Explore the Bible
Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile
PROTECT HUMAN LIFE
For 41 years it has been legal for a woman to end the life of her unborn child in the United States. Support for euthanasia is gaining momentum throughout the country. Mobs are rallying and some are celebrating the murder of police officers as a result of unpopular decisions by civil servants. Revenge has replaced justice and personal rights are granted, so it seems, by the media and/or the government rather than by God.
This week’s lesson is topical rather than expository, focusing on selected Scripture passages relating to the sanctity of human life. The passages may seem random but they each focus on God’s glory and human responsibility.
As a foundation we must begin in Genesis 1 where God created humanity to reflect His image and for His glory. Once His crowning achievement was complete, God declared the whole of His material universe was very good. God’s creation declares His glory.
Part of Our Purpose (Gen. 9:1–7)
God is the Author of life. As part of God’s plan for humanity a relationship with Him brings both blessing and curse. When we walk in covenant relationship with Him through obedience we experience His blessings. On the other hand when we break covenant with Him and walk in rebellion we invite His wrath and the curse of death.
Genesis 9 begins with a reaffirmation of God’s initial blessing on humanity in Genesis 1:28. Following the flood animals developed a fear of humans, in part because of the change in man’s diet. Instead of just fruits and vegetables (Gen. 1:29) Noah and his family were granted permission to eat any animal as long as the blood did not remain in it (9:3–4).
In addition the death sentence was clarified by God. Initially God told Adam that disobedience led to death: “On the day you eat from [the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil] you will certainly die” (Gen. 2:17). After the flood God gave human beings the function of protecting human life by carrying out a death penalty: “His blood will be shed by man for God made man in His image” (9:6). Anyone who killed a human being would be put to death by a human representative of God. The apostle Paul added, “If you do wrong, be afraid because [government] does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong” (Rom. 13:4).
Valued in His Creation (Ps. 8:4–8)
Psalm 8 begins and ends with a declaration of the magnificence of God who is Yahweh (Lord), covenant God of Israel, and Adonai (Lord), meaning “master.” His splendor is demonstrated by His creation where humanity holds prominence among the creatures of the earth. David wonders aloud why man holds such a position when compared to the vast expanse of the universe. “You made him little less than God [Elohim] and crowned him with glory and honor” (8:4). God has entrusted the welfare of His creation to us. We have a responsibility to do what He has called each of us to do in utilizing and protecting His world.
Called to Action (Prov. 24:10–12; Phil. 2:12–16)
Today’s believers have information about almost everything at their fingertips. After more than 40 years and more than 55 million Americans put to death legally by means of abortion, no one can claim ignorance about abortion. The facts are available for everyone to see. As Solomon wrote, “If you say, ‘But we didn’t know about this,’ won’t He who weighs the hearts consider it?”
Paul challenges followers of Christ to shine as stars in the darkness. In a world bent on murdering the innocents and acquitting the guilty let us proclaim boldly that Jesus has taken our death sentence upon Himself.
Share with others: