The Sanctity of Life
The Scriptures give us a clear foundation for the value of every human life. From creation to redemption, God reveals the dignity of each person, including the unborn. Here are seven truths that form a biblical defense of human life.
1. Every human being is made in God’s image.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). This image-bearing dignity belongs to every human being, regardless of age, size, or ability. As Job confesses, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). Our value is rooted in God, not in human standards.
2. Human life begins in the womb.
The unborn are not “potential persons,” but persons formed by God Himself. “You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Isaiah testifies, “The Lord called me from the womb” (Isaiah 49:1). Life begins at conception, and it is holy to the Lord (Psalm 51:5).
3. Circumstances do not determine value.
A child’s worth is not diminished by poverty, disability, or hardship. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Jesus welcomed the smallest, saying, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14). Predicted suffering does not erase divine image-bearing.
4. Evil circumstances never justify evil remedies.
Some argue abortion is necessary in cases of rape. But God’s Word is plain: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Even when life begins through a terrible sin, the child is innocent and bears God’s image. Sinful “remedies” can never right sinful wrongs.
5. God calls us to sacrificial care.
True religion, James says, is “to visit orphans and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). The church must support mothers in crisis through compassionate counsel, financial help, housing, or adoption. Our calling is not only to oppose abortion, but to offer Christlike love to those in need.
6. We must speak for those who cannot speak.
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8). The unborn cannot speak for themselves. God’s people must advocate on their behalf — in prayer, in law, and in community life — defending those who are most vulnerable.
7. Christ assumed humanity from conception.
The Son of God entered the world as a child in Mary’s womb, conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). He did not bypass infancy or childhood, but embraced our humanity from its earliest stage. This shows the value God places on human life from conception to the grave. And through His death and resurrection, there is forgiveness for all who repent — even for those who have chosen abortion. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9).
Conclusion
The sanctity of life is not a cultural argument but a biblical truth. God creates life, Christ redeems life, and Christians are called to protect life. Let us stand with conviction and compassion: defending the unborn, caring for mothers in need, and holding forth the hope of forgiveness in Christ.
