Does the Bible speak directly to the issue of abortion?

THOMAS: In Psalm 139, the psalmist speaks of the relationship God has with the individual from the moment of conception. Just think of when the Holy Spirit conceived the infant Jesus in the womb of the Virgin Mary. At what point was Jesus the incarnate Son of God? When He was a day old, a week old, a month old, or during the third trimester? The answer came from Gabriel himself that at the moment of Jesus’ conception, He was the entity who is the Son of God incarnate. Abortion is, therefore, something that would justify the killing of Jesus. So, from a biblical worldview, life begins at the moment of conception.

BINGHAM: Does the church have a mandate to speak out against abortion?

THOMAS: Yes, and it does that in different ways. There are some Christians who are in public office, and they have a responsibility and a platform to do speak against abortion.

Speaking out against abortion is a clear implication of “Thou shalt not kill.” One obvious application of any sermon or exposition on the right of life or murder would be to address abortion.

This transcript is from a live Ask Ligonier event with Derek Thomas and has been lightly edited for readability. To ask Ligonier a biblical or theological question, email ask@ligonier.org or message us on Facebook or Twitter.