The Bible doesn’t specifically mention birth control pills, but it offers principles on family, life, and stewardship of our bodies. Today, let’s consider how Scripture can guide us in making thoughtful decisions about family planning.
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What Does The Bible Say About Birth Control Pill
Genesis 1:28
“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.”
This verse emphasizes God’s command for humanity to multiply and fill the earth, indicating His intention for procreation.
However, it is important to note that birth control pills are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible as they were invented centuries later. The use of contraceptives, including the birth control pill, has been a topic of much debate among Christians.
Psalm 127:3-5
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
This psalm highlights the blessing of children and their role as a gift from God.
While some Christians interpret this verse as supportive of having as many children as possible, others believe that it does not necessarily exclude the responsible use of birth control methods, including the birth control pill, in certain circumstances.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse underscores the importance of taking care of one’s family, which includes responsible family planning.
For some Christians, using birth control pills can be a responsible way to ensure the well-being of their current family members and to provide the necessary resources and attention to each child.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse highlights the sanctity of the human body and the responsibility to honor it as a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Christians may approach the decision to use birth control pills with a desire to responsibly steward their bodies and make choices that align with God’s will for their lives and families.
Psalm 139:13-16
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
This beautiful psalm highlights the intricate and intentional creation of every individual by God.
In the context of birth control pills, this verse encourages Christians to consider the sanctity of life and the potential impact of using contraceptives on the formation of a new life.
Proverbs 29:18
“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”
This verse suggests that without guidance or revelation, people can make decisions without considering the consequences.
In terms of using birth control pills, Christians may seek wisdom and guidance from the Bible, prayer, and trusted spiritual leaders to make informed decisions about family planning.
James 4:17
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s actions with what they know to be morally right.
Christians may weigh the pros and cons of using birth control pills and make a decision based on their personal convictions and understanding of God’s will for their lives and families.
Genesis 38:8-10
“Then Judah said to Onan, ‘Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.’ But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to avoid providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death also.”
This story highlights the consequences of Onan’s intentional act of contraception, motivated by his desire to avoid fulfilling his familial responsibility.
From this narrative, some Christians derive the belief that intentionally obstructing procreation may be dishonoring to God, while others see it as a unique historical situation and not directly applicable to modern methods of contraception.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This proverb emphasizes the wisdom and responsibility of building a stable and nurturing home.
When contemplating the use of birth control pills, Christians may consider the impact on the stability, emotional well-being, and overall ability to provide a healthy family environment before making a decision.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These verses describe the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Christians who choose to use birth control pills may do so with a spirit of self-control, seeking to balance their desire for responsible family planning with their commitment to living a godly life.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“It is God’s will that you should be holy: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
These verses emphasize the importance of sexual purity and self-control in the lives of believers.
While birth control pills do not directly relate to sexual immorality, Christians who use them may do so as a means of fulfilling their marital duties in a way that aligns with God’s plan and within the confines of a committed, monogamous relationship.
Romans 14:12
“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
This verse reminds believers of their personal accountability to God for the choices they make.
Christians who choose to use birth control pills may do so after careful consideration, seeking to honor God with their actions and being prepared to give an account of their decisions based on their understanding of Scripture and their individual circumstances.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise, the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
These verses discuss the importance of fulfilling marital responsibilities within the context of sexual relationships.
Christians who use birth control pills may do so within the boundaries of a mutually agreed-upon decision between spouses, aiming to balance their sexual intimacy with their desire for responsible family planning.
Proverbs 24:27
“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and planning before undertaking significant endeavors.
In the context of birth control pills, Christians may use these methods as a means of cultivating stability and creating a solid foundation for their families before expanding their household.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds believers to bring glory to God in all areas of life, including decision-making.
Christians who choose to use birth control pills may do so with the intention of making responsible, prayerful decisions that align with God’s plan for their lives and their families while seeking to honor Him in the process.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This verse emphasizes the existence of appropriate times and seasons for various activities.
Some Christians may choose to use birth control pills to exercise responsible family planning, understanding that there may be seasons in life when it is more appropriate to delay or space the birth of children.
Luke 14:28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
This parable encourages deliberate planning and careful consideration before embarking on significant endeavors.
For Christians considering the use of birth control pills, this verse highlights the importance of weighing the physical, emotional, and financial factors involved in raising children and making informed decisions that align with their personal situations.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
This proverb acknowledges the importance of human planning, while ultimately recognizing that God is the one who establishes the path ahead.
Christians who use birth control pills may do so with a sense of submitting their plans to God’s leading, trusting that He will guide them in their decisions and the timing of expanding their families.
Ruth 4:13
“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.”
This verse illustrates how God has the ability to open or close the womb and enable the conception of children.
While this verse does not specifically address the use of birth control, it reminds Christians that ultimately, it is God who controls conception and pregnancy, and they can seek His guidance in family planning decisions.
Deuteronomy 7:13
“He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks, in the land that he swore to your ancestors to give you.”
This verse speaks of God’s blessing and multiplication of offspring.
Christians who choose to use birth control pills may do so while trusting in God’s ability to bless their families and provide for their needs, recognizing that family planning decisions can still align with His overall plan and promises.
Proverbs 12:11
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and wise planning for fruitful results.
In the context of family planning, Christians who use birth control pills may do so while seeking to responsibly steward their resources, time, and energy to provide for the current needs of their families in a sustainable manner.
Psalm 128:1-4
“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the LORD.”
This psalm proclaims God’s blessings on those who fear and obey Him, including the blessings of a fruitful family.
For Christians who use birth control pills, these verses acknowledge that God’s blessings are not solely dependent on the number of children but encompass a broader understanding of familial well-being and the fulfillment of God’s purposes.
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse speaks to the responsibility of parents to raise their children in a way that nurtures their spiritual development.
Christian parents who carefully plan their families using birth control pills may do so with the intention of providing the necessary resources, attention, and spiritual guidance to each child, ensuring that they are brought up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of early guidance and instruction in shaping a child’s future path.
When deciding to use birth control pills, Christians may do so with the intention of strategically spacing pregnancies to ensure they can effectively invest their time, energy, and resources in raising their children in a manner consistent with biblical principles.
These Bible verses offer various perspectives on birth control, focusing on responsible family planning, the sanctity of life, spousal consent, seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, honoring the body, and providing for the family. As Christians, it is important to approach issues such as birth control with discernment, seeking a comprehensive understanding and seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit in making decisions that align with our faith and personal circumstances. While the Bible does not provide explicit instructions regarding specific methods of contraception, it does provide overarching principles and values that can guide our choices. Ultimately, each believer must prayerfully decide, in consultation with their spouse and spiritual mentors, which family planning methods are in line with their convictions and understanding of God’s will for their lives and families.