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In last week’s article we concluded by siting what God states about murder in (Exodus 20:13). With this in mind, I want to bring your attention to some other thoughts God has concerning those that commit such sins. In Romans 14:10, concerning ungodly people, Paul said, “… for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” In 2 Peter 3:7, Peter declared, “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”
The taking of a life that God has created is a big deal. It is big because murder is a transgression of the law of God. We need to know that transgressing God’s law causes grief and pain in the lives of the perpetrators and in the lives of the subjects of such sins. It has been documented that many people experience deep psychological and spiritual stress after undergoing, performing, or pressuring for an abortion. However, in cases where someone has taken a life, we can be thankful that we serve a gracious and merciful God. Turning to God can help begin the healing process as the offenders of such crimes against God and man begin to see that peace in their lives can be restored, that is sin can be forgiven. See (Matt. 11:28, Matt. 6:33, John 3:17).
The Bible shows that we serve an impartial God. He is always willing and ready to forgive our sins. God created mankind in His image, and He created each one of us according to His divine purpose. Here in lies the problem when it comes to abortion. People forget that God has a purpose far greater than our own understanding. While some consider unborn children with possible physical or mental disabilities, or children conceived in rape or incest, a drain on society and an unwanted burden on families, God still has a purpose. It is not up to mankind to decide which innocent child should live or die. The truth is, God loves all children, even the weak and underprivileged ones. Knowing that God is the creator, the giver and sustainer of life, who are we to decide when a life of an innocent child should die. Even if that life seems to some people to be less perfect than societies standard of perfection, we simply do not have the God given right to take an innocent life. When man makes a decision to take an innocent life, he then, without permission assumes God’s role and authority, a role and an authority that is not ours to take.
In Job 31:15 we read, “Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?” We must conclude that God made all people and thus all people are important. While I understand that abortion in some situations is not a desire that comes about as a result of selfishness, it is none-the-less a murder against a creation of God. See also (Isaiah 45:10-12). It is within the heart and mind of every accountable person to make correct decisions in life. To make the correct decisions we should make them together with God rather separate and independent of God.
Some situations where abortion is an option are not easy clear-cut cases, and not all abortions are carried out for “selfish” reasons. When the decisions are difficult and the questions that some men ask concerning abortion come into view, it is vital to have a relationship with God and consider His wishes as we make our decision. It is needful in such situations that we are tuned in to God’s will and directions, even if they go against one’s own will and reasoning. It is in this way that we can make correct and responsible decisions. All that is done must be done by faith and obedience (Col. 3:17; 2 Cor. 5:7). We do this because we serve the Almighty God, the giver and taker of life, the righteous Judge, who has an unfathomable love and care for each individual and a divine purpose for each life including the mother, the unborn child and any others involved. Any decision made together with God is a matter between those concerned, and God, and here other people cannot pass judgment.
So, what is a Christian’s view on abortion? Christianity is based on faith in the Almighty God we serve. He has not left us without guidance concerning the issues of life. The Bible, being the Word of God, is the basis for how we conduct our lives. It is the basis of our trust in God, the One who knows all things. With respect, God even knows of the unborn child in the mother’s womb. We are God’s creation, and we should serve, love and reverence Him in all things. In doing so we rely on His love, mercy, and grace to serve us in the most trying times of life. When we serve God properly, any decision made with God brings rest and peace. The truth is many lost children would be living today if men would have included God in the decisions they have already made without Him.
(Tony Hoss is minister of the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)