Defending Life: The Holiness of God and Humanity

 

Summary

The gathering at the Ligonier Ministries National Conference is a profound reminder of the enduring significance of reformed theology, biblical orthodoxy, and personal holiness. This year, we delve into the sanctity of life, a theme that resonates deeply with the overarching holiness of God. Psalm 139 serves as our scriptural foundation, offering a majestic testimony to God's sovereignty, omniscience, and creative power. It reminds us that every human life is fearfully and wonderfully made, intricately woven by God Himself. This understanding of life’s sanctity is not merely an abstract theological concept but a pressing issue in our current cultural context.

We find ourselves in a time where the sanctity of life is under unprecedented threat. Recent legislative actions, such as those in New York and Virginia, have pushed the boundaries of abortion laws to alarming extents, even to the point of infanticide. This reflects a broader cultural shift towards a total abortion culture, where the value of human life is increasingly diminished. The normalization of abortion, the removal of restrictions, and the absence of shame surrounding it are symptoms of a society that has lost its moral compass.

The root of this crisis lies in a secular worldview that denies the sacredness of human life. Without the acknowledgment of a Creator, human dignity becomes a fragile concept, easily eroded by the tides of cultural and political change. The sanctity of life is intrinsically linked to the holiness of God. It is only through a biblical worldview that we can truly affirm the sacredness of human life, recognizing every person as an image-bearer of God.

As we reflect on these truths, we are called to stand firm in our defense of life, grounded in the knowledge of God's holiness. The recovery of the sanctity of life is contingent upon a renewed understanding of God's holiness. This is not just a theological imperative but a matter of survival for humanity. In defending the sanctity of life, we ultimately defend the glory and honor of God, acknowledging that without His holiness, the human race is at risk of turning deadly upon itself.

Key Takeaways:

- Psalm 139 offers a profound testimony to God's omniscience and creative power, reminding us that every human life is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. This understanding is foundational to the sanctity of life. [05:13]

- The current cultural climate poses unprecedented threats to human dignity and life, as seen in recent legislative actions that push the boundaries of abortion laws. This reflects a broader cultural shift towards a total abortion culture. [10:38]

- The sanctity of life is intrinsically linked to the holiness of God. Without acknowledging a Creator, human dignity becomes a fragile concept, easily eroded by cultural and political changes. [39:25]

- The normalization of abortion and the absence of shame surrounding it are symptoms of a society that has lost its moral compass. This crisis is rooted in a secular worldview that denies the sacredness of human life. [15:25]

- The recovery of the sanctity of life is contingent upon a renewed understanding of God's holiness. Defending the sanctity of life ultimately defends the glory and honor of God, acknowledging that without His holiness, humanity is at risk. [44:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Opening Remarks
- [00:34] - The Significance of Reformed Theology
- [01:42] - Theme: The Holiness of God
- [02:00] - The Sanctity of Life
- [02:47] - Psalm 139: A Testimony to God's Sovereignty
- [05:32] - Current Cultural Context
- [06:32] - Legislative Threats to Life
- [10:38] - The Total Abortion Culture
- [14:19] - No Restrictions, No Cost, No Shame
- [16:27] - The Abortion Industry
- [19:33] - Historical Context and Political Shifts
- [24:18] - Worldview Distinctions
- [36:15] - Psalm 139: God's Omniscience and Sovereignty
- [39:25] - Human Dignity and the Imago Dei
- [44:35] - The Holiness of God and Human Survival
- [45:46] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 139:1-18

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Observation Questions:

1. What attributes of God are highlighted in Psalm 139, and how do they relate to the sanctity of human life? [05:13]

2. How does the sermon describe the current cultural climate regarding the sanctity of life, particularly in relation to recent legislative actions? [06:32]

3. What is the connection between the holiness of God and the sanctity of human life as discussed in the sermon? [39:25]

4. How does the sermon describe the societal shift towards a "total abortion culture"? [11:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does Psalm 139 affirm the sacredness of human life, and how does this understanding challenge the secular worldview? [39:25]

2. How does the sermon suggest that the normalization of abortion reflects a loss of moral compass in society? [15:25]

3. What role does the acknowledgment of a Creator play in upholding human dignity, according to the sermon? [39:25]

4. How does the sermon propose that a renewed understanding of God's holiness can lead to a recovery of the sanctity of life? [44:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on Psalm 139: How does recognizing that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" impact your view of yourself and others? How can this understanding influence your daily interactions?

2. The sermon discusses the cultural shift towards a "total abortion culture." How can you engage in conversations about the sanctity of life in a way that is both compassionate and truthful? [11:29]

3. Considering the sermon’s emphasis on the holiness of God, how can you incorporate a deeper understanding of God's holiness into your personal spiritual practices? [39:25]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of defending the sanctity of life. What are some practical steps you can take to advocate for life in your community? [44:35]

5. How can you support those who are facing difficult decisions regarding life and pregnancy, offering them hope and guidance rooted in a biblical worldview? [15:25]

6. Reflect on the idea that human dignity is derived from being made in the image of God. How does this belief shape your interactions with people who hold different views from your own? [39:25]

7. The sermon calls for a recovery of the knowledge of God's holiness. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your understanding of God's holiness and its implications for your life? [44:35]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Craftsmanship of Human Life
Every human life is a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship, fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Psalm 139 serves as a powerful reminder of God's omniscience and creative power, affirming that each person is intricately woven by the Creator. This understanding of life's sanctity is foundational, not just as a theological concept but as a truth that speaks to the inherent value and dignity of every individual. In a world where the sanctity of life is often questioned, recognizing the divine hand in creation calls us to honor and protect life in all its forms. [05:13]

"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." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively honor the divine craftsmanship in yourself and others today, recognizing the unique value God has placed in every life?


Day 2: Cultural Shifts and the Erosion of Human Dignity
The current cultural climate presents unprecedented threats to human dignity and life, as evidenced by recent legislative actions that push the boundaries of abortion laws. This shift towards a total abortion culture reflects a broader societal trend where the value of human life is increasingly diminished. The normalization of abortion and the absence of shame surrounding it are symptoms of a society that has lost its moral compass. As believers, it is crucial to understand these cultural shifts and stand firm in the truth of the sanctity of life, advocating for the protection and dignity of every human being. [10:38]

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you be a voice for life and dignity in your community, challenging cultural norms that devalue human life?


Day 3: The Fragility of Human Dignity Without God
The sanctity of life is intrinsically linked to the holiness of God. Without acknowledging a Creator, human dignity becomes a fragile concept, easily eroded by cultural and political changes. A secular worldview that denies the sacredness of human life leads to a crisis where the value of life is contingent upon societal whims. By affirming the holiness of God, we uphold the sacredness of life, recognizing every person as an image-bearer of the Creator. This understanding calls us to defend life and dignity, rooted in the knowledge of God's unchanging holiness. [39:25]

"Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3, ESV)

Reflection: How does acknowledging God as Creator influence your view of human dignity, and how can you reflect this belief in your daily interactions?


Day 4: The Crisis of a Secular Worldview
The normalization of abortion and the absence of shame surrounding it are symptoms of a society that has lost its moral compass. This crisis is rooted in a secular worldview that denies the sacredness of human life. Without a biblical framework, the value of life becomes subjective and easily manipulated by cultural and political forces. As believers, we are called to challenge this worldview by upholding the truth of God's holiness and the inherent value of every life. By doing so, we offer a counter-narrative that affirms the dignity and worth of all individuals. [15:25]

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to challenge the secular worldview in your own life and community, promoting a culture that values and protects life?


Day 5: Defending Life as a Reflection of God's Holiness
The recovery of the sanctity of life is contingent upon a renewed understanding of God's holiness. In defending the sanctity of life, we ultimately defend the glory and honor of God, acknowledging that without His holiness, humanity is at risk of turning deadly upon itself. This is not just a theological imperative but a matter of survival for humanity. By standing firm in the truth of God's holiness, we affirm the sacredness of life and commit to protecting it in all its forms, reflecting the divine image in our actions and beliefs. [44:35]

"Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in defending the sanctity of life, reflecting God's holiness in your actions and decisions today?

Quotes


This passage from God's Word is majestic. It captures our attention immediately. It is first and foremost a testimony to the sovereignty and to the omniscience of God, to the identity of God as creator, and to this text we will shortly turn. But before we turn to the text, we're going to take a look at the moment where do we now stand on this issue, the sanctity of life. [00:05:17]

We stand in a place shockingly more threatening than even we knew mere weeks and months ago. We're standing in a place of an unprecedented threat to human dignity and to human life, and an unprecedented is an amazing thing to say to anyone who has the slightest awareness of the 20th century there or even the first years of the 21st century. [00:05:46]

The sanctity of life is most threatened in a secular age and by the secular worldview, and it's not an accident. It makes perfect sense. Secular and sacred are two words which cannot be used together. Look at the text of Psalm 139. We read it at wonderful testimony to the omniscience of God, to the sovereignty of God. [00:36:24]

David says, "You know when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from afar. I love verse 4: Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it all together." You ever thought about that in prayer? You're never gonna surprise God with a syllable. He knows what you're gonna say before you say it because He knows all things perfectly. [00:36:50]

There will be no recovery of the sanctity of human life without a prior recovery of the knowledge of the holiness of God. There can be and there will be no recovery of the affirmation of the sanctity of human life until there is a prior affirmation and knowledge of the holiness of God. [00:44:21]

The recovery of the sanctity of life is contingent upon a renewed understanding of God's holiness. Defending the sanctity of life ultimately defends the glory and honor of God, acknowledging that without His holiness, humanity is at risk. [00:44:35]

Psalm 139 reminds us that there are two different categories: human dignity and the sanctity of life. The sanctity of life is the prior issue, and the sanctity of human life points to the sacredness of human life, which again only makes sense in a biblical worldview. [00:39:21]

Human life is sacred because God made humanity in His image, and we are not inherently sacred. It is derivative of the holiness of God, and only a theology that affirms the holiness of God can sustain the claim of the sanctity of human life. [00:40:41]

We are speaking of the sanctity of human life. A human life is sacred because we belong to a holy God. Now very quickly, just look to the text again because I stopped at verse 18, and I did so on purpose. Most preachers preaching this text would just stop there, but the psalm doesn't stop there. [00:42:05]

The sanctity of life is intrinsically linked to the holiness of God. Without acknowledging a Creator, human dignity becomes a fragile concept, easily eroded by cultural and political changes. [00:39:25]

The normalization of abortion and the absence of shame surrounding it are symptoms of a society that has lost its moral compass. This crisis is rooted in a secular worldview that denies the sacredness of human life. [00:15:25]

The current cultural climate poses unprecedented threats to human dignity and life, as seen in recent legislative actions that push the boundaries of abortion laws. This reflects a broader cultural shift towards a total abortion culture. [00:10:38]

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Transcript
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