What Does The Bible Say About Abortion
Abortion is one of the most contentious issues of our time, and many seek guidance on the topic from the Bible. While the word “abortion” does not appear in Scripture, the Bible provides principles that help us understand God’s view of human life, including life in the womb. Let’s explore these principles, presenting a biblical perspective on abortion with humility and clarity, grounded in the inerrant Word of God. By examining Scripture, we also gain insights into how this issue connects to the broader Christian worldview, our call to discipleship, and our responsibility in Christian parenting.
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Biblical Worldview
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The Sanctity of Human Life
The Bible consistently affirms the sanctity of human life. From the opening pages of Scripture, we learn that human beings are uniquely created in the image of God:
Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Being made in God’s image means that every human life has intrinsic value, regardless of age, ability, or stage of development. This foundational truth underpins the Bible’s teaching on the value of life, including life in the womb. Recognizing this truth shapes the Christian worldview, compelling us to honor life as part of our obedience to Christ as His disciples.
Life Begins in the Womb
Scripture repeatedly affirms that life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a person known and cared for by God. Consider the following passages:
Psalm 139:13-16: “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.”
Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Luke 1:41-44: “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’”
These passages reveal that God is intimately involved in the creation and development of life in the womb. The unborn child is not a mere clump of cells but a person known and loved by God. Understanding this shapes a Christian worldview that values life and informs how disciples of Christ respond to the issue of abortion.
The Sixth Commandment: "You Shall Not Murder"
The sanctity of life is further reinforced by the sixth commandment:
Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.”
Murder is the unlawful taking of innocent human life, and the Bible condemns it unequivocally. Since Scripture affirms that the unborn child is a person, taking the life of the unborn falls under this prohibition. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to uphold God’s commandments, defending the innocent and promoting a biblical worldview that cherishes life at all stages.
God’s Care for the Vulnerable
Throughout the Bible, God shows special concern for the vulnerable and defenseless, including children. Jesus Himself demonstrated great love for children:
Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’”
The unborn child is among the most vulnerable members of society, entirely dependent on others for protection and care. God’s heart for the vulnerable compels us to defend and advocate for the unborn. Christian parenting, guided by a biblical worldview, emphasizes nurturing and protecting life as a reflection of God’s love and character.
Addressing Common Questions
What About Difficult Circumstances?
Some argue that abortion is justified in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother’s life. These situations are profoundly challenging and require compassion and wisdom. While the Bible does not explicitly address such cases, its principles remain clear: every human life is valuable. Believers are called to offer support, care, and alternatives that uphold the sanctity of life, even in difficult circumstances. Disciples of Christ must approach these situations with a balance of truth and grace, embodying a biblical worldview that seeks to glorify God in all decisions.
Is Forgiveness Possible After Abortion?
The Bible also speaks of God’s abundant mercy and grace. For those who have experienced abortion, the message of the gospel is one of hope and healing:
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
Through Christ, there is forgiveness and restoration for all who turn to Him in repentance and faith. As part of Christian parenting and discipleship, it is vital to teach our children about God’s mercy, ensuring they understand both the gravity of sin and the boundless grace of God.
The Bible teaches that life is a precious gift from God, beginning at conception and deserving of protection. While the challenges surrounding abortion are real and complex, Scripture provides clear guidance that upholds the sanctity of life. As Christians, we are called to defend the unborn, support those facing unplanned pregnancies, and extend grace to those who have experienced abortion. Viewing abortion through a biblical worldview shapes our responses as disciples of Christ, guiding us to reflect God’s truth and love. Christian parenting also plays a crucial role in instilling these values in the next generation, equipping them to honor God and defend life in a world that often devalues it. May we approach this issue with both truth and love, reflecting the heart of our Savior.
Job 31:15: "Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?"
This verse highlights God's active role in forming life within the womb, underscoring the sacredness of the unborn.
Isaiah 44:24: "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: 'I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.'"
This passage emphasizes God's sovereignty in creation, including His work in forming life in the womb.
Psalm 127:3-5: "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!"
This verse celebrates the blessing of children, affirming their value as gifts from God.
Proverbs 31:8-9: "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
This verse calls believers to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, which includes the unborn.
Exodus 21:22-25: "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."
This passage demonstrates the value God places on the unborn by outlining consequences for harm caused to a pregnant woman or her child.
Deuteronomy 32:39: "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand."
This verse reminds us of God's ultimate authority over life and death, reinforcing the belief that decisions about life should remain in His hands.
John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
This verse can guide Christians to prioritize sacrificial love, encouraging support for mothers in crisis pregnancies and a commitment to protect vulnerable lives.