Abortion is a divisive topic. That simple truth means that we should take great care to understand the issue and strive to find the truth. We believe that there is an objective truth in life, and that the Bible helps us specifically to understand morality. More to the point, how to decide what is right and wrong. Therefore, as it relates to abortion we ask the question, what does the Bible say?
Exodus chapter 21 contains one of the first verses in the Bible that directly addresses the life of an unborn child. In this Old Testament passage God required the death penalty for Israelites responsible for the death of a woman’s unborn child.
When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life,
Exodus 21: 22-23
In other words, God values the life of children at all stages, include the pre-born. that was true during the time of the Israelites, and that is also true today.
The Times, the Bible and Abortion Laws
It comes as no surprise to many of you that we are heartbroken with the recent abortion ruling in New York, legalizing killing pre-born children up until the moment of birth. This catastrophic ruling received thunderous applause and cheering from a great many people. However, there are also millions of others who are heartbroken at this ruling. Because of this, we decided to talk to you for a few minutes about the topic, what does the Bible say about abortion?
Reading through the book of Job, wee see that he attributes his conception, even the forming of his inward parts (sinews etc.) directly to God. This he attributes to God even before his birth. The very same message we read in the Bible from king David, author of Psalm 139.
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.
Psalm 139: 13-16 (ESV)
From these two scriptures we see the evidence that God plays a part in the forming of un-born humans. Not only does David attribute this work of conception to God but he conveys it as though God weaves together a marvelous work. In this way, it is like a master artist who brings together mixtures of paint to craft a beautiful painting.
What can we conclude about how the Bible portrays an unborn child? In short, it is reasonable to assert that God considers an unborn child a life, but also of great value.
What does the Bible say about the abortion argument: “My body my choice”?
One of the popular arguments among those in favor of the “freedom” to abort and kill pre-born babies is that “it’s my body and my choice.” Therefore, if it is indeed “my body” then you cannot tell me what I can and cannot do with it.
On the surface this argument sounds good, but there is one main flaw in it. That is, this argument assumes that the child in your womb is your body. But what does the bible say about this abortion argument?
The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.
Isaiah 49:1
The prophet Isaiah makes a distinction between his Mother’s body and his body. Therefore, just as no one has the right to harm your body without cause, you also have no right to harm the body of an unborn child.
Another argument to defend further defend this idea is that our bodies are not even our own. Rather, our bodies belong to God.
Did abortion happen in the Bible?
At times it may seem like the Bible only deals with antiquated issues. That is, that the Bible is only for a culture and time that is not at all relative to the current times and culture we live in. Therefore, we can negate the things that the Bible teaches because they are not applicable today.
This is a poor understanding of the Bible, and a poor understanding of humanity. While times and cultures have changed due to various factors, the “human condition” has not changed. Humans are still humans and are dealing with exactly the same issues today that we dealt with in ancient times. Pride, selfishness, ego, and moral relativism are all things that were present in Biblical times the same as they are now.
One task given to the nation of Israel was to drive out the sinful nations in Canaan, the land of promise. One such nation were the Ammonites, to which Amos reveals one reason why God wanted to judge them by the hand of the Israelites.
For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead, that they might enlarge their border.
Amos 1:13
The Ammonites were aborting children. Because of this, God brought judgment upon that nation. The question that I have for you is, are we in danger of similar judgment from God today?
How should we respond to these verses?
The first thing that we should understand, regardless of our circumstance, is that God loves and greatly values children. These verses, and many of the new Testament passages illustrate Jesus’ love of children. Therefore, we should also echo this same care, love, and value of children in our lives.
Secondly, if you have already had an abortion, please let this truth sink into your heart: God forgives those who truly repent. His grace will cover you if you accept Jesus and walk with Him. Not sure what it means to accept Jesus? Contact us!
Finally, we should recognize that only God has the authority to give and to take life. What we are called to do is defend it.
Are you contemplating abortion? There are thousands of people every day who want to adopt. Please consider this as an option for you. If you would like to work with a Christian organization with deeply qualified parents, Sacred Selections is a non-profit that can help you on your adoption journey with counseling and connections to adoption agencies. All adoptions start in a dark place, but they don’t end that way. Please consider this as an alternative to abortion for you.
