Abortion is a complex topic often debated within religious and secular communities. Although the Bible does not mention abortion explicitly, many interpret certain verses as indirect responses to the issue, shedding light on abortion in the Bible and revealing God’s view on life in the womb.
For purposes of this study, abortion is defined as:
“Any instrument, medicine, drug, or other substance or device used to terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant, with the intention of purposes other than increasing the probability of a live birth, preserving the life or health of the child after live birth, or removing a dead fetus.”
(Definition from Illinois Law—720 ILCS 510/2)
Controversial issue.
It is a dark day for America. When we cannot even come to a consensus to outlaw partial birth abortions in our land, the end must be near.
I remember watching the news recently and seeing the story about the woman who was caught beating her child in the backseat of her car. It was all over the news. Why is there so much sensation about that, but absolutely NOTHING about doctors tearing the arms and legs from children every day? Why is there NOTHING said in the media about doctors?
God’s word about this topic.
Arguments for abortion from the world (which can confuse Christians) and how to answer them according to scripture. (Note: If someone doesn’t believe the Bible or have any convictions from God, they won’t be moved by scripture or God’s word, but perhaps the spirit of God moving in your life will impact their life as well…)
The goal is to study the Bible effectively—understanding God’s Word in depth—while also examining the worldly arguments for abortion, and reviewing statistical and factual information. In the end provide the student with the ability to answer all those who would ask about this topic with a godly response.
Proverbs 8:35-36 – 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)?
Seems to be a popular phrase these days. Can anyone imagine Jesus counseling a woman to get an abortion? Is this wisdom from above or sensual devilish wisdom from below?
Let’s start right at the Ten Commandments:
“Thou shalt not kill.”
Is that plain enough?
Jeremiah 19:3: The Lord says to the kings of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, “Hear the word of the Lord. I will bring disaster upon this place, so severe that anyone who hears of it will be shocked.”
4 The Lord warns that the people have forsaken Him, defiled the land with idol worship, and shed innocent blood.
5 They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind.
6 As a result, this place will no longer be known as Tophet or the Valley of Hinnom but as the Valley of Slaughter.
7 The people will fall to their enemies, and their bodies will be left for the birds and beasts to consume.
8 The city will become desolate, and those who pass by will be horrified by its destruction.
9 In the siege, they will be reduced to eating their own children and neighbors due to the severe famine and danger.
It is not God’s mind or will to kill innocent children.
Who Creates Life?
One of the big questions in this issue is “Who makes life?” Is is just two people coming together or does God have anything to do with the creation of souls?
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Act 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
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Social Aspect
The Bible is very clear on the sanctity of human life. However, many people (even in the Christian arena) have been misled by the plethora of distorted, unfactual, and biased information
Quiz: (Write on the chalkboard “Pro-Life Movement”)
Ask: “What is the other side of the “Pro-Life Movement?”
(Do they answer “Pro-Choice” or “Pro-Abortion” or “Pro-Death”?)
Why is murder of an infant any more a choice than, say, murder of someone who irritates me at work, or steals my rake from the back yard. (Okay, you say he doesn’t deserve death for this offense. I think he does. Either way is right….)
Often, the “Pro-Choice” lobby tries to make Christians out to be the calloused, uncaring, insensitive side of the issue, and tries to make themselves out to be the champion of the mother’s health and well-being. We need to have the right perspective and the right answers.
We are being desensitized to death by our society. Violence on television, violence in video games, abortion, assisted suicide, reports in the nightly news, war documentaries, etc…
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 8:36 KJV – 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Roe vs. Wade would have been unthinkable in 1875, 1910, 1930, 1940, 1950. What happened in the 1960s? Or what was happening to that point that allowed such a radical change in the 1960s?
Is all life not equal? Even if you don’t believe in God, do you hold the authority of whose life is valuable and whose life is not valuable? That was the sort of thinking of the Nazis.
If it is okay to kill an unborn baby, then what about after it is born? What is the age cut-off to killing the imperfect? One month? Six months?
Don’t think we are so far away from this line of thinking. Some government officials are on record advocating for the killing of babies AFTER they are born.
What about the old and sickly? Eventually our society will be spending a lot of money on medical costs and subsistence. We cannot afford this. Should we establish a maximum life span and kill all those who exceed it?
Final Thoughts
Abortion is a contentious issue with both moral and spiritual dimensions. From a biblical perspective, the sanctity of life is clear, and ANY ACT OF TAKING INNOCENT LIFE CONTRADICTS GOD’S WILL. While society often frames the issue around personal rights, scripture calls believers to uphold the value of life, both before and after birth.
Christians are called to stand firm in the belief that all life is sacred and should be protected, offering a compassionate response rooted in God’s Word.
Daniel Lantis has been a pastor and professional speaker for over 41 years, dedicating his life to serving Christ. Throughout his journey, he has given generously, whether it’s money, cars, or buildings, and has never lacked anything in return. He encourages others to give their resources to Jesus, trusting that He will provide abundantly.
