Often in the abortion debate we
hear arguments concerning the question of when life begins. This is certainly a noteworthy question. Simply put, if the fetus in the womb is labeled as having no-life, then it would not be murder to abort it. In the abortion debate. there are many arguments concerning just
that. Some say life begins at conception
(certainly a biblical view), some say it starts when the heart first starts
beating, and some say it starts when the baby is birthed out of the womb. Though these ideas are important to look
at, in my estimation, there is something more important to be considered. When does a baby in the womb have the potentiality of a valuable life?
Certainly in the Bible we know that
life has potentiality long before conception.
If God really is timeless, space-less, immaterial, and omniscient, then
we would expect God to be able to see all of human history at a glance. He knew us even before we were born. That is why it is not a surprise to find
scriptures like Jeremiah 1: 5, and Psalms 139: 13-14.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
“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.” (Psalms 139:13-14)
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.” (Psalms 139:13-14)
Certainly in the passages above it
is easy to tell there is an inherent purpose and potentiality unique to each created
person. God knows us, creates us with
intrinsic self worth, and gives us a specific purpose. Clearly there is potential for each life in
the womb, for that is how God creates each person. Now we must ask, can that be perceived in
reality? Can we see that to be true in our everyday experiences?
Let me ask you…do you perceive
your life to be valuable? Have you
contributed to the well being of others?
Have you brought joy to someone’s life?
Have you helped someone in
need? Have you taught something of value
to a family member, friend, or acquaintance?
Have you provided for the well being of your family? Have you raised kids, investing countless
hours of time and dedication? This short
list of things you may have done, among many other things,
proves that your life has value. The
question is, was there the potential of you doing so at conception? The answer is yes! Let’s suppose for one moment that your mother
had the “Right to Choose,” and due to financial problems, work demands, or other problematic
circumstances, she decided to abort her baby, namely to abort you. You would not be here today. Imagine … all the people you helped, all the
people that smiled just from knowing you, all the people that learned something
valuable from you ... all of these people would have been robbed of your
potentiality. Is your life a life worth
living? If you believe your life is
worth living, why not believe in the potentiality of the unborn? The only difference between them and you is
that they have yet to be born. I wonder
how many people are being robbed of significant blessings, all
because society does not see our unborn
babies as valuable.
In conclusion it is important to
remember the words of Jesus. Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and
destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus desires all of us, those born and yet
to be born, to live a GREAT LIFE and to
show GREAT LOVE. That is why we can have certainty of the potential of all life!
