He Saved Us
Last Sunday morning, my son Winston served me communion. That was pretty cool. Those of you who know my family understand that I was blessed to have my first son enter our family by way of a Crisis Pregnancy Center. His birth would not have happened if it were not for a Christian woman who loved her daughter and her unborn baby so much that she took a stand for life. She expressed to her daughter that she would not allow her to make the same mistake she had made – she was determined that this child would be born and adopted by a loving family.
And because that woman acted upon her deeply held beliefs – he had a chance to live, and I have the privilege to raise him as my son.
Today is again "National Sanctity of Life Sunday" - and yes, it's a little personal for me. The older I get, the more deeply I understand that human life is sacred. All human life is worthy of respect. It's set aside by its Creator, for a purpose, and it should be considered extremely important and highly valued.
And I'm aware that this is a divisive subject in our nation. So much so, that there have been 309 incidents of arson, vandalism, and other destruction at Catholic Churches in the United States just since May of 2020. And just this past year over sixty crisis pregnancy centers have been either vandalized or burned.
The term from the political world for these deeply held beliefs is "pro life". But this isn't a political sermon. I am 'for' life. I am for hope. I'm for grace. I'm for love. I would much rather be known because of that which I am 'for' – as opposed to being known for what I oppose. So please, understand my purpose this morning. I'm here to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and His love; God's Truth specifically as it relates to the protection of human life as sacred.
I. Life is sacred because…
Mankind, human beings are special not because of our own inherent 'wonderfulness' – we were given this special status because God is our creator. If we don't first acknowledge that God created us, nothing else really matters.
Some ask "when does a 'collection of cells' become a person?" When we acknowledge the truth, that only God can create human life, that question fades as we gain a sense of reverence for life created in God's image. Life does not exist outside of the will of God. God made everything that exists and He decides when life begins.
You are not an accident . You are God's intentional, purposeful creation. King David wrote in Psalms 139:13-16 (NIV)...
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (14) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (15) My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, (16) your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Life is sacred because…
A. God is the Author of life
You are God's creation and He is your Creator. You exist solely because God wanted you to exist.
'Scientists' tell us that life somehow evolved millions of years ago from chemicals in some 'primordial soup' under just the right conditions. But they haven't been able to prove it or reproduce it - even in ideal controlled lab conditions. That's because, as scientifically demonstrated by chemists Louis Pasteur and Rudolf Virchow, there's something called 'the biogenetic law' which says 'Life comes only from life'.
God agrees with that law because He, in fact, designed that law. God had it all figured out long before scientists came along. Science cannot create life – only God can do that.
Now some may ask, "If God is the author of life, why would He cause so many unwanted or unplanned pregnancies?" 'Unplanned' by whom..? A human life being created is ultimately not our choice. We may not understand the 'why' behind things and situations, but God doesn't make mistakes. I personally believe that my son Winston wasn't 'unplanned', and he certainly isn't 'unwanted'.
God sees circumstances from a much higher vantage point than we do. God is never surprised by events. Even in seemingly 'unplanned', 'unfair' situations and difficulties, we serve a God who specializes in turning 'bad things' into 'good things', even great things.
I'd like to look at a short video clip…
Life is sacred because, God as The Author of Life created us in His image. Let's look at a foundational passage I've shared often…
Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (28) God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
Human life is sacred because God has created us in His image. God has invested a part of Himself in us – He has stamped His own image on us. God created us with the ability to communicate with Him through prayer. No other 'thing' or animal in all of creation can make that claim. Your life, and every life, is sacred because…
B. Human life is unique
God created mankind as unique among all of His creation. Whether some agree with this fact or not - humans are different than animals. Animals were created by God and given life, but only mankind was created in the image of God. We bear this image and we have been given the role of stewards, 'managers' over the earth and the animals. Animals were created for man and we've been given dominion over them. That not only gives us a place of distinction in all creation, but it also carries a responsibility as well.
It's not arrogance to say that we're over the animals – it's God's design. Man is created in God's image – animals are not. Animals are a wonderful part of creation, they can be a huge blessing and some even great pets - but they're not humans. God wants us to value human life differently than animal life.
There's a modern belief that killing animals for food falls into the category of murder. We see in Genesis 9 that after the flood, Noah and his family were given permission, by God - the giver of life, to kill and eat animals.
Genesis 9:3 (NIV)
Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
According to the Bible, it's not a sin to eat meat. And it's not a sin to choose to be a vegetarian, or vegan – your choice. And there's the word 'choice'. You hear many today claim the title of 'pro-choice'. They say, 'My body, my choice!'
We're told to 'follow the science' and science says a 'fetus' is just a clump of cells. But a 'clump of cells' doesn't have a beating heart or completely unique human DNA. And 'science' even confirms through ultrasound images that "unborn babies respond to touch and taste just like you and me. They feel pain. With fully formed noses and lips, eyes, and eyebrows, fingers and toes, they explore the world around them. And with advancements in surgical techniques, unborn babies are even treated inside the womb, like any other patient, from as early as 15 weeks."
Those who are 'pro choice' say 'abortion should be safe and legal.' - But safe and legal for whom? Abortion is a death sentence for the baby. Many say, "This is a fetus, not a baby." But were you aware that 'fetus' is actually Latin for 'unborn child'..? So when someone suggests, 'terminate the fetus' - it literally means 'kill the baby'.
God says human life is sacred; and because God is the creator, as such…
C. God owns life
God gave permission for man to kill animals. But God views the killing of a person, created in His image, He views that drastically differently. Because God owns life - we do not have the authority to choose to end an innocent human life.
Genesis 9:5-6 (NIV)
And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. (6) Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
And the Apostle Paul talks about God's authority, His ultimate ownership over man and His right to grant life as He chooses…
Acts 17:24-26 (NIV)
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. (25) And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. (26) From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
In the Old Testament, God, through His prophet Ezekiel, once again claimed His right over every life…
Ezekiel 18:4 (NIV)
For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son - both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.
The US Supreme Court Dred Scott v. Sandford decision ruled 7-2 that 'blacks' did not have personhood like 'whites'. They were considered chattel to be bought, sold, or even killed if it happened to be the choice of the slave owner. The recently overturned Roe v. Wade decision ruled 7-2 that unborn babies were not persons and could be subject to being killed and their body parts bought and sold if it was the desire of the abortionist or the baby's mother.
Slave owners told abolitionists, "It's fine if you don't like slavery, don't own one, but don't impose your morality on slave owners by telling them what they can and cannot do with their own property." Today we hear eerie similarities, "It's okay if you don't like abortion, but don't impose your morality on others by telling women what they can and cannot do with their own bodies."
When many talk about the life of an unborn child – the discussion often turns into one of women's rights or women's healthcare. This is not a matter of denying anyone's rights – but rather acknowledging that God owns every life that is conceived. Any right anyone has comes solely from God. This can't be just a political discussion to battle over and win votes. This is a matter of recognizing God's rights – His authority, His ownership of every life on this planet!
When you start to see things from God's perspective – it's not about winning an argument or debate. It's then about whether you will choose to submit your will, your rights, to God. And not everyone will do this. And many will choose to reject God's authority.
But that doesn't change how God views life. Since life is sacred, since God created you uniquely, for His purposes…
II. What are you worth?
I don't mean your potential earning power - but what are you, as a person, worth? The answer you get depends on who you ask. Biologists tell us that the basic elements that make up your body cost roughly five bucks. But you're worth a lot more than that.
How does the world determine what a human life is worth? Do we measure it by net worth? Is it determined financially? Is it determined by our education? - By a degree or title? Is our worth measured by our fame? - By what we could bring in at the box office or a concert venue? Is it measured by how many Facebook friends we have or the number of social media followers?
Is our worth determined by our influence or power or position or job? Is it measured by our address, or house - or a lack of one? Is it measured by our physical abilities or strength or age? Is the worth of a human being measured by their potential quality of life..? Is the worth of a human life measured by timing or convenience? Is the worth of a human life measured by whether it's wanted or not?
What does God say you are worth? The Apostle Paul wrote this concerning how God feels about us in Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)...
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. (4) But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, (5) he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, (6) whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, (7) so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
God thinks you are worth so much that He gave His own life on a cross, and then conquered death itself for the possibility that He could spend eternity with you. Human life is unique, special and sacred because of Who created us and Who loves us!
So What?
I can say I believe in the sanctity of life; I can even say I am 'pro-life' – it's another thing to actually do something about it.
The 'Women's Care Center' on Broadway in Merrillville serves on average 9 women a day who've found themselves in a difficult situation. Last year alone they performed approximately 1,000 free ultrasounds, and their efforts saved 492 babies. Since opening 2 centers in Lake County, the number of local women having abortions has declined 51%. In their 35 centers in 12 states they have saved a combined total of 18,681 babies last year! They provide diapers and blankets and baby clothes and parenting classes and all sorts of resources for women and their children.
If I say that I believe that human life is sacred, but never act on those beliefs – what does that say about my level of commitment to those beliefs?
I'm not here to persuade you to change political parties or tell you how to vote. But I am here to encourage you to carefully weigh your beliefs and your values. God sees human life as sacred and places an extremely high value on life. Do your attitudes and actions communicate that you value human life as sacred?