As Christians we confess and defend the sanctity of human life throughout the year, because it is so fundamental to our theology and faith. The one true God, Maker of the heavens and the earth, created Man in His Image and Likeness, male and female, as the crowning glory of His Creation; and even after the fall into sin, the Lord in His mercy still preserves mankind in the hope and promise of His Redemption. Every new human life, from the first moment of conception, is a good work of the Holy Triune God, a gift of His grace and His creative power and authority. What is more, He has accomplished the Redemption and Salvation of mankind by becoming true Man, flesh of our flesh and blood of our blood, in the Person of the incarnate Son, Christ Jesus.
As one year concludes and the new one begins with the celebration of our Lord’s Holy Nativity, and as January then segues to the Epiphany of God in the Flesh of the incarnate Son, this month is already for those reasons an ideal time to reiterate and emphasize the sanctify of human life. It is sacred – and it is to be cherished, defended, and protected – because it is God’s good creation, and because God Himself shares our human life and human nature. That twofold divine reality is the compelling reason for which we insist upon the precious value of each and every human life.
Of course, January has also been for many years now a focal point for our Christian confession concerning the sanctity of human life because of the notorious “Roe v. Wade” decision, which was given on the 22nd. of January, A.D. 1973. Echoing Herod’s wicked slaughter of the innocents and taking it to a whole new level, that decision aided and abetted the legalized murder of many millions of unborn children. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned “Roe v. Wade” on the 24th. of June, A.D. 2022, for which we paused the proceedings of our District Convention to sing the Doxology in praise and thanksgiving to God for this long-sought outcome. Many thanks to the countless individuals who labored and sacrificed along the way to reach that significant point.
It would be a mistake to suppose that the overturning of “Roe v. Wade” has brought an end to the practice of abortion in this country. Many states have doubled down in their defense of abortion, and some have promoted the practice within their jurisdiction. There is still practical work to be done in defense of human life. And it remains the case that the Church has a positive confession to make in regards to the sanctity of human life, simply for the sake of the divine Truth. Even so, the world’s opposition to that Truth calls for the Church to clarify her confession all the more.
On the horizon over these coming weeks are opportunities to join together – also with brothers and sisters in Christ from other fellowships – in championing the sanctity of human life. Two that I am aware of and have had on my own calendar for some time now are occurring in Fort Wayne (on the 18th.) and Indianapolis (on the 22nd.), and I encourage our Indiana District pastors and the members of our Indiana District congregations to participate as they are able.
The Right To Life of Northeast Indiana will rally at Tincaps Stadium, 1301 Ewing Street, Fort Wayne, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday the 18th. of January (doors opening at 12:00 Noon), with a March for Life following the Rally: https://www.ichooselife.org/resources/events/upcoming-events/northeast-indiana-march-for-life-2025
The Right To Life of Indianapolis will rally at the Indiana Statehouse at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday the 22nd. of January, with a March for Life along Georgia Street and Illinois Street afterwards (beginning at 1:45 p.m.): https://marchforlife.ond. rg/indiana/