Few issues have generated as much debate, disagreement, emotion and rhetoric as the issue of abortion. As Christians, we must base our lives and our faith on God's Word. It is the subject of countless articles, books, speeches and demonstrations. For many of the questions there seem to be no concrete answers, neither scientific nor ethical.
One of the central questions is, "When does life actually begin?" Another is, "In what way does life begin?"
Every human being is a unique, distinct living being from the moment of conception. There is much debate about at what point one can speak of life beginning in that being - does it happen at conception, or when the heart begins to beat, or otherwise at some point?
God knew all life from eternity
As Christians, we base our lives and our faith on God's Word. Although no one can scientifically confirm when life really begins, we know from the Bible that God is the Creator and the source of all life. When God first created Adam the man, he did not come to life until God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" (Genesis 2:7). Accordingly, it is not a chemical process that brings the unborn child to life, but it is the breath breathed in by God, and no one is able to say when this takes place.
Not only does God know each person even before they begin to exist, He even has a purpose with each individual life.
Life is sacred, pure and inviolable, and we must respect it just as we respect God, the giver of all life. The Bible makes it clear that God knows all things, including what is yet to come, and He has known it from eternity. Thus, He has always known every person and every life - even before conception.
Not only does God know each individual before they begin to exist, He even has a purpose with each individual life. This is clearly described in the Psalms:
"For you prepared my kidneys and formed me in my mother's womb. I thank thee that I am wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works; this my soul knoweth. My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed down in the earth. Thine eyes saw me, when I was not yet prepared; and all the days were written in thy book, which were yet to be, and of which there was none. Psalm 139, 13-16.
"Logical" reasons for abortion
There are a variety of reasons why people choose to terminate a pregnancy early. Although abortion has been practiced in all cultures throughout history, medical advances and changing social norms in modern society have made it more attainable, and receive greater acceptance, than in previous generations. "Reasonableness" or "selfishness," as some would argue, are some of the main reasons: the timing is not right, the parents have calculated that they cannot afford another child, the pregnancy is socially unacceptable, etc. Nevertheless, it is not our business to terminate life, for God's Word clearly states, "You shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13). "Terminating" a developing life for these reasons is sin against God and against the unborn life.
It is no small matter to be accountable to God for terminating a life that God created. Transgressing God's laws and God's will causes sorrow and suffering, and many must continue to live with enormous psychological and spiritual burdens after they have performed or forced an abortion. True forgiveness and healing can only come by seeking God, who is Lord over life. He is a merciful and loving God and will give peace to the one who seeks Him with a sincere heart.
God is not prejudiced
Science has made it possible to detect many disabilities and "abnormalities" at an early stage in a developing fetus. Some argue that the fetus with a clear disability can never live a full life and the most humane and reasonable thing to do would be to terminate the pregnancy. However, the Bible teaches us that human beings were created in God's image, and each was formed according to his or her divine destiny. Thus, it is not up to human beings to judge who may live and who must die. God is not prejudiced, even toward the weak, the disadvantaged, and the unborn. He created them as well. To end an unborn life because it is not "perfect" is to assume God's role, and who is it that has been given this authority?
"For he who formed me in the womb, he also formed my servant. We both owe our lives to him!" Job 31:15.
"Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel and his Maker: 'Will you take me to task because of my sons? And will ye command me because of the work of my hands? I have made the earth and created man upon it. It is I whose hands have stretched out the heavens, and who have commanded all His host" Isaiah 45:10-12.
Making a decision together with God
Some situations are anything but clear-cut, and not all abortions are done for "selfish" reasons. Here it is absolutely necessary to have a personal connection with God. This means being completely aligned with God's will and instructions, even if they go against one's own will and mind. Based on this, one is then responsible for one's own decision. Everything one does must be done in faith, with faith in and obedience to Almighty God, the giver and taker of all life, the righteous judge who has immeasurable love and care for every living being, and a divine purpose for every life - for the mother, the unborn child, and all others involved. Every decision made together with God is a matter of the people involved and God, and here no other human being is able to pass judgment.
Christianity is based on faith in Almighty God and in His creative power in natural and spiritual things. The Bible, the Word of God, is the foundation for our way of life. We trust in God, the Almighty Creator, who knows all things, including the life of the yet unborn child. We, his creatures, are called to live for him, in awe and worship, in full unshakable faith in his boundless love, goodness and wisdom. Every decision made together with God brings peace and tranquility. We believe that many lives would have been spared had God been sought before these decisions were made.