“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these ar Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” - Declaration of Independence
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you”- Jeremiah 1:5
When does life begin? This question has been debated over and over again since the 1973 landmark Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Some say at conception, others say at birth. Most scientist would actually agree with pro-life supporters that life begins at conception. Others argue that while life does begin at conception that a fetus is not human until it is viable outside the mothers womb. So what does the scriptures say about life? Looking closely at Jeremiah 1:5 we see that even before our conception God knew us. If I am to believe God’s word, then life begins even before conception.
“Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”- Psalm 139:16
If you take time to read the entire chapter of Psalm 139 you will find that life is precious. It is a gift that God gives to us. Psalm 139:14 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” There are no accidents when it comes to human life. God knows us and has plans for us. This makes all human life sacred and worthy of respect.
Since the fall of man there has been a continuing effort by the enemy to de-value human life. Throughout history you will find those who killed because they thought certain individuals or people groups did not measure up to a standard. Just last week we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and his message that people should not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Our history books remind us of the holocaust, when over 6 million Jews were exterminated because someone thought their lives had no value. Today terrorist strap bombs to themselves and kill innocent life because they believe people to be evil and unworthy of life. Since 1973 there have been over 50 million recorded abortions in the United States alone. It has been estimated that around 42 million abortions are preformed each year world wide. What does this say about humanity and our view of human life?
I don’t think it is possible to thank God enough for the grace and mercy that he shows mankind. He created us in his own image (Gen 1:27). Later Jesus would die for our sins and give us the right to become his own children (John 1:12). He takes a special interest in the weak, the overlooked, and the mistreated in our society. God shows no favortism when it comes to the value of life. Jesus reminds us that ”God so loved the world , that he gave his one and only son (John 3:16) “ I guess you could say that God places a high value on human life.
