What Does God Say About Abortions? The Bible’s Explanation

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Published by Shannon Jacobs

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The Bible does not mention the term “abortion” to refer to the forced ejection of a human fetus. However, other verses in the Bible reveal God’s perspective on human life, even that of an unborn child. God gave us life as a gift (Genesis 9:6; Psalm 36:9). He values every life, including the life of a child still inside the womb. Therefore, killing an unborn child on purpose qualifies as murder.

Biblical books were produced during the Hellenistic and Ancient Near Eastern eras and included discussions of laws governing the practice of voluntary abortion.

When it comes to the topic of abortion, Christians should first seek God’s viewpoint rather than that of their political parties, elected officials, or what the Supreme Court says. But what does God say about abortions, according to the Bible?

What Does The Bible Say About Abortion?

The Bible never uses the word “abortion.” However, Roman law at the time permitted infanticide, abortion, and child abandonment.

In reality, several verses mention the murder of women and children during battles with Israel’s rivals. For instance, Jesus urged Joseph, son of David, to take Mary home as his wife without hesitation since what is conceived in her is a result of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15).

According to the Bible, every human being has intrinsic value since they were all made in the likeness of God and not because of anything human beings can do or contribute. Moses goes into great detail in Genesis 1 and 2 to explain how God created life, shaping bodies from the ground’s dust, giving humanity the breath of life, and imprinting humans with God’s likeness.

Birth, pregnancy, and conception are not different stages in a woman’s life that may be divided for her needs. Instead, they are all part of a life continuum that starts at conception.

For this reason, when we read of conception (Psalms 51:5), the womb (Psalms 139:13), and birth (Luke 1:31; 2:6–7), we should think of actual life. Life is not determined by size or distance from the birth canal when God starts the process of generating life; that is when life begins.

The Bible does contain a few verses that appear to speak to the condition of the fetus before birth. Psalm 139:13–16, poetry in which the psalmist expresses the belief that God made people in a mother’s womb, is the most well-known and frequently cited.

It is difficult to see how the statement relates in any way to the moral or legal concerns at play in the current discussion, such as the definition of personhood, bodily autonomy, or the balancing of conflicting rights.

Without the aid of contemporary science, David could express what the human heart naturally knows—that the unborn child is a human life. The Bible goes on to say that the unborn child is important because God created them uniquely. According to Paul, “He gives everyone life, breath, and everything else” (Acts 17:25).

The inter-uterine joy of John (Luke 1:41), the newborn Jesus (Luke 2:12, 16), and the children approaching Jesus Christ during his ministry (Luke 18:15) are all described by the same New Testament Greek word, brephos.

Perhaps the description of King David of how God knit him together in his mother’s womb in Psalm 139, which describes the artistry of a creator who incorporates every life from conception, is the most detailed affirmation of unborn human existence.

We cannot all claim to be Jeremiah or Paul, but we may still have faith in God’s plan for our lives. As Paul mentioned, “He made all the nations from one man so that they could populate the whole world, and He marked out their assigned times in history and the borders of their lands. God did this in hopes that people would look for Him and perhaps reach out to find Him” (Acts 17:26–27).

What Does Jesus Teach About Abortion?

It is important to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and how they relate to the sanctity of human life. While Jesus did not specifically address the issue of abortion during His earthly ministry, His teachings provide us with valuable insights and principles that can guide our understanding of this complex topic.

Jesus Christ consistently emphasized the inherent value and dignity of every human being. In His teachings, He highlighted the importance of love, compassion, and respect for others, treating them as fellow image-bearers of God. This includes pregnant women and the unborn babies they carry, as they are deeply valued in the eyes of Jesus.

While Jesus did not directly address the topic of reproductive choice or abortion, His teachings affirm the significance of life, including those in the womb. Jesus Christ recognized the preciousness of children and held a deep concern for their welfare. He made it clear that harming or causing the death of an innocent person is contrary to God’s will.

The biblical commandments, such as “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), provide a foundation for understanding the sanctity of life. From a biblical perspective, the unborn baby is regarded as a living person, deserving protection and care.

Furthermore, Exodus 21:22-23 says: “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life.” Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Old Testament law, reinforces the principles of these commandments and their application to the sanctity of human beings.

God’s view on life is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture. The Bible affirms that God is the author and sustainer of life, and he possesses the ultimate authority over life and death. Taking the life of an unborn baby through abortion conflicts with God’s design and his intention for every human being to experience the fullness of life.

Applying Jesus’ Teachings About Abortion To Society

It is essential to consider how society should respond to such a situation. The role of judges and lawmakers becomes significant in shaping legislation and policies that protect the rights and well-being of the unborn. The pro-life movement seeks to advocate for the rights of the unborn and promote alternatives to abortion, aligning with the teachings of Jesus that prioritize the preservation of life.

While Jesus Christ did not explicitly speak about abortion, His teachings emphasize the sanctity of human life and the responsibility to protect and cherish every individual. Understanding the principles found in His teachings can guide Christians as they navigate the complexities of the abortion debate, always seeking to extend love, compassion, and support to pregnant women and their unborn babies.

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A Letter To Those Who Have Had An Abortion

You were on my mind today. I was pondering your emotional state. Perhaps you feel afraid, or you feel as though everything in your world has changed. Maybe you think that nobody can relate to your situation. Perhaps you are concerned about your finances, your impending motherhood, or simply getting through tomorrow.

Perhaps you worry that if you are a pregnant woman, your family will not support you or that your friends will not understand. It is possible that the man who had an impact on this child’s life is not involved or will not be in a way that inspires confidence in your future. Perhaps you think there is just one option available to you, or maybe you have never felt so alone.

I want to let you know that you are not alone. Some people can support you. You may have endured years of emotional and physical pain. However, there is a ministry that helps those who have experienced the trauma of abortion[1].

Each child is a gift. Every child brings an incredible opportunity, even when the pregnancy is not expected or unplanned. You have the chance to give birth to a child who has the potential to alter the course of human history drastically. I sincerely hope you will find the encouragement and fortitude needed to seek God’s forgiveness.

You and your child are both loved by God. It is hard to understand God during challenging situations. And I’m not sure why He decided to bless you with a child. However, I am confident He is with you and loves you, even in those circumstances. When He created you, He also created this child within you. Even if it is not comforting right now, it might be one day.

My prayers are with you and your child. Many other people are praying for you and your baby as well. Prayer may undoubtedly help you find the courage, strength, and calm you need on this unexpected journey. Prayer can move mountains and transform hearts, and I hope you discover that. May you find peace and love with God.

Astonishing Scriptures About Abortion

What is God’s word on abortion? God acknowledges the worth of every human life, from unborn children to the elderly, throughout the Bible. Let the following scriptures from the Bible serve as motivation for how highly esteemed you are in the eyes of our Creator:

  • When she is forced to drink water that brings a curse and bitter anguish, it will enter her, causing her abdomen to enlarge and her womb to miscarry, and she will become a curse. This will happen if she makes herself impure and disloyal to her husband (Numbers 5:27).
  • Offspring and children are both rewards from the Lord. Children born in one’s youth are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. The man with a loaded quiver is blessed. When they compete with their opponents in court, they will not be embarrassed (Psalms 127:3-5).
  • There are six things that the Lord hates, and the following seven things are abhorrent to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying mouth, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that fabricates evil plans, feet that move quickly to do evil, a false witness who spreads lies, and a person who spreads hate in the community (Proverbs 6:16–19).
  • They are now a little more human than the angels, and you have given them glory and dignity. You gave them control over the creations of your hands and placed everything under their control, including all herds, flocks, and wild animals (Psalms 8:5-7).
  • I will demand a reckoning for your lifeblood from both men and animals. “Whoever bleeds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God formed man in His image, and I will seek a reckoning for the life of man from his brother man” (Genesis 9:5–6).
  • Hold back those who are stumbling toward the slaughter, and save those who are being dragged away to be put to death. If you claim, “Look, we were unaware of this,” does the heart-weighter not sense it? He who keeps watch over your soul must be aware of it; otherwise, he would not reward a man according to his deeds (Proverbs 24:11–12).
  • If my people humble themselves, pray, seek me, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land, even when I command the locust to devour the land, shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, send pestilence among my people, or control the locust to devour the land (2 Chronicles 7:13–14).
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Conclusion

Abortion, not the death penalty, is the main topic of discussion regarding the right to life. Abortion opponents use dozens of verses that mention the developing fetus, yet none of them expressly forbid abortion. Yet our sympathy must be distinct from the rest of the world.

Christ’s compassion unites us in our support of women and gives them hope that they will make wonderful mothers and have abundant life. Most importantly, it gives them the tools they need to keep pursuing their goals even after having a child. The church, as the body of Christ, must take the initiative to reach out with our hands and hearts to those who are seeking the truth.

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