Abortion
Why does the Assemblies of God oppose abortion? The Assemblies of God is
unashamedly pro-life. Even though a United States Supreme Court decision
legalized abortion in 1973, abortion is still immoral and sinful. This stand is
founded on the biblical truth that all human life is created in the image of God
(Genesis 1:27). From that truth issues the long-standing Christian view that
aborting the life of a developing child is evil.
Those who defend abortion claim that an unborn child in the early stages of
development is merely fetal tissue, not a person. But neither science nor
medicine can declare an arbitrary time during pregnancy when human life begins.
The Bible indicates that human life begins at conception (Job 31:15, Psalm
139:13-16). Because of the sacredness of human life, the matter is settled by
theological statement of Scripture, not by a medical determination of viability
outside the mother’s womb.
There is a Christian alternative to abortion. Instead of terminating the life
of the unborn child, the newborn can be placed for adoption by loving
Christians. Adoption is a concept authored by God, for all Christian believers
have been adopted into the family of God. By choosing to give birth to her baby
rather than having an abortion, the birth mother spares the life of a child
created in the image of God.
CONCERNS:
Some professing Christians use unchristian methods to oppose abortion. But we
must never forget the priority God places on His spiritual and material
creation. The soul and where it will spend eternity is of primary importance.
Believers must recognize God also loves those who are proabortion, so we must
show compassion also. Yet, at the same time, we must try to halt the horrendous
murder of innocents in our country.
Just stopping abortions is not enough. The church must show compassion and
support toward those who carry their child to birth but do not have the needed
resources or an awareness of adoption options.
Because of the advances in medical science, very few mothers today die in
pregnancy or childbirth. Yet in some infrequent cases saving the life of the
child or of the mother may mean the death of the other. If after prayer for God’s
intervention, the problem is not resolved, consultation with attending pro-life
physicians will be helpful in arriving at the proper conclusion.
Taken from the Assemblies of God
"beliefs" section on their website.
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