Why Do We Do That? Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
For three years now, we have given one Sunday in January to participating with many other churches in what is known as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. We do not see these matters as political issues to be avoided from the pulpit; but rather, deeply moral and spiritual issues that must be spoken to from God’s Word.
We have a conviction that godless worldviews result in a devaluing of human life. The consequences of denying the Creator and sustainer of life in our world today are seen in atrocities such as racism, inhumane care for the elderly or disabled, human trafficking, euthanasia and what is the most appalling legalized crime against humanity perhaps in world history…abortion.
This week marks the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision of 1973, where abortion was first legalized. Every day in America, since that decision, more than 4,000 babies have been killed in the womb which has now totaled more than 51 million lives. The most dangerous place to be today in the United States, is in a mother’s womb.
And so we preach on this Sunday regarding the Lord God’s view regarding life. We focus upon the value of human life, the call of believers to be change agents in the shepherding of their children and grandchildren, in their voting, in their pointing others to truth and in their ministry to those who have walked this dark road. The only other option is to sit idly by while thousands continue to be slaughtered under our national laws.
For those who have been partners with this evil in our nation; for those who have engaged themselves or encouraged others in the evil abortion; there is hope, there is grace and there is mercy to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ just as Norma McCorvey found. She was the plaintiff Jane Roe in the 1973 case and today fights for the life of the unborn that she once fought against. We are always available to point you to the forgiveness, grace and new life that you can have in Jesus.
See a pastor or elder today if you would like to talk further.
From the Westminster Larger Catechism
Q. 134: Which is the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment is, “Thou shalt not kill.”
Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment? The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others so by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any…
The following are contemplations taken from an article by Pastor John Piper regarding abortion:
1. Existing fetal homicide laws make a man guilty of manslaughter if he kills the baby in a mother's womb (except in the case of abortion).
2. Fetal surgery is performed on babies in the womb to save them while another child the same age is being legally destroyed.
3. Babies can sometimes survive on their own at 23 or 24 weeks, but abortion is still legal beyond this limit.
4. Living on its own is not the criterion of human personhood, as we know from the use of respirators and dialysis.
5. Size is irrelevant to human personhood, as we know from the difference between a one-week-old and a six-year-old.
6. Developed reasoning powers are not the criterion of personhood, as we know from the capacities of three-month-old babies.
7. Infants in the womb are human beings scientifically by virtue of their genetic make-up.
8. Ultrasounds have given a stunning window on the womb that shows the unborn at eight weeks sucking his thumb, recoiling from pricking, and responding to sound. All the organs are present, the brain is functioning, the heart is pumping, the liver is making blood cells, the kidneys are cleaning fluids, and there is a fingerprint. Virtually all abortions happen later than this date.
9. Justice dictates that when two legitimate rights conflict, the limitation of rights that does the least harm is the most just. Bearing a child for adoption does less harm than killing him.
10. Justice dictates that when either of two people must be inconvenienced or hurt to alleviate their united predicament, the one who bore the greater responsibility for the predicament should bear more of the inconvenience or hurt to alleviate it.
11. Justice dictates that a person may not coerce harm on another person by threatening voluntary harm on themselves.
12. The outcast, the disadvantaged, and the exploited are to be cared for in a special way, especially those with no voice of their own.
13. What is happening in the womb is the unique person-nurturing work of God, who alone has the right to give and take life.
14. There are countless clinics that offer life and hope to both mother and child (and father and parents), with care of every kind lovingly provided by people who will meet every need they can.
15. Jesus Christ can forgive all sins and will give all who trust in him the help they need to do everything that life requires.