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In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a need to discuss voting implications correlated to abortion. However, the pro-choice movement has picked up steam over the past several decades and may be an integral part of the upcoming November election.
Whether it’s the presidency or federal and local elections connected to specific representatives, the topic of abortion is front and center, like in times of the past.
For Christians, the pro-life movement often motivates them to hit the ballot box. While Christians are not defined by political party and represent both major parties in the nation, the question remains: What principles within Christianity can influence Christians on the topic of protecting life for the unborn?
What did Jesus say?
Referred to as the greatest commandment, Jesus sums up the mission in life in one powerful passage:
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself'” (Matthew 22:37-39).
The lesson in today’s society implies if you were to love your neighbor as yourself, would you kill them? Of course not. The abolitionists who sought to end slavery in the 19th century regularly used this same passage.
For those who adhere to Jesus Christ’s teachings and believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God, many other verses and lessons point to the seriousness of honoring life in the womb.
The Bible supports life
The Ten Commandments contain one of the most relevant lessons in the Bible: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17).
Sadly, there are people today who argue that a baby (fetus, as they say) is not a living being.
God disagrees: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Psalm 139: 13-15 adds, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret.”
Galatians 1:15-16 teaches, “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.”
Additional examples exist, from the elect’s name being placed in the Book of Life before being born, to God punishing the nations that practiced the evil of human sacrifice (often killing infants and children).
The Scriptures teach that life is to be protected. Humans are unique, made in God’s image and set apart from the rest of creation.
Vote for life
“I’ve noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born,” remarked Ronald Reagan.
Like the abolitionist movement, the Christian duty and responsibility is to protect life. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this in the United States is through the ballot box.
Abortion is not the law of the land (not yet), and Christians can make a difference by voting for pro-life candidates.
This shouldn’t be a Democrat versus Republican issue, but a life issue.
Vote for life in November.