Why is legalized abortion so important to so many people? Sadly, many people have made abortion an idol. They “worship” the golden calf of abortion and are willing to fight tooth and nail to keep it in place. For a lot of people, abortion is a big money-making business. For others, it’s an easy way out of a difficult circumstance. Many people want to keep it in place so they can keep their “financial benefits” while others depend on it as a “convenient” tool to use whenever and however they “need” it. The support is significant to keep the idol of abortion legal, so their perspective is, “Don’t you dare even think about overturning Roe v. Wade!”

I believe that we, the church, should be diligent and passionate about faithfully doing at least five things:

1. Stand firmly on the truths of God’s Word and trust the Lord.

2. Pray without ceasing in spiritual combat.

3. Faithfully and passionately support and stand with the work of pregnancy clinics.

4. Faithfully speak out against abortion and have events that speak passionately about the life issue.

5. Listen to the Holy Spirit as to what else we need to do to boldly stand for life.

What should the church’s stand be on the life issue? How should we decide what side to stand on? Well, the answer is actually very simple. What does the word of God say? In Exodus 20:13, we read: “You shall not murder.” This is very clear and to the point. Murder is the taking of innocent life.

Too many in our culture, including persons in the church, are taking the word “murder” and substituting it with words like “abortion,” “reproductive rights,” and “euthanasia.” They seem to want to believe that murder is okay if you call it by one of these substitute names. Yet whatever name you give the act of taking innocent life, it is still clearly wrong according to the Word of God. Abortion is a sin.

We are also told in Deuteronomy 30:19: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”

Now, of course, we serve a merciful and forgiving heavenly Father. In I John 1:9, we are told, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Without question, if we confess and repent of sin and ask for his forgiveness, He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God is full of mercy and lovingkindness. If we simply come to Him and bring this matter, He will receive us, forgive us, and heal us.

May we, the church of Jesus Christ, not rest until the idol of abortion is torn down and destroyed.

Written by Joseph Parker for American Family Association ~ January 27, 2020