Abortion
Key Verse
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…”
– Romans 8:38 (NLT)
Basic Biblical Understanding
Everyone has a past. No human is perfect. And the guilt and shame of sinful choices can follow us for years. When abortion is mentioned, it’s important to remember those concepts while holding onto the promise of Romans 8:38.
To understand God’s view of abortion, we need to understand God’s view of humanity. Genesis 1–2 describes God creating everything (the earth, the animals, the plants and trees, the stars and universe, etc.). As the culminating act of creation, God made another type of living being called “man” (1:26).
When God made plants, trees, and animals, He made them according to “their own kind” (vv. 11, 12, 21, 24, 25). When God made man, He made us according to His “kind” (v.26). Genesis 1:26–27 says, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to our likeness…God created man in His own image…” It’s this likeness to God that sets humanity apart from all the other created things.
Since every person bears God’s likeness, that means every person has worth, value, and dignity. That includes unborn children in the womb. Based on Scripture, God forms us, knows us, sees us, consecrates us, calls us, and even names some of us in the womb. Each time the Bible refers to someone in the womb, personal pronouns are used. Scripture never uses “it,” “that,” “tissue,” or “fetus.” It always uses “he or she,” “him or her,” “my or me” indicating personhood.
According to Scripture, abortion is sinful because it’s a deliberate attack on God’s image. An attack against the image is an attack against the Artist. And while there are always consequences for our sin, there is also forgiveness and healing found in Christ. God is willing and able to forgive those who have had an abortion, paid for an abortion, encouraged an abortion, or performed an abortion. But that forgiveness and healing begins by recognizing abortion as a sin.
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
– 1 John 1:9
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow….’”
– Isaiah 1:18
Helpful Questions and Application
Have you confessed your sin to God? If not, do so now. If you want to know more about God’s forgiveness, go to thisisthegospel.com. If you have confessed your sin, thank Him for His forgiveness.
An abortion doesn’t have to define you. God defines you. Each time you begin to feel guilt creeping into your mind, focus on those things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
Being made in God’s image is an incredible honor. Read Genesis 9:5–6, 1 Corinthians 11:7, and James 3:9. Consider how being made in God’s image impacts us in each verse.
Additional Resources
Scripture references: Psalm 139:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Job 31:15; Isaiah 49:1; Psalm 139:16, Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15; Psalm 22:10
WordTruth Articles:
“Responding to Guilt…And Changing Accordingly”
“Bringing Everything to Light: Unmasking Lies that Masquerade as Truth”