Life
The Giver of BY BARRY R APER
Since the Supreme Court handed down its decision on Roe v. Wade in 1973, more than 60 million babies have been aborted in the United States. Keep in mind, this is the number reported; the actual number is likely higher. Thankfully, the average number of abortions in the U.S. has been declining in recent years. In 1991, 1.6 million abortions were reported in America. That number shrank to 900,000 in 2020. However, if we really believe abortion is taking the life of the unborn, that number still reflects nearly a million babies murdered in 2020. The recent Dobbs decision was a great victory. However, much of the American public still doesn’t believe abortion is wrong. As Christians, we must continue to defend the rights of the unborn, to win over individuals to embrace the sanctity of all life, including life inside the mother’s womb.
My purpose in this article is not to consider the biological data that demonstrates clearly when life begins, but to consider the theology behind our defense of life. Our behavior and life choices as Christians should be driven by our underlying beliefs about who God is, what He is like, our beliefs about ourselves and humanity, and what is right and wrong.
Many say Scripture is silent on the issue of abortion. We must concede the Bible never uses the term abortion. However, the Bible is anything but silent because the entire Word of God demonstrates God is the Giver of life, and He stands for protecting innocent life. Consider Psalm 139, one of the most familiar and often-quoted psalms. Three affirmations in this passage speak clearly to this issue.
God knows me. Verses 1-6 describe the omniscience of God. He sees and knows everything perfectly. David rejoiced that God was intimately acquainted with all his ways. God did not create the world and then stand at a distance to watch history unfold. He’s not like far-removed family or friends who must be filled in on the events of your life at reunions. No! He is always present and involved in every area of your life.