The Bible is clear in its condemnation of abortion. Bothered by the debate on this issue, many believers want to know, ‘What does the Bible say about abortion?’ NLT. The Bible does not mince words when it comes to this subject – abortion is considered moral and spiritual wrong.
What does the Bible say about Abortion? NLT
According to Exodus 21:22-25, if men fight and injure a pregnant woman, causing her to lose her baby, punishment must be exacted. However, if it seems as though no harm was done to her or her baby, only a fine must be paid. This suggests that life in the womb is considered valuable, as any intentional harm done to that life would be punishable.
Psalm 139:13-16 paints a vivid picture of God’s involvement even in the earliest stages of human life. He weaves each person together in their mother’s womb, knows every detail about them (even before they’re born!) and is actively working in crafting and forming them – even in the darkness of their mother’s womb.
Job 10:8-12 likewise shows a picture of a life from conception onward. The Creator not only creates each person and puts in them the breath of life but, like in the Psalm 139 passage, is actively involved in their lives as He continues to work until the day of their death.
The book of Isaiah shows that God knew us, and even called us by name while we were in our mother’s womb (Isaiah 49:1, 5). God even went so far as to say before we were born He had set us apart for a divine purpose (Isaiah 44:1-5, 24).
In the New Testament, Luke 1:36-45 speaks of how God kept His promise to Elizabeth and gave her a child in her ancient age. In this case, the child was John the Baptist. Here we see that God’s divine hand of blessing was on a baby, from the time of his conception to his live birth.
The Bible teaches that God values life, both the unborn and the born, and gives us commandment to do the same. He plans for us to fully come to life only through His power. Even in the earliest stages of conception, God is working out His plan for each person’s life.
What The Bible Says About Care for The Unborn
We see throughout the Bible that God commands us to protect and care for those who are most vulnerable – the unborn child being a prime example. Psalm 71:6 speaks of the unborn child and the hope that God gives even to the weakest. In Psalm 82:3-4, God reminds us that we must defend the weak and fatherless – including the unborn.
InHosea 13:16, the Lord exclaims “I will no longer show my love to them; but I will remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.” We see from this verse the Lord’s warning that we must care for the unborn, or else He will retaliate with wrath and judgement.
Isaiah 41:10 reinforces to us the call to protect the weak and needy; among which includes the unborn. In Isaiah 49:15, Isaiah reminds us that God will not forget or forsake us, and also strengthens the biblical basis for caring for the most vulnerable, especially the unborn.
As Christians, we are to dole out justice and protect the innocent, as shown in Psalm 82:3-4 and Isaiah 1:17. God has given us the clear message: protect those who cannot protect themselves.
God also has high regard for people who come to the aid of the vulnerable and the doomed. Proverbs 24:11 talks about this special kindness as seen in the example of one who saves a helpless baby from killer.
Finally, Jeremiah 1:5 reveals the truth that God had always known us, even before He formed us in our mother’s womb, emphasizing the special value and significance of our pre-born life to Him.
What Does The Bible Say About Abortion?
It is clear from the Bible that God considers life in the womb as valuable and worthy of protection. Intentionally destroying that life is seen as an attack on God’s plan and purpose for each person’s life.
Exodus 20:13 presents us with the most well-known commandment, “You shall not murder.” This commandment is a blanket statement which prohibits the taking of human life, in any form, at any stage. Meaning, God expects us not to take away from the life of others, whether it’s in the form of murder, killing, or abortion.
Psalm 127:3declares that “children are a gift from the Lord and their children are a reward.” The same wording is found in Psalm 127:5. But if we take away this precious gift of a life that was created by God, can we expect to be rewarded for it? The simple answer is ‘No.’
Ecclesiastes 11:5 teaches us that living is a gift from God and is under His authority. All human life is in His hands, at every stage and in every place. When an abortion is performed, it is technically killing, which the Bible deems as wrong and immoral.
The Bible gives an entirely clear and unmistakable answer to the moral dilemma of abortion. God values life, and it is His will to protect it, at every age and stage. We should recognize the value of a life God has created, just as He does.
The Bible’s View of its Practical Application
It is absolutely clear from the Bible that God values the lives of those in the womb, and expects us to do the same. It is also clear that He expects us to protect those that are unable to protect themselves.
God’s Word is for us to both believe and act upon. To be obedient we must apply the Bible’s message to our life. This means we must not only accept the truths of God’s Word as truth, but we must apply them as well.
In James 1:22-25, we are urged to not merely listen but to act upon the word of God. We should be doers of God’s Word and not just hearers. We are expected to use the message given to be blessing and bring hope to those who may be oppressed and without hope.
The Bible also encourages us to stand up for what is right and peaceful. We should not be swayed by popular opinions or be a part of anything that goes against what God’s Word stands for. It is wrong to take part in something that does not honor and protect life, specifically that of the unborn.
The Bible does not condone abortion, but that doesn’t mean we should remain silent on the issue. We must be active in loving our neighbor, by not only speaking out against abortion, but also standing up for the unborn.
How God’s People Can Reflect His Heart
God calls us to be like-minded; to feel the same thing as He does. The Bible tells us more than once to be compassionate, just as God is compassionate. We can also think of others as God would – in a loving,kind, and merciful way.
James 3:17 encourages us to be peacemakers and live as God’s children, and to let God’s perfect peace rule in our hearts. God desires a peaceful coexistence between us and our neighbors.
This does not mean that when there is a difference of opinion,we should disregard that difference, nor does it mean that we should shut down conversations. Instead, we should approach each other in the same way God approached us – with love.
God also wishes for us to stand up for what is right and seek justice, as we can see in Luke 18:7. We should be willing to stand for truth and justice and speak up for those who do not have a voice, like the unborn.
God’s heart is for us to extend the same mercy, love, kindness, and care for the unborn that He extends to us. We should follow God’s example of how to treat others, even if we do not agree with their beliefs.
God’s love for all lives should be reflected in the way we interact with people,including those who have a different opinion about abortion. We should not fear to have these conversations but instead be sure to, as illustrated in Proverbs 10:19, “sin is not ended by multiplying words.”
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
