What Does The Bible Say About Abortion?
When developing a biblical worldview, I’ve found a four-step process that will helps me think critically and biblically about the most important cultural tensions and issues facing Christians today. If you follow this process, I believe it will help you respond wisely by learning how to apply the truth of scripture to build a biblical worldview.
Unfortunately, just like people can drift from the truth because of apathy or lack of knowledge, followers of Jesus can also drift from the truth because of confirmation bias. It’s the tendency to interpret scripture to confirm existing beliefs or views that may be inconsistent with scripture.
Let Scripture shape your beliefs, rather than confirm existing beliefs.
How do followers of Jesus view topics like marriage, abortion, human sexuality, gender dysphoria, racism, politics and government, education, science, theological differences, and more?
My role as a pastor is not to tell you what to believe but to teach you how to let the truth of scripture shape your beliefs.
A biblical worldview is learning to see important issues through the lens of following Jesus.
Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Humans are born with an innate desire for autonomy. However, following Jesus is a decision to bring your life under his lordship in every area, shaping your worldview.
Here’s the four-step process to walk through to develop a biblical worldview:
1) Why is {issue} a big deal?
2) What biblical principle applies?
3) How do we speak the truth with grace?
4) How do we care for those who have fallen short?
Let’s break down each one by using abortion as an example.
1) Why is abortion a big deal?
Abortion has been determined in our nation as an option to end an unwanted pregnancy. Abortion is the deliberate ending of human life in the womb. Abortion devalues the most vulnerable among us — children in the womb.
2) What biblical principle applies?
We discover biblical principles by reading the Word of God and inviting the Spirit of God to guide us into all truth. Biblical principles are timeless and unchanging. It may be tempting to search for scriptures to confirm beliefs. One way to prevent this is to read scripture in context, then ask the Holy Spirit to show you the timeless principle and how it applies to everyday life.
Here are a few scriptures to form a biblical principle that can help shape a worldview on abortion:
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3).
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (James 1:27).
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).
The biblical principle:
Every human life is sacred, created in the image of God as his best work.
Because of this principle, we should protect the most precious gift of human life in the womb and out of the womb. And we should work towards reducing the premeditated ending of human life.
Are there certain situations that make this complex? Yes — if the mother’s health is in danger, or if it’s a crisis pregnancy situation. If you’re walking with someone or are currently in one of these situations, I would encourage you to find medical guidance and support from professionals who view human life as sacred. Align Life Ministries is one of many ministries that helps those in crisis pregnancy situations.
3) How do we speak the truth with grace?
Follow the example of Jesus. He didn’t shy away from the truth. He loved people by speaking the truth and showing compassion. He didn’t accuse nor condemn, but he was clear, direct, and kind.
To the woman who was caught in the act of adultery, Jesus said, “I don’t condemn you. But go and sin no more” (John 8).
Remember, abortion is, first and foremost, a human issue, not a political argument to win. Consider how you would approach someone who is contemplating having an abortion.
How would you represent Jesus in that interaction?
We can communicate that we value life while offering practical help to care for those in need.
4) How do we care for those who have fallen short of God’s standard?
We’ve all fallen short of God’s standard. We all are sinners saved by grace. Followers of Jesus must follow his example. He taught us to treat others the way we would want to be treated, to care for others the way he cares for us. Compassion should steer our conversations and interactions with those who have had abortions. Suggest resources like counseling or contacting a pastor (you can reach our Pastor On Call at 717-366-7226). Overall, let love be the filter for your conversations.
Consider using these four questions to shape your worldview. Take the time to search for scriptures to discover biblical principles. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. And most importantly —
Let’s be like Jesus as we direct people to him.