Understanding The Sanctity of Life

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book, they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.”
Psalm 139:13 – 17 (NKJV)

On January 13, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating January 22 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. He remarked it was the 11th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. This Supreme Court ruling legalized abortion in all 50 states.

This year will celebrate the 40th anniversary of our nation’s observing the sanctity of human life. Nevertheless, praying for a culture of life in our community and our country is still vitally important. Abortion, especially chemical abortion, continues to occur.

Each January, churches nationwide will once again pledge to observe the sanctity of human life while praying for our nation and the pro-life movement.

Today’s message is in keeping with the great controversy in our nation – Pro-Life vs. Abortion (Pro-choice…for the mother only). Some even refer to it as pro-death.

It seems that Christians are at all different places on the spectrum. Many of you believe in pro-life and the sanctity of life…but why?

I will show you Biblically and somewhat scientifically what we who claim to call ourselves Christians ought to know and do about this critical issue.

While this message must be given, it will most likely be difficult to receive for some of the following reasons:

1. The prevailing attitude is, “My mind is made up; therefore, don’t confuse me with the facts!”
2. It is too graphic for a public Christian service. Sin and its consequences are always disgusting, i.e., in the Old Testament example of the death of wicked Queen Jezebel.
3. It is a political issue. But more so, it is Biblical because God has spoken on this subject.
4. Less is being said about it today, and Christians have moved on to other issues.
5. There are some who have had abortions and are still dealing with the “silent wounds” of this pain.

However, no matter how challenging this issue is, Christians must respond. So, what should my response be to Understanding The SANCTITY OF LIFE?

I NEED TO:

1. Understand the Seriousness of the Problem

• There is no such thing as a safe abortion. The abortion procedure itself is only “successful” when the life of the unborn child ends. Yet it is not only the child whose life is in danger from this violent practice.

There are two types of abortions: surgical or chemical. Depending on the size of the baby, a surgical abortion is a procedure where the unborn child is torn out of the womb with forceps and suctioning the baby through a vacuum. The baby is reduced to nothing more than medical waste.

A chemical abortion utilizes the “abortion pill,” which involves starving the baby of nutrients and then inducing labor for the woman to expel her baby. This procedure is very painful, emotionally traumatic, and can last up to a week or more.*

Abortion clinics most often do not have the capability to care for women when something goes wrong, such as a punctured uterus.

• The potential physical side effects.** Side effects may occur with induced abortion, whether surgical or by pill. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abortion also carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection, and damage to organs. Serious complications occur in less than 1 out of 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Complications may include:

o Heavy Bleeding
o Infection
o Incomplete Abortion
o Damage to the Cervix
o Scarring of the Uterine Lining
o Perforation of the Uterus
o Damage to Internal Organs
o Death
o Consider Other Risks of Abortion
o Abortion and Preterm Birth for future pregnancies
o Links to Abortion and Breast Cancer

• The emotional and psychological impact of abortion. There is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in both emotional and physical health. For some women, these negative emotions may be extreme and can appear within days or after many years. This psychological response is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. Possible symptoms:

o Eating disorders
o Relationship problems
o Guilt
o Depression
o Flashbacks of abortion
o Suicidal thoughts
o Sexual dysfunction
o Alcohol and drug abuse
o Spiritual Consequences

2. Understand the Heart and Mind of God on This Subject

Born and unborn children have a special place in God’s heart. The ill-treatment of these little ones will bring about God’s judgment upon society.

A. Children are the joy of God’s heart:

1. 1. They come from God – – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3–5.
   2. They are used as object lessons of salvation and kingdom blessing “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3,4.
   3. They are used as an example of receiving Christ as personal Savior “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:5.
   4. They are blessed by Christ – – “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.” Matthew 19:13 – 15.

B. Unborn children are created in the image of God and are His handiwork.

1. 1. They are treated as persons in the womb – – “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:4, 5; Luke 1:41–44; Galatians 1:15.
   2. They are never forgotten by God – – “Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted. But Zion [Israel] said, “The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.” Isaiah 49:13 – 16.

C. Aborted children are the ultimate forms of child abuse as the violent destruction of God’s handiwork.

1. 1. The abuse of children in any manner is an abomination to God – – “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Again, you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘Whoever of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who gives any of his descendants to Molech, he shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. I will set My face against that man, and will cut him off from his people, because he has given some of his descendants to Molech, to defile My sanctuary and profane My holy name. And if the people of the land should in any way hide their eyes from the man, when he gives some of his descendants to Molech, and they do not kill him, then I will set My face against that man and against his family; and I will cut him off from his people, and all who prostitute themselves with him to commit harlotry with Molech.” Leviticus 20:1–5; 2 Kings 8:7–13; Amos 1:13.
   2. The test of how we treat Christ is measured by how we treat even the very least of humanity – – “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40.
   3. The Lord warns all child abusers that He sees all abuse – – “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6.

D. There is no distinction in the Bible between a child in the womb and a child after birth.

The Hebrew word yeled means “child” and refers to postnatal life in Exodus 21:4 and prenatal life in verse 22. The Greek word brephos according to Greek scholar W.E. Vines, denotes (a) an “unborn child,” as in Luke 1:41,44; (b) “a newborn child, or an infant still older,” Luke 2:12,16; 18:15; Acts 7:19; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 2:2.” [Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishers, 1985, p.48].

E. Scripture equates blood with life–Genesis 9:4–6; Leviticus 17:11.

The shedding of blood is called sin—Jeremiah 22:3; Genesis 9:4–6; Exodus 21:12. Since every fetus has its own blood, the shedding of that blood is as indeed the taking of life (soul and body) as it would be in any other circumstance or situation.

F. The mandate of God for life is to be fruitful and multiply “after their own kind.”

Not to do so, primarily because of abortion, is a sin – – “And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it.” Genesis 9:7.

* Historic Christianity was staunchly pro-life.

• • John Calvin, the leader of the Swiss Reformation, is reported to have said, “The unborn child…though enclosed in the womb of its mother, is already a human being and should not be robbed of the life which it has not yet begun to enjoy. If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house than in a field, because a man’s house is his place of most secure refuge, it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy an unborn child in the womb before it has come to light.”

3. Refute the Myths (Misinformation) About Abortion

A. Abortion is necessary in the case of rape.

1. 1. Conception from criminal rape is rare because women do not customarily ovulate during times of intense fear and anguish.
   2. At one time, no conception from rape was reported in Chicago, St. Paul, or Philadelphia over a 10-year period, and none in Buffalo, NY, in 30 years of record keeping.
   3. Studies show that 0 – 2.2% conceive in as many as 5,000 rapes.
   4. If pregnancy occurs from rape, abortion doesn’t remove the trauma or guilt of rape. Abortion is as violent to one’s conscience and “body” as is rape.

B. Abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother.

1. 1. One renowned surgeon remarked that in 36 years of pediatric surgery, he has never known of one instance where the child had to be aborted to save the mother’s life.
   2. Dr. Bernard Nathanson, a leading gynecologist, believes fewer than 20 of 100,000 pregnant women will die because of pregnancy.

C. Abortion is necessary to reduce illegal back-alley abortions.

1. 1. Before legalization, licensed physicians performed 85–90% of abortions, not “quacks”.
   2. More women are suffering physically and emotionally today because abortions have risen to over 1.5 million yearly.

D. Abortion is necessary to prevent child abuse.

1. 1. Abortion itself is a form of child abuse.
   2. Children from unplanned pregnancies represent 10% or fewer of abuse cases.
   3. Often, child abuse rises in families who have had a pregnancy termination.
   4. When abortion was legalized in 1973, child abuse rose 500% by 1982, from 167,000 to 929,000.

E. A woman has a “right” to control her own body.

1. 1. True—but not the right to control by killing another individual body—the unborn child.
   2. “Biologically, at no stage can we subscribe to the view that the fetus is a mere appendage of the mother. Genetically, mother and baby are separate individuals from conception.” –Dr. A. Wiley, the father of fetology.

F. A human fetus cannot feel pain.

1. 1. Microscopic photography reveals what is called the “silent scream.”
   2. Twenty-six researchers and two past presidents of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirmed in a letter to former President Ronald Reagan that fetuses do experience pain.

G. Abortion is necessary to control the population and food supply.

1. 1. Researchers Clark, Doxiadis, and Coale state the earth can sustain its present population several times.
   2. All 5 billion people living today can stand within the incorporated area of a major US city.
   3. 2% of Americans can feed 25% of the world.
   4. Except for immigration, America’s population would be declining due to abortion and low birth rate.

H. Abortion is necessary to save welfare (taxpayer’s) money.

1. 1. Economics professor Dr. Jacqueline R. Kasun has computed our nation’s economic loss from abortion to be about $100 billion yearly.
   2. Since legalizing abortion in 1973, our economic loss is over $1 trillion.

I. The child may be disabled or deformed.

1. 1. How?—Physically, mentally, spiritually?
   2. Are we all perfect in body and mind?
   3. Is abortion to be used to correct God’s “mistakes”—Psalm 139:13-16 cf. Exodus 4:11.
   4. A British medical journal included this contribution:

“One way of catching class attention is to ask what advice students would give when presented with the following family history. The father has syphilis, the mother tuberculosis; they have already had four children—the first child is blind, the second died, the third is deaf and cannot speak, and the fourth has tuberculosis. The mother is pregnant with her fifth child, and the parents are willing to have an abortion should you so decide…after the majority of the class express their favor of abortion, you tell them they have just murdered Ludwig Van Beethoven.”

4. Make Personal Choices Such As,

I Will:

• 1. Commit to personal moral purity – – “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18.
  2. Clear my conscience of past abortions – – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.
  3. Choose life over lifestyle – – “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” Deuteronomy 30:19.
  4. Consider adoption as a favorable option – – Exodus 1:15–2:10.
  5. Cooperate with others in promoting pro-life – – “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” Proverbs 24:11,12 cf. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it, When you have it with you.” Proverbs 3:27,28
  6. Comfort those who had an abortion or who have an unplanned pregnancy.
  7. Create a letter-writing or social media campaign.
  8. Consider personal involvement such as adoption, volunteering to shepherd unwed mothers in your home, volunteering to answer “helplines,” and getting involved in a Pro-Life ministry.

• 4500 American babies will be aborted (today).
• 1 in every 20 seconds
• 1.5 million yearly
• 180 during this service

Bibliography, Sources, and Web Links

1. A Time For Anger, Franky Schaeffer, Crossways Books
2. Aborting America, Bernard N. Nathanson, M.D., Pinnacle Books
3. Alpha Pregnancy Care Center, Albany, Amsterdam, Cohoes, Schenectady, NY, and Bennington, VT http://www.AlphaCare.org.
4. Baptists for Life: http://www.bfl.org
5. Birthright International: http://www.birthright.org
6. Care Net: http://www.care-net.org
7. Christian Life Resources: http://www.christianliferesources.com
8. Christian Action Council, 701 W. Broad Str. #405, Falls Church, VA 22046
9. “Deception on Demand,” by C. Everett Koop and Dick Bohrer, May 1990, Moody Monthly
10. First Choice for Women, Muncie and Anderson, IN, http://www.FirstChoiceForWomen.org
11. **Foundations of Life http://www.foundationsoflife.org
12. Hawaii Right to Life: http://www.hrtl.org
13. Her Hope Pregnancy Center Blue Ridge, GA, http://www.HerHope.me
14. *Houston Coalition for Life, http://www.HoustonCoalition.com
15. “Is Abortion So Bad,” by Rev. J.R. Beeke and J.W. Beeke, The Banner of Truth Trust
16. Liberty Godparent Foundation: http://www.godparent.org
17. Life Choices, the Northern Colorado area, has four centers. The Loveland Center was destroyed by fire after the Roe v Wade decision. http://www.LifeChoices.org
18. Life Saver Ministries c/o Perth Bible Church, 1863 County Highway 107, Amsterdam, NY 12010, 1-800-648-HELP
19. Make It Clear Ministries provides training and resources to pregnancy care centers. Contact Peggy Sperling, Women’s Director, at psperling@MakeItClear.org, http://www.MakeItClear.org
20. National Right to Life: http://www.nrtl.org
21. North American Mission Board: http://www.namb.net
22. Please Let Me Live, “The Life Chain People,” 3209 Colusa Highway, Yuba City, CA 95993
23. Pregnancy Care Center: http://www.417pcc.org
24. Pro-Life Action Ministries: http://www.plam.org
25. Stand to Reason: http://www.str.org/free/bioethics/index.htm
26. “The Biblical Position On Abortion,” an excerpt from an elder’s perspective booklet from Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California

Stan Ponz, DMin.
President

Make It Clear Ministries
9810 Scenic Hills Dr., San Antonio, TX 78255
210-384-1176
http://www.MakeItClear.org Email: TellMeMore@MakeItClear.org
StanPonz@MakeItClear.org

Clarity Christian College
ClarityChristianCollege.com Email: TellMeMore@ClarityChristianCollege.com

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