Sanctity of Human Life

Pastor’s News Views


Tim Edwards, Pastor

First Baptist Church Highlands



The Supreme Court ruling on January 22, 1973 has incited strong emotion in America for the past 4 decades like no other issue. The Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion continues to be applauded by abortion activists and condemned by pro-life groups. The battle is waged on multiple fronts. Abortion is certainly a political issue as legislators debate various restrictions. It is also a judicial issue with the constitutionality of these laws always under scrutiny. Abortion is furthermore a personal moral issue as millions of pregnant women annually choose life or terminate life.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is observed this Sunday, January 19th in thousand of churches as attention is focused on the truths of God’s Word regarding the sacred gift of life, from conception onward. The Biblical worldview is that life is everlasting- there is a physical beginning, but the human soul is in the image of God and thus is eternal. The 1st National Sanctity of Human Life Day was recognized in a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 on the 11th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Reagan issued the proclamation annually thereafter, designating Sanctity of Human Life Day to be the third Sunday in January. His successor, George H. W. Bush, continued the annual proclamation throughout his presidency. Sanctity of Human Life Day is not now designated by a presidential proclamation, but churches and pro life organizations recognize the day nationwide.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday proclaims God’s Word and is an invitation to choose life from womb to tomb and beyond. A Holy Spirit inspired message through the prophet Micah who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah in the 8th century BC is applicable in 21st century. Micah called out unjust leaders, defended the rights of the poor against the rich and powerful, and preached social justice. The prophet proclaimed judgment while promising restoration of a remnant in the future. Although abortion rights were not the specific issue addressed by the prophet, the sanctity of human life was the issue for the residents of ancient Judah and Israel. Micah challenged people in that era… And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 God’s Word challenges Christ-followers in the 21st century also. A Biblical worldview of the Sanctity of Life affects personal & church response to specific moral/ethical issues. Justice, love, and humble dependence on God are foundational regarding personal morality, and in your political convictions.

Monday, January 20th is a federal holiday, marking the January 15th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each 3rd Monday in January, our nation recognizes and honors this pastor and civil rights leader. Indirectly, the life of Dr. King calls attention to the Sanctity of Human Life. He certainly challenged the nation regarding the holiness and dignity of life for all persons. Dr. King’s famous speech on the National Mall at the Lincoln Monument eloquently expressed the dream for equality of all persons. The Sanctity of Human Life also expresses the dream and is fulfilled for all persons, womb to tomb, as Christ-followers live with justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8)