RR SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY (Part 1) By Dr. Raymond Finney
Shavuah Tov,
IMPORTANT: If you are a woman who has had an abortion or a man who has impregnated a woman resulting in an abortion, you need not harbor guilt. The Bible is clear: God’s grace and Yeshua’s sacrifice on Golgotha’s cross have made it possible for any sin to be forgiven. In brief: Forgive persons who have sinned against you. Confess your sin to God with contrition. Ask forgiveness. Repent, trying not to commit that sin again. Then, forgive yourself. The Bible assures that your sin has been forgiven– even forgotten– by God. Now, live a new life free of the stain of that sin and free of guilt. If you still have guilt, Shomair Yisrael representatives are available for counseling. Many counties have Godly women (who may have had abortions themselves in the past) who staff pregnancy resource centers and who will count it a blessing to counsel you. Many persons want to help you! You need not feel alone! You need to forgive yourself, as God has promised to forgive you.
INTRODUCTION. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court (USSC), in a 7-2 decision, ruled in Roe v. Wade that unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion (in this case, Texas) is unconstitutional. This decision was based on the theory of a Constitutional right to privacy implicitly contained in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. (It may help to understand the convoluted thought process in Roe, if you are a lawyer.) This decision legalized abortion in all states. The USSC overturned the Roe decision in 2022. Some churches and right-to-life organizations mark the shameful Roe decision as the Sunday before January 22 (January 18 in 2026) as Sanctity of Life Sunday. The United States’ moral compass is changing. “Choice” (unfettered abortion) is a major component of this change. Young, “choice” promoting women are now a loud voting constituency.
DOES THE BIBLE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ABORTION? Some people claim the Bible is silent about abortion. A few persons even claim the Bible promotes abortion. They are wrong. Scriptures contain clear teachings about the taking of human life, including an unborn baby’s life. I had planned to quote and discuss pertinent Bible verses, but the RR would be too long. Instead, I will outline certain topics with Bible references. If interested, you can look up the Scriptures.
>> Before we start:
** An unplanned pregnancy can cause great emotional and financial stress. Yeshua promises to take anyone’s burden and lighten his/her load. See Matthew 11:28-30.
** Is there a connection between abortion and the last days? The Apostle Paul warns of end-of-the-age “perilous days,” including the loss of “natural affection” (King James Version from Greek astorgos = “no love of kindred”). Is there any greater natural affection than that of a mother and her unborn baby? See 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Today, abortion is being viewed by many as another form of birth control. Such loss of affection for others may be a factor in the great apostasy (falling from faith) that will precede Yeshua’s return.
>> Who are we?
** We humans are created in the image of God. See Genesis 1:1, 26a-27a.
** God intends for us to multiply in a family setting. See Genesis 1:28a and Genesis 2:24.
>> What does it mean to be created in “God’s image?”
** God is a Spirit. By breathing into Adam’s nostrils (see Genesis 2:7), God transferred His Spirit (the eternal soul) into humans. We owe everything to God since part of us is eternal. See Acts 17:25, 28.
** Marvel at how much each of us owes God, that we may be called “children of God.” See 1 John 3:1-2a.
>> God has plans for every person, even before birth:
** Future plans were set, even before the births of Jacob and Esau. See Genesis 25:22-23. The Apostle Paul commented on the births of these two children. See Romans 9:10-13.
** Multiple plans were prophesied for the Messiah, which plans were fulfilled with the birth, life, and death of Yeshua. See Isaiah 49:1b, 5a, Matthew 1:18b, 20b-21, Luke 1:35-36a, and Luke 2:21.
** John the Baptizer is thought to have acknowledged Yeshua, while they both were in their mothers’ wombs. See Luke 1:44-45.
>> God knows and loves each person before conception: We are special and unique creations in God’s eyes.
** God formed us and oversaw our growth even in our mothers’ wombs. See Psalm 139:13-16.
** God knew and sanctified us, even before we were formed in the womb. See Jeremiah 1:4-5a.
>> Humans are specially loved creations of God:
** Yeshua taught that God loves each person so much that even the hairs of his/her head are numbered. See Matthew 10:30.
** Isaiah and Paul marveled that our Creator reached down to create us in His image. See Isaiah 42:5 and Acts 17:25b.
>> A child is a gift from God: No matter how much a pregnancy may be unplanned or inconvenient, the unborn child is a gift from God, even though the reason for the gift may not be readily apparent to the mother.
** A child is a heritage from Adonai; the fruit of the womb is His reward. See Psalm 127:3.
>> God’s stern warning: God forbids the shedding of innocent blood.
** God commands us not to murder. Taking the life of a defenseless, innocent unborn baby is not permitted. See Exodus 20:1, 13. The Apostle Paul expanded on this commandment by explaining that anyone who loves his/her neighbor should love that neighbor as self and should not harm that neighbor. Stated anther way, a mother should not harm her unborn baby. See Romans 13:9.
** God ordained for ancient Israel that anyone who fights and harms an unborn baby, even accidentally, shall be punished even with forfeiting his life if the baby dies. See Exodus 21:22-23. We have similar laws, wherein an automobile accident due to drunk driving resulting in the baby’s death (but not necessarily the mother’s death) is considered vehicular homicide.
** God considers the killing of an innocent and righteous person an unjustifiably wicked person. Who is more innocent and righteous than an unborn baby? See Exodus 23:7b.
** The psalmist prayed that his life might be in God’s hand, not in those who would kill him. If an unborn baby could pray in an abortion clinic, would he/she pray a similar prayer? See Psalm 31:15.
** Of abominations hated by Adonai, one is hands that shed innocent blood. Again, is anyone more innocent than an unborn baby? See Proverbs 6:16, 17c.
>> Yeshua loves and protects children:
** Yeshua clearly loved children, teaching that a child’s love and innocence are models for anyone who would come to the Father and utter, “Abba, Father.” See Matthew 19:14. Is Adonai pleased when one of His children is aborted?
** Yeshua warned that anyone who leads a child into sin would have been better drowned. His love for children surely extends to protecting a child’s life. See Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, and Luke 17:2.
>> “My body, my choice:” Abortion-minded women frequently argue that they have complete control over their bodies, and no man or government should have any input into whether an abortion may be performed. Their argument overlooks two Biblical truths-- the pregnant woman disregards any choice that her unborn baby might express (not to mention any choices of the father and grandparents); and God tells us that the mother's body– and anything in that body– belongs to Him. Consider these Scriptures:
** A person’s (a pregnant woman’s) body is living, holy, acceptable to God for reasonable service. See Romans 12:1.
** A person’s (a pregnant woman’s) body is God’s temple, in which dwells the Ruach ha-Kodesh. We are forbidden to defile such body (God’s temple). See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
** A person must flee sexual immorality. Many abortions are committed because of sexual liaisons which are contrary to God’s commandments for a man-woman relationship. A non-marital sexual relationship is a sin defiling Yeshua’s price paid for purchase of our sins. See 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. A person pledged to faithfulness to another in marriage may commit adultery, thereby defiling the marriage bed and incurring God’s judgment for sexual immorality. See Hebrews 13:4.
>> Science and human laws versus God’s laws: God’s superior ways and knowledge should be followed.
** God’s ways and knowledge are far superior to human ways and knowledge. See Isaiah 55:8-10.
** God’s perfect, eternal laws, as recorded in the Bible, must be followed, even though humans may argue otherwise and prefer imperfect, temporary human laws. See Acts 5:29. Abortion-minded humans may claim “the science is settled” on such issues as the life and development of an unborn baby, insisting they “know” it is acceptable to perform an abortion.
** Avoid “so-called knowledge” (man’s babblings): See 1 Timothy 6:20-21a. The Apostle Paul warns us to avoid the “babblings of man,” which comes from the Greek gnosis (usually translated “science” or “knowledge”). God’s truth never changes, as He has known all from the beginning. On the other hand, “science” changes almost daily, as new information becomes available. Follow eternal, unchanging knowledge flowing from God, not transient, changing “knowledge” of humans.
TO BE CONTINUED. On Sanctity of Life Sunday, I will conclude this series. Until then, Shalom and Maranatha.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun28-Dec-20258th of Tevet, 5786
Ge 47:28- 48:92 Sa 13Ps 85Lk 8:26-56(2 Co 8)
IMPORTANT: If you are a woman who has had an abortion or a man who has impregnated a woman resulting in an abortion, you need not harbor guilt. The Bible is clear: God’s grace and Yeshua’s sacrifice on Golgotha’s cross have made it possible for any sin to be forgiven. In brief: Forgive persons who have sinned against you. Confess your sin to God with contrition. Ask forgiveness. Repent, trying not to commit that sin again. Then, forgive yourself. The Bible assures that your sin has been forgiven– even forgotten– by God. Now, live a new life free of the stain of that sin and free of guilt. If you still have guilt, Shomair Yisrael representatives are available for counseling. Many counties have Godly women (who may have had abortions themselves in the past) who staff pregnancy resource centers and who will count it a blessing to counsel you. Many persons want to help you! You need not feel alone! You need to forgive yourself, as God has promised to forgive you.
INTRODUCTION. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court (USSC), in a 7-2 decision, ruled in Roe v. Wade that unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion (in this case, Texas) is unconstitutional. This decision was based on the theory of a Constitutional right to privacy implicitly contained in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. (It may help to understand the convoluted thought process in Roe, if you are a lawyer.) This decision legalized abortion in all states. The USSC overturned the Roe decision in 2022. Some churches and right-to-life organizations mark the shameful Roe decision as the Sunday before January 22 (January 18 in 2026) as Sanctity of Life Sunday. The United States’ moral compass is changing. “Choice” (unfettered abortion) is a major component of this change. Young, “choice” promoting women are now a loud voting constituency.
DOES THE BIBLE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ABORTION? Some people claim the Bible is silent about abortion. A few persons even claim the Bible promotes abortion. They are wrong. Scriptures contain clear teachings about the taking of human life, including an unborn baby’s life. I had planned to quote and discuss pertinent Bible verses, but the RR would be too long. Instead, I will outline certain topics with Bible references. If interested, you can look up the Scriptures.
>> Before we start:
** An unplanned pregnancy can cause great emotional and financial stress. Yeshua promises to take anyone’s burden and lighten his/her load. See Matthew 11:28-30.
** Is there a connection between abortion and the last days? The Apostle Paul warns of end-of-the-age “perilous days,” including the loss of “natural affection” (King James Version from Greek astorgos = “no love of kindred”). Is there any greater natural affection than that of a mother and her unborn baby? See 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Today, abortion is being viewed by many as another form of birth control. Such loss of affection for others may be a factor in the great apostasy (falling from faith) that will precede Yeshua’s return.
>> Who are we?
** We humans are created in the image of God. See Genesis 1:1, 26a-27a.
** God intends for us to multiply in a family setting. See Genesis 1:28a and Genesis 2:24.
>> What does it mean to be created in “God’s image?”
** God is a Spirit. By breathing into Adam’s nostrils (see Genesis 2:7), God transferred His Spirit (the eternal soul) into humans. We owe everything to God since part of us is eternal. See Acts 17:25, 28.
** Marvel at how much each of us owes God, that we may be called “children of God.” See 1 John 3:1-2a.
>> God has plans for every person, even before birth:
** Future plans were set, even before the births of Jacob and Esau. See Genesis 25:22-23. The Apostle Paul commented on the births of these two children. See Romans 9:10-13.
** Multiple plans were prophesied for the Messiah, which plans were fulfilled with the birth, life, and death of Yeshua. See Isaiah 49:1b, 5a, Matthew 1:18b, 20b-21, Luke 1:35-36a, and Luke 2:21.
** John the Baptizer is thought to have acknowledged Yeshua, while they both were in their mothers’ wombs. See Luke 1:44-45.
>> God knows and loves each person before conception: We are special and unique creations in God’s eyes.
** God formed us and oversaw our growth even in our mothers’ wombs. See Psalm 139:13-16.
** God knew and sanctified us, even before we were formed in the womb. See Jeremiah 1:4-5a.
>> Humans are specially loved creations of God:
** Yeshua taught that God loves each person so much that even the hairs of his/her head are numbered. See Matthew 10:30.
** Isaiah and Paul marveled that our Creator reached down to create us in His image. See Isaiah 42:5 and Acts 17:25b.
>> A child is a gift from God: No matter how much a pregnancy may be unplanned or inconvenient, the unborn child is a gift from God, even though the reason for the gift may not be readily apparent to the mother.
** A child is a heritage from Adonai; the fruit of the womb is His reward. See Psalm 127:3.
>> God’s stern warning: God forbids the shedding of innocent blood.
** God commands us not to murder. Taking the life of a defenseless, innocent unborn baby is not permitted. See Exodus 20:1, 13. The Apostle Paul expanded on this commandment by explaining that anyone who loves his/her neighbor should love that neighbor as self and should not harm that neighbor. Stated anther way, a mother should not harm her unborn baby. See Romans 13:9.
** God ordained for ancient Israel that anyone who fights and harms an unborn baby, even accidentally, shall be punished even with forfeiting his life if the baby dies. See Exodus 21:22-23. We have similar laws, wherein an automobile accident due to drunk driving resulting in the baby’s death (but not necessarily the mother’s death) is considered vehicular homicide.
** God considers the killing of an innocent and righteous person an unjustifiably wicked person. Who is more innocent and righteous than an unborn baby? See Exodus 23:7b.
** The psalmist prayed that his life might be in God’s hand, not in those who would kill him. If an unborn baby could pray in an abortion clinic, would he/she pray a similar prayer? See Psalm 31:15.
** Of abominations hated by Adonai, one is hands that shed innocent blood. Again, is anyone more innocent than an unborn baby? See Proverbs 6:16, 17c.
>> Yeshua loves and protects children:
** Yeshua clearly loved children, teaching that a child’s love and innocence are models for anyone who would come to the Father and utter, “Abba, Father.” See Matthew 19:14. Is Adonai pleased when one of His children is aborted?
** Yeshua warned that anyone who leads a child into sin would have been better drowned. His love for children surely extends to protecting a child’s life. See Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, and Luke 17:2.
>> “My body, my choice:” Abortion-minded women frequently argue that they have complete control over their bodies, and no man or government should have any input into whether an abortion may be performed. Their argument overlooks two Biblical truths-- the pregnant woman disregards any choice that her unborn baby might express (not to mention any choices of the father and grandparents); and God tells us that the mother's body– and anything in that body– belongs to Him. Consider these Scriptures:
** A person’s (a pregnant woman’s) body is living, holy, acceptable to God for reasonable service. See Romans 12:1.
** A person’s (a pregnant woman’s) body is God’s temple, in which dwells the Ruach ha-Kodesh. We are forbidden to defile such body (God’s temple). See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
** A person must flee sexual immorality. Many abortions are committed because of sexual liaisons which are contrary to God’s commandments for a man-woman relationship. A non-marital sexual relationship is a sin defiling Yeshua’s price paid for purchase of our sins. See 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. A person pledged to faithfulness to another in marriage may commit adultery, thereby defiling the marriage bed and incurring God’s judgment for sexual immorality. See Hebrews 13:4.
>> Science and human laws versus God’s laws: God’s superior ways and knowledge should be followed.
** God’s ways and knowledge are far superior to human ways and knowledge. See Isaiah 55:8-10.
** God’s perfect, eternal laws, as recorded in the Bible, must be followed, even though humans may argue otherwise and prefer imperfect, temporary human laws. See Acts 5:29. Abortion-minded humans may claim “the science is settled” on such issues as the life and development of an unborn baby, insisting they “know” it is acceptable to perform an abortion.
** Avoid “so-called knowledge” (man’s babblings): See 1 Timothy 6:20-21a. The Apostle Paul warns us to avoid the “babblings of man,” which comes from the Greek gnosis (usually translated “science” or “knowledge”). God’s truth never changes, as He has known all from the beginning. On the other hand, “science” changes almost daily, as new information becomes available. Follow eternal, unchanging knowledge flowing from God, not transient, changing “knowledge” of humans.
TO BE CONTINUED. On Sanctity of Life Sunday, I will conclude this series. Until then, Shalom and Maranatha.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun28-Dec-20258th of Tevet, 5786
Ge 47:28- 48:92 Sa 13Ps 85Lk 8:26-56(2 Co 8)
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