In view of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday coming this weekend, the following excerpt from David Platt’s new book, Counter Culture, is worth reflecting on as we think of God’s sole authority to give and take life:
As you read through the Bible, you won’t find the word abortion anywhere. But that doesn’t mean Scripture is silent about it, for the core truths we’ve already seen in the gospel concerning who God is, who we are, and what Christ has done speak directly to the issue of abortion.
God’s Relationship to the Unborn
Consider the way the Bible describes the relationship between God and the unborn baby. The psalmist writes to God:
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Ps 139:13-16)
Psalm 139 Reminds Us that God is the Creator
As we read these words, we’re reminded of the core gospel truth that God is the Creator. He alone has the power and authority to give life. Elsewhere in the Bible, Job says, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). He also says, “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10).
God is not only the Giver of life; he is also the Taker of life. Again, Job confesses, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away” (Job 1:21). God himself declares, “I put to death and I bring to life” (Deut 32:39, NIV). This is why murder and suicide are both sins. It is God’s prerogative alone, as Creator, to give and take innocent life.
Abortion is Offensive to God’s Authority
In light of these biblical realities, it becomes abundantly clear that abortion is an affront to God’s sole and sovereign authority as the Giver and Taker of life. (60-61)
In the coming weeks, we’ll be talking more about how our views on the critical social issues of our day should be motivated by the gospel and the authority of God’s Word. For more on how you can get involved on the issue of abortion and a number of other critical social issues, consider reading David’s book, Counter Culture.
