Good post. I agree with all you have stated.
Perhaps you can take a stab at a question that
@Rhema and
@MedicBravo are running from?
The underlying issue that 'pro-choice' advocates have with anti-abortionists is that our statements imply that any abortion is murder at the
maximum level. IE If there was a Christian only court, all abortionists would receive
the death penalty or
life imprisonment.
Question: If you were a Christian judge at a Christian court in a Christian country, would you always give the maximum punishment for an abortion at any week?
Please don't do the following:
@Rhema evades by saying ''God is the judge and not us. We must not judge because they can repent''.
@MedicBravo says ''all abortion is murder and killing a baby. They must receive punishment as such.''
My answer and judgement on the matter is in post # 33.
Good Morning, I would be happy to take a approach at this.
As a Christian I would have to look at several variables, based on Grace, Sin, and my own Judgment.
So I will try and break this down if I may:
As a Christian, it's essential to approach difficult moral and legal questions with both
truth and
grace, reflecting the character of God as revealed in the Bible. When discussing issues like abortion, it is important to understand the balance between
justice and
mercy, as well as the complex nature of human circumstances. Let’s explore this in light of Scripture.
1.
Christians believe that human life is sacred and that life begins at conception (as seen in
Psalm 139:13-16). Therefore, abortion is viewed by many Christians as taking innocent life, which is strongly condemned in Scripture, such as in the commandment
"You shall not murder" (
Exodus 20:13). From this perspective, abortion is considered a grave moral wrong.
However, while
justice is central to Christian teaching, the Bible also emphasizes
mercy, repentance, and
forgiveness. God is just, but He is also merciful, offering forgiveness to those who repent of their sins (see
1 John 1:9). So this has to be part of the process.
2.
If one were to hypothetically serve as a judge in a Christian court, the Bible provides principles for administering justice that reflect both God’s holiness and His compassion. While God abhors sin, including the taking of innocent life, He also demonstrates
mercy and grace throughout Scripture.
Micah 6:8 (NIV):
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A Christian judge would have to act
justly but also be called to
love mercy. These two values are not mutually exclusive in God’s eyes, and a Christian judge would need to discern the heart, circumstances, and level of repentance of the person involved. Not a one size fits all according to scripture.
3.
One example that reflects Jesus’ approach to sin and judgment can be seen in
John 8:3-11, when a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus. The law demanded death by stoning, but Jesus challenged the self-righteousness of the accusers and responded with both truth and mercy. He did not condone the sin, but neither did He rush to the harshest possible punishment: This is a very important lesson.
- John 8:7 (NIV): “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
- After her accusers left, Jesus said: “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).
In this instance, Jesus showed mercy, offering the woman an opportunity to repent and change, even though the law at the time called for severe punishment. So should it be in the question you asked.
4.
The New Testament teaches that believers are to
approach moral and legal questions with both
justice and
mercy, in accordance with God’s nature. A Christian judge in such a scenario would need to carefully weigh the
circumstances of each case and
consider whether the maximum penalty is warranted or whether there is an opportunity for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. I want to emphasize this last line in red. Key to answering your question.
While the
sanctity of life is an undeniable biblical principle, so too is the importance of
mercy and grace. In many cases, women seeking abortions may be doing so out of desperation, fear, or coercion. Christian compassion would demand that these factors be taken into account. The goal of any legal or judicial system in a Christian context should not merely be
punishment, but also
redemption and restoration where possible. This is why I consider my self a Christ Follower, over the go to " Christian " . Why I am a Christian, my lessons come from the Lord.
James 2:13 (NIV):
“Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
5.
Christian theology places a high value on
repentance and
forgiveness. If someone involved in abortion recognizes their sin and seeks forgiveness, a Christian judge should consider that, as
God is always willing to forgive those who repent.
Luke 15:7 (NIV):
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Thus, while a Christian court might take a serious view of abortion, it would also seek to reflect God’s desire for
healing and restoration.
So My Opinion in this hypothetical :
If a Christian judge were to preside in a Christian court in a Christian country, the decision to apply the
maximum punishment for abortion would need to be tempered with discernment, taking into account
God's justice and mercy. While the Bible clearly values life and opposes the taking of innocent life, it also calls for
compassion, mercy, and forgiveness.
Therefore, it is unlikely that a Christian judge would
always give the maximum punishment for abortion in every case. Instead, they would seek to reflect both the
justice of God (recognizing the gravity of taking life) and the
mercy of God (offering hope, forgiveness, and restoration to those who repent and seek transformation). This approach honors the full character of God, who is both
just and
merciful.
Hope this helps .
Thank You for posing the question, I love questions like these. Gets the mind moving in scripture.
Bless You for the opportunity to answer this. I hope I did the question justice.
)
