Life is a precious gift from God, and the Bible emphasizes its sanctity from beginning to end. Let’s explore what scripture says about the value of life, and how we are called to protect and honor this gift in all forms.
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What Does The Bible Say About The Sanctity Of Life
Genesis 1:26-27
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse emphasizes the intrinsic value and sanctity of human life. It affirms that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, which sets us apart from all other creatures. Each person’s life is precious and deserves respect and protection.
Psalm 139:13-14
“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.”
This verse beautifully acknowledges that God is intimately involved in the formation of every human life. It highlights the intricate and intentional nature of God’s creation, reinforcing the idea that life begins in the womb and is to be cherished from its very beginning.
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
One of the Ten Commandments, this verse provides a clear, unequivocal commandment from God that murder is forbidden. It establishes the sanctity of life and the value God places on preserving and protecting human life.
Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Jesus expands on the commandment against murder by emphasizing that anger and hatred towards others are also condemned. This verse reminds believers that not only physical acts of violence but also our thoughts and attitudes towards others should align with the sanctity of life.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
God’s words to the prophet Jeremiah highlight his divine foreknowledge and purpose for each individual before they are even born. This verse affirms that life begins before birth and that God has plans and purposes for every person, underscoring the sanctity of life from its earliest stages.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse acknowledges that children are a precious gift from God. It recognizes the inherent value of each child and reinforces the responsibility to honor and care for them, further emphasizing the sanctity of life.
Psalm 72:12-14
“For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.”
These verses emphasize God’s concern for the vulnerable and oppressed, including those whose lives are threatened. It highlights the value God places on every life and His desire to protect and deliver those in need, illustrating the sanctity of life in God’s eyes.
Isaiah 49:1b
“Before I was born, the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.”
This verse speaks to God’s divine calling and purpose for each person, even before they are born. It affirms the intrinsic worth and value of each individual life, highlighting the sanctity of life from the very beginning.
Proverbs 24:11-12
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?”
This verse calls believers to take action and advocate for those whose lives are at risk. It emphasizes the responsibility to protect and speak up for the vulnerable, reaffirming the sanctity of every human life and the accountability we have for our actions.
Luke 12:6-7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Jesus encourages his disciples not to fear, assuring them of God’s care and concern for their lives. This verse reminds us of our worth in God’s sight and reinforces the sanctity of human life as exemplified by God’s meticulous attention and provision for even the smallest creatures.
Job 31:15
“Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?”
Job acknowledges that both he and his fellow humans were formed in the same way by God in the womb. This verse highlights the equality and shared humanity of all people, further emphasizing the sanctity of every human life.
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””
Jesus affirms the value and importance of children, challenging his disciples to welcome and embrace them. This verse underscores the sanctity of life at every age and the significance of nurturing the spiritual development of children.
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
This verse assures believers that God hears their cries and delivers them from their troubles. It highlights the divine concern for the welfare and preservation of His people, underscoring the sanctity of each person’s life in the eyes of God.
Isaiah 44:24
“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself”
God, as the Creator of all things, including human life, affirms His authority and sovereignty over every individual. This verse reiterates the sacredness of human life as an intentional creation of God and establishes His unique role in its formation.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for those in need, considering it as an act done for Him. This verse reminds believers of the sanctity of life in every person, especially those who are marginalized or suffering, calling us to show compassion and extend help to them.
Psalm 72:4
“He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.”
This verse portrays God as a defender of the oppressed and a protector of those in need. It reinforces the sanctity of life by expressing God’s desire to safeguard the vulnerable and confront those who would harm them.
Proverbs 6:16-17
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”
This verse identifies shedding innocent blood as a detestable act in the sight of God. It aligns with the sanctity of life by condemning any action that brings harm or unjustly takes the life of another person.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This prophecy speaks of God’s anointed servant bringing liberation and healing to those in distress. It highlights the sanctity of life by revealing God’s desire to bring restoration and hope to those who are marginalized or suffering.
Proverbs 28:17
“Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.”
This verse warns of the emotional and spiritual consequences that accompany the act of taking another person’s life. It highlights the gravity of the sanctity of life and the weight of guilt associated with violating it.
1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
This verse connects harboring hatred towards others with the sin of murder. It echoes Jesus’ teachings on the sanctity of life, emphasizing that love and compassion should characterize the lives of believers.
Psalm 10:17-18
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”
This psalm praises God for His attentiveness to the cries of the afflicted and His commitment to defend the fatherless and oppressed. It reinforces the sanctity of life by highlighting God’s role as the protector and advocate of those whose lives are at risk.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse calls believers to treat others with respect, kindness, and fairness. It upholds the sanctity of life by promoting a standard of behavior that values and cherishes the well-being and dignity of every person.
Proverbs 24:24-25
“Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.”
This verse speaks against minimizing or justifying wrongdoing, affirming the importance of holding the guilty accountable. It aligns with the sanctity of life by affirming the value of justice and the necessity to protect the innocent from harm.