Chapter 29 - OF THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
1 Human life, in its most nascent and vulnerable stage, commences at the moment of conception, and is imbued with intrinsic value. The Psalmist, under divine inspiration, attests to God's intimate involvement in the formation of each individual from the earliest embryonic development.
2 All human beings, from the moment of conception until natural death, bear the Imago Dei, the very image of God (Genesis 1:27). This divine imprint confers upon humanity an inherent dignity and worth that sets us apart from all other created beings. Consequently, the intentional taking of innocent human life, commonly understood as murder, constitutes a most heinous sin, a direct assault on the Creator's design and a violation of His holy law: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image" (Genesis 9:6). The Decalogue unequivocally states, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), establishing a foundational moral imperative that safeguards the sanctity of human life.
3 The Scriptural witness consistently underscores God's protective regard for the unborn. The Mosaic Law, in particular, prescribes severe penalties for actions that result in harm to a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Exodus 21:22-25, when interpreted in its original Hebrew context, indicates that if men strive
and hit a pregnant woman, and her child comes out prematurely (or if there is a miscarriage with injury), significant compensation or even the principle of lextalionis (life for life) may be applied, depending on the outcome for both mother and child. This legislative framework unequivocally demonstrates that the
life of the unborn was considered valuable and worthy of legal protection within ancient Israelite society.
4 It is imperative to acknowledge the biological and ontological distinctiveness of the unborn child's body from that of the mother. Scientific and medical understanding confirms that the unborn child possesses a unique genetic code, distinct from that of either parent, and develops as a separate, albeit dependent, human organism. Therefore, the assertion "My body, my choice," while seemingly advocating for bodily autonomy, constitutes a profound logical fallacy and a moral evasion when applied to the decision to terminate the life of an unborn child. Such a statement, in this context, demonstrates a regrettable intellectual dishonesty and a wilful disregard for the established scientific and theological truth concerning the separate identity of the human being in the womb. This position must be exposed as untenable and morally indefensible.
5 Recognizing the profound complexities and deeply personal anguish that often attend decisions related to abortion, we extend compassionate pastoral care to all individuals impacted. To those who have experienced abortion, we offer the boundless grace, complete forgiveness, and transformative healing that are found exclusively in Jesus Christ. We affirm the glorious truth that "the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7) and that "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The power of Christ's atonement is sufficient to forgive every sin, including the sin of abortion, and to bring spiritual restoration and peace to the contrite heart. Our ministry is committed to walking alongside individuals in their journey of repentance and reconciliation, emphasizing the unfathomable depths of God's mercy.