God's Image Bearers: Honoring Life From Conception to Eternity

Hey Guys,

The belief that every human life is sacred is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. From conception to eternity, every person is an image-bearer of God, uniquely created for His glory and purposes. This truth forms the foundation for a biblical ethic of life, one that demands our unwavering commitment to protect, value, and honor life at every stage. As conservative Southern Baptists, we hold firmly to the authority of Scripture and proclaim its teachings on the sanctity of life in a culture that often devalues it.

Life as God’s Creation
The Bible declares that human life is not a product of chance but the intentional design of God. Genesis 1:26-27 states:
"Then God said, ‘Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Being made in God’s image (imago Dei) sets humanity apart from all other forms of creation. This distinction is not based on physical attributes but on our spiritual capacity to relate to God, reflect His character, and fulfill His purposes. Every human being, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, carries this divine imprint and is of infinite value.

Life Begins at Conception
The biblical position on life is clear: life begins at conception. This truth is rooted in Scripture. David declares in Psalm 139:13-16:
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."

From the moment of conception, God is at work, intricately forming and fashioning each person. Life in the womb is not an impersonal process but a sacred act of God’s creative power. Jeremiah 1:5 further affirms this truth:
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

God’s knowledge and purpose for each life precede even the physical act of conception. This truth underscores the need to protect the unborn, who are already known and loved by God.

Honoring Life at Every Stage
While the sanctity of life begins at conception, it extends to every stage of existence—from the unborn to the elderly and every moment in between. James 3:9 reminds us of the weight of honoring God’s image in others:
"With it [our tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God."

This verse challenges us to treat all people with dignity and respect, acknowledging that every human being reflects God’s likeness. This includes:

• The Unborn: Protecting the unborn is a biblical mandate. Proverbs 24:11-12 urges us:
  "Rescue those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to the slaughter, oh hold them back."
  Christians are called to stand as advocates for those who cannot defend themselves, providing support for expectant mothers and working to end the tragedy of abortion.
  
  
• The Vulnerable: God’s care for the weak and marginalized is evident throughout Scripture. In Psalm 68:5, He is described as "a father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows." As His people, we must champion the cause of the orphan, widow, disabled, and oppressed.
• The Aged and Dying: Honoring life also means caring for the elderly and affirming the value of those nearing the end of their earthly journey. Leviticus 19:32 says, "You shall rise up before the gray-headed and honor the aged, and you are to revere your God; I am the Lord."

Eternal Life: The Ultimate Fulfillment of God’s Image
God’s purpose for humanity goes beyond physical existence. While earthly life is sacred, its ultimate fulfillment is found in eternal life through Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, we read:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."

Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are not only redeemed from sin but also restored to fully reflect the image of God. Eternal life is the culmination of what it means to bear His image—unbroken fellowship with Him forever.

Why Defend the Sanctity of Life?
We must affirm that the Bible is our ultimate authority for faith and practice. Defending the sanctity of life is not a political issue but a spiritual mandate. We defend life because:

1. God Commands It: Proverbs 31:8-9 says, "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate."
2. Christ Modeled It: Jesus demonstrated compassion for the outcast and marginalized, teaching us to value every person (Matthew 25:40).
3. The Gospel Demands It: The gospel calls us to proclaim life—eternal life through Christ and the sacredness of life here and now.

Living Out the Call to Honor Life
Honoring life as God’s image-bearers requires action. Here are practical ways to live out this calling:

• Advocate for Life: Speak out against abortion, euthanasia, and other practices that devalue life. Support policies and leaders who protect life.
• Support Women and Families: Partner with crisis pregnancy centers, provide resources for families, and foster a culture of life within your church.
• Minister to the Vulnerable: Engage in ministries that serve the elderly, disabled, and those in need, reflecting God’s love to all.
• Proclaim the Gospel: Share the hope of eternal life in Christ, offering spiritual life to those in need of salvation.

Conclusion
Every human being is a bearer of God’s image, and this truth compels us to honor life from conception to eternity. We must stand on the authority of God’s Word, proclaiming the sanctity of life in a culture that desperately needs this truth. Let us courageously defend the vulnerable, care for the hurting, and point others to the hope found in Jesus Christ, who came to give life and give it abundantly (John 10:10).

Serving Him,

Bro. Joey