Abortion: Where Does It Fall--Black, White or Gray

Initially, I would say abortion is a sin because it is intentionally taking a human life which is called murder. Do not kill is one of the ten commandments God gave. Certainly, God knows every fetus (Psalm 139:13-14). After all, He is the one who creates us and chose us before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)

Then I hear the pro-choice reasons that in some cases, it is okay. Such as what if the doctors can see there will be brain damage? What if it’s an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy? What if the doctors can see physical defects? What if the mother was raped?

I’ve come to the conclusion that there are absolutes and God has not changed what sin is. In God’s eyes, there are not gray areas, only people make gray areas when something they want to do doesn’t fall in line with what God says to do.  We call it “situational ethics” but God calls it sin. We rationalize and question God’s judgment but have no right to do that because God is sovereign, knows the future, has a plan and created us to do good works that he planned for us to do (Eph. 2:10).

(image source:  all free clip art)

At our Women of Wonder meeting at church this month, we had a volunteer from the Cleveland Pregnancy Center speak about that organization and all the services it provides who I know personally. It was a powerful presentation because she shared her personal experience of being born to a 12-yr-old girl who was raped. She shared how the second chapter of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren helped her realize that she was not a mistake! She obviously is passionate about helping woman carry their babies full-term regardless of the circumstances.

How do you feel about abortion?

Books on this topic:
Unplanned, The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye Opening Journey Across The Life Line
Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker (deals with questioning beliefs and hating the sin but loving the sinner)
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult (Would the mother have chosen to have an abortion had she known her daughter would have a rare disease?)The Purpose Driven Life (chapter 2) by Rick Warren

Related Posts: Will God Forgive Abortion?
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Will God Forgive Abortion?

Last Sunday our Pastor answered one of the tough questions that was submitted to him by a member of our congregation that was “I had an abortion. Can God forgive me?” My initial quick response was “Yes, how is he going to have a whole sermon on that?”

He invited two women who have had abortions to come and share their story of how they found forgiveness when they attended a HEART workshop and it was very interesting! First though, he made the point that in God’s eyes, sin is sin and all sin separates us from God, whether it’s just a lie or a murder. This is based on lists of sins found in Galatians 5:19 and also in Proverbs 6:16-19.

Pastor Dan pointed out that abortion is a sin because life begins in the womb as indicated in Psalm 139:13-14. “Do not kill” is one of the commandments (Exodus 20:13). The penalty for sin is death, eternal separation from God but the gift of God is life through God’s Son, Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 and But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Jesus died for everyone while we were still sinners and paid that price. If we accept Christ death on the cross was for us and repent of our sin, we can be forgiven!

These women shared that they felt guilty after the abortion and participated in self-destructive behavior such as drugs, alcohol, divorce and even attempted suicide which are all common among women who have abortions. The one woman got actively involved in pro choice in order to help herself feel better. Both these women had a hard time forgiving themselves for aborting their babies. Both had different reasons. One did it because after her first baby, she just didn’t want to go through the pain of having another so aborted her second child. The other woman who shared was from a troubled home and looked for love in the wrong places. When she got pregnant with a man’s child who she did not love, she did not want to keep the baby because she didn’t think she could love it.

Both these women shared that they found a workshop called Healing Effects of Abortion Related Trauma connection with The Cleveland Pregnancy Center. Through this 7-week confidential, Christ-centered workshop designed for those who have experienced abortion, they found forgiveness. I John 1:9 says that, “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” No exceptions! It doesn’t say, “except for abortion or murder or lying.”

By thinking God would not forgive them, they were told that they were ascribing more power to the sin than to Christ’s shed blood which really got their attention. "Christ died once for all, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." --I Peter 3:18

These women explained that most keep the fact they had an abortion to as few people as possible and really don’t want anyone to find out about it. That is why this workshop is strictly confidential. If you had an abortion and feel your life is messed up and there’s no hope, give the Cleveland Pregnancy Center a call at 440-243-2520 and just ask about the HEART workshop. There is forgiveness and help for you available. I hope this post will help someone find it.

Pastor Dan of Parma Heights Baptist Church is preaching on tough questions submitted to him by members of our congregation for the summer. I thought this was a great idea and submitted a couple of my own (this one wasn't mine if you're wondering). Most likely, I'll post summaries each week on my Zemeks' Updates blog under either the "Parma Heights Baptist Church" or "Life Is Tough but God Is Good" sections. Only the exceptionally good ones will make it to this blog.