Abortion: A Modern Crisis and the Church’s Timeless Position

Few issues define our culture today as sharply as abortion. It is presented as a human right, a medical procedure, and a political talking point—but at its core, it is a question of life, justice, and God’s authority.

The church’s position has always been clear: abortion is the intentional taking of innocent life, and it is incompatible with biblical Christianity. This has been the stance of the Christian church for over 2,000 years, long before Roe v. Wade and the modern pro-life movement.

But in today’s world, where convenience is prioritized over conscience and morality is often defined by personal preference, many—even some professing Christians—have bought into the lie that abortion is a necessary good rather than an undeniable evil. This article will lay out the historical, biblical, and moral case for why the church must stand firm on this issue in our time.

1. The Church Has Always Opposed Abortion

It is often said that abortion is a political issue, but for the church, it has always been a moral and theological one. Long before the legalization debates of the 20th century, Christians were countercultural in their defense of the unborn.

A. Early Christianity and Abortion

In the Roman Empire, abortion and infanticide were commonplace. Unwanted children—especially girls—were often left to die of exposure or abandoned in the streets. But Christians, following the teachings of Christ, rejected these practices and even rescued abandoned infants, raising them as their own.

• The Didache (1st Century AD) – One of the earliest Christian writings outside of Scripture, it states: “You shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born.”

• Tertullian (c. 160–220 AD) – “To prevent birth is anticipated murder; it makes no difference whether one destroys a life that has been born or prevents one from being born.”

• Basil of Caesarea (4th Century AD) – “[Those who commit abortion] are guilty of murder.”

From the beginning, Christians distinguished themselves from the world by protecting the unborn. While the Roman world saw life as expendable, the church saw every person—born or unborn—as made in God’s image.

B. The Reformation and Beyond

The Reformers continued this defense of life. John Calvin declared abortion to be an attack on God’s creation, stating:

“For the fetus, though enclosed in the womb of its mother, is already a human being… and it is almost a monstrous crime to rob it of the life which it has not yet begun to enjoy.”

Throughout history, abortion was recognized as a grievous sin, and it was only in the late 20th century that it became widely accepted in Western culture.

2. The Biblical Case for Life

Abortion is not just wrong because the early church condemned it—it is wrong because God’s Word declares it so.

A. Life Begins in the Womb

The Bible repeatedly affirms that God forms and knows each person before birth:

• Psalm 139:13-16 – “You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”

• Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”

• Luke 1:41-44 – John the Baptist leaps in the womb, recognizing Christ’s presence.

These verses don’t just suggest that life begins before birth—they outright declare it. If God calls, forms, and knows people in the womb, then abortion is nothing less than the destruction of a life known by God.

B. The Sixth Commandment: "You Shall Not Murder"

• Exodus 20:13 – The command against murder applies to all human life—including the unborn.

• Exodus 21:22-25 – If an unborn child was harmed in biblical law, the offender was held accountable as if they had taken the life of a grown person.

To justify abortion, one must redefine who counts as human, but Scripture leaves no room for such distinctions.

3. The Modern Justifications for Abortion vs. Biblical Truth

The modern pro-choice movement has built itself on shifting definitions—defining personhood, value, and morality according to culture rather than God’s Word.

A. “It’s a Woman’s Right to Choose”

Biblical Response: No one has the right to take innocent life. Our bodies are not our own (1 Cor. 6:19-20), and moral choices must align with God’s law, not personal preference.

B. “A Fetus is Just a Clump of Cells”

Biblical Response: Science confirms what Scripture has always said: from the moment of conception, a baby has unique DNA, a heartbeat at 6 weeks, and pain receptors by 12 weeks. Humanity is not granted by law—it is granted by God.

C. “What About Rape and Incest?”

Biblical Response: The circumstances of conception do not change the humanity of the child. A baby conceived in rape is no less valuable than a baby conceived in marriage. Evil does not justify more evil.

D. “Pro-Lifers Only Care About Babies Before They’re Born”

Biblical Response: The church has always cared for mothers and children, funding crisis pregnancy centers, adoption ministries, and single-mother support systems. Christians don’t just oppose abortion—we support life in action.

4. A Call to Action: What Should Christians Do?

We are living in a culture of death, and silence is not an option. The modern church must stand where the historic church has always stood—for the sanctity of life.

A. Preach the Gospel of Life

Abortion is ultimately a spiritual issue. It stems from a rejection of God’s authority over life. The answer is not just laws but the Gospel—a culture of life comes when people recognize Christ as Lord.

B. Support Women in Crisis

We must be pro-life in word and deed, supporting:

• Pregnancy resource centers

• Adoption and foster care

• Single mothers in the church

C. Refuse to Compromise

Abortion is not a “gray area.” It is the intentional killing of innocent life. We must:

• Call abortion what it is—murder.

• Defend life in our churches, workplaces, and communities.

• Vote for leaders who will protect the unborn.

5. The Gospel and Redemption

For those who have participated in abortion, there is grace in Christ. The Gospel is not just law—it is redemption.

• Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

• Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Abortion is a sin, but Jesus’ blood is greater than any sin. The church must speak boldly against abortion, but also offer the hope of forgiveness to those who repent.

Now is the time to stand firm. The church has always been pro-life, and it must remain so. May we be a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness, and a people unshaken by the shifting tides of culture.

Soli Deo Gloria.