The sanctity of life is a deeply rooted principle in the Christian faith, grounded in the belief that every human being is made in the image of God. This divine truth shapes our understanding of life’s inherent worth, beginning at conception and extending to all stages. In today’s discussion, we’ll explore what it means to be created in God’s image, how Scripture confirms the personhood of the unborn, and why Christians must stand firm in defending the value of life.
Created in God’s Image: A Special Creation
Genesis 1:26-27 declares, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” These verses affirm that humanity holds a unique place in creation. Unlike animals, humans are imbued with the image of God (the Imago Dei), which includes the capacity for moral reasoning, spiritual connection, and eternal significance.
This divine imprint separates us from all other forms of life. While animals have physical life, only humans possess a soul created for an eternal relationship with God. This inherent worth means that life, from its earliest stages, is sacred and must be treated with the utmost respect.
The Personhood of the Unborn
Scripture repeatedly affirms that personhood begins in the womb. One powerful example is found in Luke 1:41-44, where Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist, feels her baby leap for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice: “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” This event illustrates that even in the womb, John recognized the presence of Jesus, affirming the personhood and spiritual awareness of the unborn.
Psalm 139:13-16 further underscores this truth: “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made… Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” The Lord’s intimate knowledge and care for each person before birth show that life in the womb is known, cherished, and planned by God.
Jeremiah 1:5 speaks of God’s foreknowledge of His creation: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” God’s relationship with us begins even before we take our first breath, confirming that each life has purpose and value from conception.
Abortion: The Challenge to the Sanctity of Life
Understanding the value God places on human life brings us to the critical topic of abortion. Abortion is not healthcare; it is the deliberate termination of an innocent life. Healthcare aims to save life and promote well-being, but abortion’s purpose is to end life. There is not a single medical condition that necessitates abortion as the only option to save a mother’s life. In emergencies where a mother’s health is at risk, medical professionals may induce labor or perform an emergency C-section. These interventions prioritize saving both lives whenever possible. Abortion procedures, on the other hand, are invasive, harmful to the mother, and designed solely to end the unborn child’s life.
Refuting Common Arguments for Abortion
1. “It’s just a fetus.”
The argument that a fetus is not a person is flawed both scientifically and linguistically. The word fetus comes from Latin and means child or offspring. It does not refer to a non-human or sub-human stage; it simply describes the developmental phase of a human being. The reality is that from conception, the unborn child has its own DNA, distinct from the mother, and begins to develop organs, a heartbeat, and brain activity within weeks.
2. Cases of Rape and Incest.
Rape and incest are tragic and horrific crimes that deserve justice and compassionate care for the victims. However, the question must be asked: Should the innocent child conceived as a result bear the punishment for the crime? The Bible teaches that God values all life, even that conceived in the most difficult circumstances. Ending the life of an unborn child for the sins of another compounds tragedy with another act of violence. The call is for Christians to extend love, support, and healing to mothers in these situations while still recognizing the value of the unborn child.
3. Legal Double Standards.
Our society reveals its inconsistency when it comes to the value of unborn life. For example, if a drunk driver kills a pregnant woman, it is legally recognized as a double homicide. This legal standard acknowledges that the unborn child is indeed a life with value. Yet, abortion laws often contradict this, implying that the worth of the unborn depends on subjective decisions rather than inherent value. According to God’s standards, taking innocent life, whether in or out of the womb, is considered murder (Exodus 20:13).
Addressing Women with Compassion
It’s essential to note that discussing the sanctity of life should never translate into condemnation for women who have had abortions. Many have been deceived by a culture and industry that diminish the value of unborn life, presenting it as merely a “clump of cells.” This is a grievous lie, but it does not mean that these women are beyond God’s love, forgiveness, and healing. Jesus offers redemption to all who come to Him, regardless of their past (1 John 1:9). As Christians, we are called to extend love, support, and truth in equal measure, walking alongside women who need healing and guidance.
Plan B and Early-Stage Abortions
Another topic that requires clarity is the use of Plan B (the “morning-after pill”). While it is often marketed as emergency contraception, Plan B can prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg, which is the earliest stage of human life. This means that it can act as an early-stage abortifacient. The Bible’s emphasis on God’s role in conception and His intimate knowledge of us before we are born (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13-16) indicates that life is sacred from the moment of conception. Thus, Plan B should be viewed as an abortive measure and is inconsistent with the sanctity of life.
The Christian Response: Loving Life and Supporting Mothers
As Christians, valuing life means more than opposing abortion; it means actively supporting life in tangible ways. Churches and Christian organizations must be places of refuge for pregnant women, offering support through crisis pregnancy centers, counseling, material assistance, and fostering community. Ministries that provide resources for pregnant mothers are essential, demonstrating that the Church’s stance is not merely theoretical but practical and compassionate.
James 1:27 calls us to action: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” This charge includes supporting vulnerable women and children, reflecting the heart of God who defends the defenseless.
God’s Standard and Our Call to Value Life
Ultimately, our moral compass should align with God’s standard, not the shifting norms of society. God values life, and we are called to uphold that value. The sanctity of life is not a matter of convenience or opinion but a reflection of God’s unchanging nature and His commandment to love and protect life. Proverbs 24:11-12 urges us, “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?”
My Final Thoughts
As Christians, we must be courageous in defending life at all stages, grounded in love and truth. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, showing that life is precious, that every soul matters, and that God’s grace is sufficient for all.
