The Value of Human Life

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January 15, 2019

By Steve King

Two vital issues, which spring from U.S. history, will surface this coming weekend: the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision made on January 22, 1973, and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., which we celebrate on January 21.

Both the Supreme Court decision and King’s legacy tie directly to the paradigm-shifting and life-affirming biblical truth of the sacredness of human life.

Have you embraced this biblical truth?

Whether we embrace this truth depends on our view of the Bible. Did you know that the first article of Cherrydale’s statement of faith is: “We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God”? Are you aware that our first of seven core values declares: “We study, teach, and apply the Bible as our final authority”?

So what does the Bible have to say about the value of human life?

From its very beginning (Genesis 1:26-28), the Bible tells us that we (humans) are created in the image of God. Therefore, every person, from conception until natural death, possesses inherent dignity and immeasurable worth. Our value is not determined by our ethnicity, race, gender, age, ability, or location.

Therefore, since the Bible clearly teaches the sanctity of human life, we are “pro-life.” Furthermore, we, as followers of Christ, are called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (See Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:44; Proverbs 24:11-12).

Two books that debunk myths and equip us to wisely hold and apply a pro-life ethic are:

• A Testament of Hope—The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. (If you have never read King’s letter from Birmingham City Jail, please do so!)
• Grand Illusions: The Legacy of Planned Parenthood by George Grant

Providentially, this weekend we will continue our series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and be confronted with the implications of what it means to be salt and light.