The roots of the Church's historic stand against abortion
The Church's historic stand against abortion has broad biblical and theological underpinnings based first of all in God's relationship with us. The chief end of man, says the answer to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, "is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever." God created us in relationship to himself. Even fleeing his presence all our lives long doesn't change that.

God created us in his image, and thereby set us apart from the rest of creation. And it is on that basis that God forbids us to take the lives of innocent human beings. Genesis 9:6 explains, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in his own image."

Scripture teaches us that blessing follows from care for the weak and vulnerable and innocent among us:

Christian faith doesn't distinguish between born and unborn
Lest we think none of this applies to those not yet born, Scottish Presbyterian Thomas Torrance, who is one of the preeminent theologians of our time, corrects us. He reminds us that Jesus became human exactly as each of us becomes human. The incarnation--Jesus become human--was as an embryo in the womb of his mother.

Abortion as a solution is an illusion
This reality of God's value for each human being, which the modern world does not comprehend, has been forgotten by too many in the Church as well. This reality is why women do not find blessing in abortion. Hundreds of studies have now been reported in major research journals showing serious physical and psychological harm to women who have abortions. Some of the findings are reported in this newsletter (article). Reporting these studies is likely both to help diminish the numbers of abortions and increase awareness of the need for medical treatment and psychological counseling for women who have had abortions.

Alone in decisions--and alone with the consequences
What the studies don't show are the spiritual consequences of abortion. We've noted often in this newsletter that the silence and discomfort in our churches on this subject leave women alone in their decisions, and then alone in their sin if they choose abortion. There is widespread fear of teaching what Scripture says about the value of a human life if the teaching touches on abortion, and widespread neglect of women who live afterwards with the knowledge that they have killed their own children. We tend either to affirm their decisions or try to pretend we do not know.

Where is grace?
Where is grace when the chips are down? Where is grace when the truth runs counter to civil laws and there are 4,000 abortions every day in our country? Where is the grace-filled word of the Gospel to women who cannot forgive themselves and do not know that God is merciful and can restore their lives? Where is the Church?

Let us pray that this year our General Assembly will find its pastoral mind on this matter. Let us pray that the General Assembly will give leadership to us and speak to us about the harm of abortion and the limitless mercy of God. Let us all stop affirming abortion--as if abortion were something Christian faith approves--and let us commit ourselves to life-saving alternatives for women and their babies. There is a world of ministry out there waiting for us.

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