LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Jan. 20
The love of God should guide abortion dialogue
___ Genesis 1:26-28; Exodus 20:13; Psalm 119:73; Proverbs 6:16-17; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 22:37-40
___By Pete Freeman
___First Baptist Church, The Woodlands
___In approaching this lesson, it might be wise to remember the adage: "You can please all of the people part of the time, some of the people all of the time, but never can you please all of the people all the time."
___Therefore, the issue of abortion is one of those Bible study lessons that naturally creates its own tensions. We are a nation divided on the issue. Recent polls continue to show an even split among Americans in our understand
ing of the sanctity of human life.
___Generally, we Baptists are opposed to the concept of abortion. But realistically, we do have our differences when it comes down to the particulars surrounding the occasion for abortion. Votes taken at conventions or comments made by various Baptist leaders do not always properly reflect the reality of our actions.
___Properly relating to and articulating one's understanding about the sanctity of life requires a thorough knowledge of the biblical evidence, a careful application of that knowledge and a sensitivity toward the human dilemma. A Christian must be cognizant of all three of these requirements if he or she is to be a witness in the midst of a sanctity-of-life crisis.
___Taking the position that all abortion is wrong or that all abortion is right seems to be a way of minimizing the gravity of this issue. Life is not as simple as some would make it, nor is it as frivolous as others would make it. Of course, some Christians want a rule for everything and others do not want any rules at all. It is within this context that we must understand and apply biblical truths to any sanctity-of-life crisis.
___Instead of following the suggested outline in our Bible study materials, it might be wise to reverse the order of the texts. Since most Baptists believe there is more light in the New Testament than in the Old Testament, why don't we interpret our Old Testament passages in light of the revelation we find in the New Testament?
___Therefore, Matthew 22:37-40 stands as the basis for understanding the issue of abortion. It articulates the greatest commandment of all. Note that Jesus is unapologetic about the role of love as it relates to our interpretation and application of Old Testament truths (22:40). The Disciple Study Bible says: "Jesus provided the best summary possible of all the Old Testament revelation. He focused all Scripture on the priority of a right relationship with God and then with neighbors."
___Lest some are tempted to reduce this matter called "love" to whatever they want it to mean, a thorough understanding of the word is needed. The love spoken in these verses is not void of relational or ethical content. Jesus always spoke of a love that is consistent with obedience to his teachings. His emphasis seems to be that as we apply biblical truths, it ought to be done with a spirit of love and a sensitivity toward the human dilemma (John 4:1-26; 8:1-11).
___With this in mind, we can now better understand our other texts. Genesis 1:26-28 and Psalm 119:73 help us to realize that God has created every human being in his image. The world "selem" means "likeness or image of same." Therefore, both man and woman reflect the Creator's characteristics. Since God created human beings to take an unfinished creation and subdue it, we, like him, are to view every human being as special. Therefore, the sanctity of human life should be a priority of all Christians. This speaks volumes about abortion, euthanasia, suicide, human rights, world hunger and other critical issues we face today.
___Jeremiah 1:5 gives a very realistic understanding of how God sees the birth of every human being. It stresses that God has a far-reaching purpose for Jeremiah's life before he was born. Therefore, believers should take a stand against abortion on demand or convenience abortion. However, such a stand should be consistent with the love ethics as stated in Matthew 22:37-40.
___Exodus 20:13 and Proverbs 6:16-17 address the matter of disregarding the sanctity of human life to the point of shedding innocent blood. Of course, these verses are central reference points to the Old Testament's teaching about the sacredness of life. Such verses view life as a gift from God.
___It is obvious that its intent is directed toward vengeful killing. According to most commentators, it implies that no one should take lightly the process of taking another person's life.
___Yet we need to be very careful before we label abortion as murder. Sometimes, like divorce or killing during a war, it is the lesser choice of two evils. If we choose to refer to abortion as murder, then we need to be consistent and label all acts of killing as murder (war, death penalty, etc.). One LifeWay Christian Resources writer said, "'murder' and 'murderer' are legal terms and are not to be used in relation to the practice of legalized abortion." This does not mean most abortions are not horrible acts of sin.
___What most of us need today is a deeper sense of the love of God in our lives as we relate to this matter of abortion. Murder, abortion and euthanasia are not unforgivable sins! Because Christians might differ in their opinions about abortion, this does not make either of them a lesser citizen of the kingdom of God.
___
___Questions for discussion
___ What makes abortion such a powerful issue in the church and nation?
___ How would a deeper sense of the love of God affect the way we relate to the issue of abortion?
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