Defending Life: A Biblical Call to Action
Summary
Every human life is made in the image of God and deserves equal protection, from the moment of conception. This conviction is not just a matter of personal opinion or political strategy, but a clear biblical mandate. God’s heart is for children and for life, and as followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors—born and unborn—as ourselves. The call to protect life is not optional for Christians; it is a direct outworking of our faith and obedience to God’s Word.
It is troubling that many who profess Christ are either deceived or silent on the issue of abortion. Some may not fully understand when life begins or what Scripture teaches, while others may simply avoid the topic to prevent offense. Yet, Jesus calls us to be salt and light in a dark world, and that means speaking truth with love, even when it is unpopular or costly. Silence from the church, especially from its leaders, allows injustice to persist. Pastors and churches must equip believers to engage this issue biblically and courageously, not just with words but with action.
The distinction between being “pro-life” and being an “abolitionist” is significant. While many pro-life organizations focus on regulating abortion or making it safer, abolitionists seek to end it entirely, recognizing that partial measures are insufficient. Just as slavery was not ended by regulation but by abolition, so too must abortion be treated as a crime against humanity, deserving of equal protection under the law.
Legal efforts are important, but they must be rooted in God’s truth and pursued for His glory, not our own. The church must lead the way, advocating for just laws while also ministering to mothers, fathers, and families in need. Practical support, gospel-centered care, and a refusal to compromise on the value of every life are essential. Even in the most difficult circumstances—such as rape or threats to the mother’s life—God’s redemptive power can bring beauty from ashes, and every child’s life has immeasurable worth.
Ultimately, the fight to abolish abortion is both a legal and a spiritual battle. It requires boldness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to God’s Word. As we sow seeds of truth and love, trusting God for the increase, we participate in His work of justice and mercy in our generation.
Key Takeaways
- Every human life, from conception, bears the image of God and is worthy of equal protection. This is not merely a political stance but a foundational truth rooted in Scripture, demanding that we treat the unborn with the same dignity and legal protection as the born. To ignore or diminish this is to violate God’s law and the call to love our neighbor as ourselves. [00:44]
- Christians who claim to be pro-choice are either misinformed or deceived about the nature of life and God’s commands. True understanding of when life begins and what God’s Word says should lead to repentance and a commitment to defend the vulnerable. It is not enough to profess faith; our beliefs must align with God’s revealed truth. [02:00]
- The church, and especially its leaders, must not remain silent or neutral on abortion. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and the role of pastors is to equip the saints for ministry—including the ministry of justice and mercy for the unborn. Speaking out may bring resistance, but faithfulness to God requires courage and clarity. [06:30]
- The difference between regulating abortion and abolishing it is profound. Just as slavery was not ended by making it more humane but by declaring it illegal, so too must abortion be abolished, not merely regulated. Partial measures may ease consciences but do not fulfill the biblical demand for justice and equal protection. [11:30]
- Compassion for mothers and families must accompany advocacy for the unborn. The church’s response should be holistic: sharing the gospel, providing practical support, and affirming the value of every life, even in cases of rape, incest, or medical crisis. God’s grace can redeem even the most tragic circumstances, and every child’s life is a testimony to His creative and redemptive power. [24:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:44] - The Image of God and Equal Protection
[02:00] - Christians and the Pro-Choice Position
[03:30] - The Church’s Role in Abolishing Abortion
[06:30] - The Silence of Pastors and Its Consequences
[08:45] - Pro-Life vs. Abolitionist: Defining the Terms
[11:30] - Why Regulation Isn’t Enough
[13:00] - The Biblical Mandate for Justice
[15:45] - Educating and Equipping: Resources and Documentaries
[17:30] - The Reality After Dobbs and Roe
[19:50] - The 14th Amendment and Equal Protection
[21:30] - Legal and Spiritual Strategies
[23:00] - The Church’s Ministry to Mothers and Families
[24:00] - Addressing Hard Cases: Health, Rape, and Incest
[26:38] - Stories of Redemption and the Value of Every Life
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Image of God and the Call to Abolish Abortion
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### Bible Reading
- Genesis 1:26-27
*Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.*
- Exodus 20:13
*You shall not murder.*
- Matthew 22:37-39
*And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”*
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what is unique about the way God created human beings?
2. In the sermon, what does the speaker say is the reason every human life deserves protection, even from conception? [00:44]
3. What is the difference between being “pro-life” and being an “abolitionist” as described in the sermon? [11:30]
4. How does the speaker describe the church’s role in addressing abortion? [06:30]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that every person is made in the image of God, and how should that affect the way we view unborn children? (Genesis 1:26-27)
2. The sermon says that silence from Christians and church leaders allows injustice to persist. Why might some Christians or pastors choose to remain silent on abortion, and what are the consequences of that silence? [06:30]
3. The speaker compares the abolition of abortion to the abolition of slavery. Why does he believe that regulating abortion is not enough, and what biblical principle does he use to support this? [11:30]
4. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. How does the sermon connect this command to the issue of abortion?
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges Christians to speak truth with love, even when it is unpopular. Is there a situation in your life where you have felt pressure to stay silent about abortion or another difficult issue? What held you back, and what would it look like to respond with both truth and love next time? [06:30]
2. The speaker says that being “pro-life” is not enough if it only means regulating abortion rather than seeking its abolition. How do you personally define your stance on abortion, and does it align with the biblical call for equal protection for all human life? [11:30]
3. The church is called to provide practical support and gospel-centered care to mothers, fathers, and families in need. Can you think of a way you or your small group could support a local pregnancy center or a family facing a crisis pregnancy? What is one step you could take this month? [24:00]
4. The sermon mentions that God can bring beauty from ashes, even in the most tragic circumstances like rape or threats to the mother’s life. How does this perspective challenge or encourage you when thinking about “hard cases” related to abortion? [24:00]
5. The speaker says that Christians who claim to be pro-choice are either misinformed or deceived about what God’s Word says. How confident are you in your understanding of what the Bible teaches about life and abortion? Is there a resource or conversation you need to pursue to grow in this area? [02:00]
6. The sermon calls for both legal action and spiritual ministry. What is one way you can be involved in advocating for just laws, and one way you can show compassion to those affected by abortion in your community? [21:30]
7. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in a dark world. What does it look like for you to be “salt and light” on the issue of abortion in your workplace, school, or family? Is there a specific conversation or action you feel led to take? [06:30]
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Devotional
Day 1: Every Life is Made in the Image of God
Every human life, from conception onward, bears the image of God and is worthy of equal protection and dignity. This truth forms the foundation for how we view the unborn, compelling us to defend and cherish life at every stage, regardless of circumstances or societal pressures. When we recognize the divine imprint on every person, we are called to advocate for justice and mercy, ensuring that the most vulnerable are not forgotten or devalued. [09:09]
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Reflection: Who in your life—born or unborn—do you need to see more clearly as made in God’s image, and how can you act to honor their dignity today?
Day 2: You Shall Not Murder—God’s Standard for Life
God’s commandment, “You shall not murder,” is clear and uncompromising, establishing the sanctity of every human life and the seriousness of taking innocent life. This standard is not subject to cultural trends or personal opinions; it is a divine mandate that calls us to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, including the unborn. When we align our laws and actions with God’s commands, we reflect His heart for righteousness and mercy in our communities. [09:09]
Exodus 20:13 (ESV)
You shall not murder.
Reflection: In what ways can you stand up for the sanctity of life in your community, even when it is unpopular or difficult?
Day 3: Christians Are Called to Be Salt and Light
Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light in the world, preserving what is good and illuminating truth in the midst of darkness. When Christians remain silent or hide their convictions to avoid offense, the culture suffers from a lack of moral clarity and hope. Instead, believers are to courageously speak God’s truth, sow seeds of righteousness, and engage in loving action, trusting that God will use their witness to bring transformation. [15:45]
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: Where have you been tempted to hide your light or remain silent about God’s truth, and what is one step you can take to speak up this week?
Day 4: Loving Our Neighbors Means Action, Not Just Words
True love for our neighbors—born and unborn—requires more than good intentions or kind words; it demands tangible action that meets real needs. The call to “love your neighbor as yourself” is fulfilled not only by advocating for justice but also by providing practical support, compassion, and the hope of the gospel to those facing difficult circumstances. As the church, we are to move beyond neutrality or token gestures, actively serving and supporting mothers, fathers, and children in need. [19:50]
James 2:15-17 (ESV)
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can show Christ’s love to a neighbor in need this week, especially someone facing a crisis pregnancy or difficult situation?
Day 5: God Brings Beauty from Ashes—Every Life Has Value
Even in the most tragic and painful circumstances, God is able to bring beauty from ashes, redeeming what is broken and giving value to every life. No child is without worth, regardless of the circumstances of their conception, and God delights in bringing hope and purpose out of situations the world deems hopeless. When we affirm the value of every person, we participate in God’s redemptive work and offer a powerful testimony of His grace. [26:38]
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
To grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life or someone else’s where you need to trust God to bring beauty from ashes? How can you affirm the value of life in that circumstance today?
Quotes
You know, every life is made in the image of God. It needs to be protected from conception, from fertilization, and just like all of our lives are protected, right? It's illegal for people to murder us. It should be illegal to people to murder babies in their mother's womb. [00:02:43]
But, you know, just have a heart for, again, I think God has a heart for children and God has a heart for life. And so every Christian, we should be loving our neighbors, born and unborn, as ourselves. And so that's what we're all about. [00:03:25]
But what I would say is that if you're a Christian and you say that you're pro -choice, then I believe that you are a deceived Christian, right? If you truly are a Christian, then you are deceived. You either don't really understand that life begins at conception, life begins at fertilization, or you don't really know what God's word has to say about it. [00:04:04]
But if we try to do it in our own glory and our own strength and it's all for us, or we try to figure out our own human strategies, you know, that's where God's not going to bless that. Right? But when we do His will, His ways, He's going to bless it. [00:05:52]
We've, for the past three years, we've had a couple of conferences really focus on pastors called equipping the saints, right? Because the role of pastors is equipping the saints, right? That's all the Christians, equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Yes. So we're all to be doing ministry as Christians. [00:06:12]
But then most of it is just the pastors are just being silent, right? Or just kind of giving, like, token maybe, like, once a year. Yeah, yeah. You know, it's Sanctity of Life Sunday, and it's like, there is a holocaust going on every day in this country. Pastors need to be vocal about that, need to be explaining, here's what God's word actually says we should be doing about [00:06:42]
And so we call ourselves abolitionists to make it clear, you know, we want to see the abolition of slavery, just, or I'm sorry, abolition of abortion, right? But just talking about like, you know, just like, how did we abolish slavery, right? It wasn't just by like regulating it, making it more safe and like, you know, well, you have to have better conditions in the slave houses and you have to, you can't whip them as much and this and that, but no, no, no, we made it a crime, right? [00:09:10]
That's what God says. He says, you shall not murder. He says, murder should be a crime. And he makes it clear that life because of fertilization at conception. And so that's how we've got to treat it. [00:09:43]
Jesus says that we're the salt and the light, right? So if our culture is, you know, not salty and it's dark, you know, we got to look at ourselves first. Are we being, are we being salt and light or are we hiding our light? [00:11:19]
We have to be, we have to sow those seeds, right? And it's going to make people mad at us. It's going to make some people hate us. But we have to stop like just hiding it. We have to say, this is what God says about it. This is what we have to do about it. [00:11:39]
I have no moral authority to speak in my own opinion. Yeah, that's good. But if I say, no, no, no, God says, okay, now I have moral authority to speak to culture, to speak to individuals because I'm not just bringing them my opinion or my version of the science, I'm actually telling them, here's what your creator actually says. [00:12:39]
It starts with us, like reforming our own mind and renewing our own mind, but then it's like, all right, now what do we do? Yes. Right. How do we love our neighbor with action? That's good. [00:13:35]
She goes and talks to pro -life leaders in these states, and then along the way she finds out, actually, these states are not abortion -free. There's actually as much abortion happening today as there was even 10 years ago before the Dobbs case. A lot of people don't realize that. [00:16:40]
There's actually just as many babies from those states being aborted, some through abortion travel, you know, mothers going to other states. Yeah. But then a lot of it's still happening on state soil in those states because the pro -life bills there say this doesn't apply to the mother, right? [00:17:02]
The states should have never been following Roe v. Wade in the first place. Now the Supreme Court agrees with us on that,actually, I believe that, you know, we had just kind of come back to slavery, right? You know, even on that, it's like, for a while, as a country, we said, like, well, let's just let the states decide that. But eventually, we said, no, we're just going to pass, you know, a constitutional amendment to say no slavery. [00:18:23]
So that way, the laws apply equally to protect everybody, black, white, man, woman, right? And in this case, born or unborn. So we actually believe that, yes, states are free to pass bills of equal protection, but they're actually, under the 14th Amendment, they're not just free, like, you know, pre -Civil War, they're free to have slaves, right? No, no, no, actually, they're required to have equal protection of the law in every state. [00:19:02]
But then, like you're saying, like we need to actually, you know, now once we take away that option, you know, say like, oh, no, no, that's not an option anymore. Then what should the church be doing? Yeah, we should be ministering to mothers and fathers, reaching them, first and foremost, with the gospel. [00:21:48]
But then the gospel is not, you know, the gospel is also like, hey, we love our neighbors as ourselves. We don't just say, be warm and filled, right? We actually provide, you know, for people's needs. [00:22:04]
Because ultimately we can save all the babies and the mothers and all that. But if there's not, right, if their souls are not changed, if they have not been presented with the gospel, then, you know, we're just a short -term fix there. [00:22:48]
But then there's the, yeah, rape and incest, which again, horrible, tragic situation that some man has violently, you know, um, assaulted the body of a woman or a girl. Yep. And that man, pardon me, you know, pardon me for being so strong, but I mean, that man is the one who needs the death penalty, not the child, right? The, the rapist should be, he should get the death penalty, not the child. [00:24:53]
But instead like God glory is glorified. Like he loves to bring beauty from beauty from ashes. True. Right. And so you have this situation that's like ashes, this baby is something that's God's given you this gift out of this, this beautiful thing. [00:25:43]
And now when he, when he hears people like even like pro -life people like saying like, Oh, well we should have it for rape and incest. Like every time he hears that, even as 22 years old young man, he's like, they're saying, I don't have value.They're saying that my life is not valuable. Oh my. And, uh, and that perspective that's, you know, now that, that young girl who's now in her thirties, she can know that no, no, no. I gave life to my child and my child has a life because, because of me. [00:26:23]
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