly say the unborn are human before we can know it's wrong to intentionally take their lives. The Bible affirms that all humans are God's image bearers (Genesis 1:27, James 3:9) and, because they are , the intentional killing of innocent human beings is forbidden (Exodus 23:7, Prov. 6:16-19). The facts of science make clear that from the earliest stages of development the unborn are unquestionably human. Therefore, biblical commands against the unjust taking of human life apply to the unborn as they do other human beings.
Third, abortion choice advocates cannot account for basic human equality. If humans only have value because of some developed characteristic like self-awareness, it follows that since that characteristic comes in varying degrees, basic human rights come in varying degrees. Theologically, it is far more reasonable to argue that although human beings differ immensely in their respective degrees of development, they are nonetheless equal because they share common human nature in the image of God.
What to Pray For today:
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1. Pray for Salvation
We do not need an excuse for our sin. We need an exchange - Christ's righteousness for our sinfulness (2Cor 5:21) Pray that people are not deceived by a false gospel. We are sinners, but Jesus said, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32) James Montgomery Boice puts it well: "the most important thing in life is to know that Jesus is able to save you from sin. The second most important thing is to know that you require it. "Pray that post-abortion men and women see their true need. |
2. Pray for Pastors and other Clergy
Too many pastors who say they are pro-life hedge their teaching on abortion because they fear backlash. Pastors should always approach abortion with biblical compassion, but when they are silent, Christians are not equipped to engage the culture with biblical truth. Pray that God would grant the pastors in your community courage to teach the entire counsel of Scripture, including commands against the shedding innocent blood. |
3. Pray for Clarity
Pro-lifers must not only contend with the secular , we also must contend with the distortion of Scripture. PRay for clearly stated arguments that cannot be easily dismissed by those seeking to distort Scripture and justify sin. |
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Foundation for Life
5726 Southwyck Blvd, Ste. 120 Toledo, Ohio 43614 phone: (419)535-5800 |
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