The Sanctity of Life

1. Creation and God's Authority

God as Creator:
- Genesis 1:1 – "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
- Revelation 21:1-2, 5 – "I am making everything new."
- John 1:3 – Jesus identified as Creator: "Through Him all things were made."
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation."
God's Authority Over Life:
- Worship of God as Creator (Isaiah 45:9; Romans 9:21; Psalm 95:6).
- Any attack on God as Creator is an attack on His authority and worthiness to be worshipped.

Jesus came to restore life (John 3:16-17).
Satan's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 8:44; 10:10).
Satan’s war against the offspring (Revelation 12:1-17).
- "Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring..."
Child sacrifice in demonic worship (Jeremiah 19:4-5; Psalm 106:36-38).
Infanticide in biblical history:
- Exodus 1:15-16 – Pharaoh orders Hebrew boys to be killed.
- Matthew 2:13-18 – Herod orders the slaughter of infants.
Proverbs 8:36b – "All who hate Me love death."

God’s plans before birth:
- Jeremiah 1:4-5 – "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."
- Isaiah 49:1, 5 – "The Lord called me from the womb."
Personal identity in the womb:
- Psalm 51:5 – David acknowledges his spiritual state before birth.
- Genesis 25:22-28 – Jacob and Esau were distinct individuals before birth.
- Psalm 139 – The psalmist recognizes his personhood before birth.
Samson's mother was given dietary restrictions due to his consecration (Judges 13:2-5).

The value of human life:
- Genesis 1:26-27 – "Made in the image of God."
- Psalm 8:4-5 – "You have crowned him with glory and honor."
Serious punishment for murder:
- Exodus 20:13 – "You shall not murder."
- Genesis 9:5-6 – Homicide is an attack on the image of God.
- Exodus 21:22-25 – Pre-born children are protected under the law.
Defending life:
- Proverbs 24:11-12 – "Rescue those being led away to death."
- Proverbs 6:16-17 – God hates the shedding of innocent blood.
- Numbers 35:33-34 – Innocent blood pollutes the land.
God’s judgment on those who kill pre-born children (Amos 1:13).

Recognizing personhood in the womb:
- Galatians 1:15 – Paul was set apart from the womb.
- Matthew 1:20-21 – Jesus was recognized as Savior before birth.
- Luke 1:15-17 – John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb.
- Luke 1:39-44 – John leaped in the womb upon hearing Mary's greeting.
Greek word "brephos" (baby) is used for both born and unborn children:
- Born: Luke 2:12, 16; Acts 7:19; 1 Peter 2:2.
- Pre-born: Luke 1:41, 44.

Jesus emphasized the value of life:
- Matthew 6:26; 10:29-31 – Humans are more valuable than animals.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – "You are God’s temple."
- John 3:16 – God’s love gives life eternal.
Jesus cared for those with a low "quality of life":
- Healing the sick (Matthew 4:23-25; 8:1-3; 9:1-8).
Jesus valued children:
- Matthew 18:1-14 – "Let the little children come to me."
- Matthew 19:13-15 – "For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

God's command to be fruitful:
- Genesis 1:27-28 – "Be fruitful and multiply."
Children as a blessing:
- Psalm 127:3 – "Children are a heritage from the Lord."
- Deuteronomy 7:12-14 – "None shall be barren."
Spiritual adoption as a model for physical adoption:
- Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:4-5.

Christian actions should be based on love:
- Matthew 22:36-40 – Love is the greatest commandment.
- John 13:34-35 – "Love one another."
Caring for the disabled:
- Exodus 4:10-12; Leviticus 19:14; Isaiah 45:9-12.
Abortion in cases of rape:
- Deuteronomy 24:16 – "Children should not be put to death for the sins of their fathers."
Biblical examples of God redeeming difficult situations:
- Genesis 38 – Judah and Tamar.
- 2 Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba.
Freedom should not be used to justify evil:
- 1 Peter 2:16 – "Do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil."
Our bodies belong to God:
- Ezekiel 18:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16-19; 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16-17.
Do not follow the crowd in doing evil (Exodus 23:2).
The responsibility of confession and repentance (Daniel 9:4-11).
The blood of the innocent brings judgment on a land (Numbers 35:33; Leviticus 18:21).