Month: May 2025

When Does Human Life Begin?

The question of when does human life begin is not only a topic of scientific and philosophical debate—it is also a deeply theological issue. For those who look to the Bible as a moral and spiritual authority, understanding what Scripture says about the beginning of life is essential for forming a biblical worldview on matters such as abortion, bioethics, and the sanctity of life. While the Bible does not give a scientific description of fertilization or embryology, it offers profound insights that point to a clear affirmation of life before birth.

1. Life Begins in the Womb—And Even Before

One of the clearest biblical themes about when does human life begin is that God knows and values human life even before birth. In fact, the Bible often speaks of God’s involvement in a person’s life from the earliest moments of existence.

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

This verse reveals that God’s relationship with Jeremiah began before his physical formation, suggesting divine recognition of personhood even before conception.

Psalm 139:13–16 (NIV): “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Here, the psalmist poetically affirms when does human life begin by God’s intimate involvement in human development in the womb, and acknowledges personhood and purpose even at the “unformed body” stage.

2. The Value of the Unborn

Biblical laws about when does human life begin also show a concern for unborn children, implying that they are seen as full human lives.

Exodus 21:22–25 describes a situation where two men are fighting and accidentally injure a pregnant woman, causing her to give birth prematurely. The text makes clear that if harm results to the child or the mother, there is a serious consequence—”life for life,” which reflects the value of the unborn.

Though there is some debate about the exact interpretation of this passage, it clearly demonstrates that the life within the womb carries significant value in God’s eyes.

3. John the Baptist and Jesus in the Womb

The New Testament also highlights the humanity and spiritual awareness of the unborn.

Luke 1:41–44: When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist, the text says, “the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Elizabeth refers to Mary as “the mother of my Lord”—acknowledging Jesus’ identity even while still in the womb.

This passage suggests that both John and Jesus were fully recognized persons, with spiritual significance, before their birth.

4. Human Life as God’s Image

The Bible teaches that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This inherent dignity is not dependent on age, size, location, or development. If we believe that unborn humans are included in God’s creation, then they too bear His image from the very beginning.

Conclusion: A Consistent Biblical Witness

While the Bible does not use modern medical terminology, it clearly affirms that human life is sacred from its earliest stages. From being “knit together” in the womb, to being known and set apart by God before birth, to the spiritual significance of unborn children, the biblical narrative consistently upholds the value and personhood of life before birth. For Christians seeking to form an ethical perspective on life issues, the Bible presents a compelling case: human life begins in the womb—and is known and valued by God even before that moment.

For more information on the sanctity of human life any many other topics, we highly recommend ajnow.com.

Homosexuality In The Bible

The question of what the Bible says about homosexuality has been a subject of much debate and discussion within Christian communities for centuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key biblical passages that are often cited in discussions about homosexuality.

Key Biblical Passages on Homosexuality

Genesis 19:1-11 – The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah

One of the most frequently referenced stories in discussions about homosexuality in the bible is the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19, two angels visit the city of Sodom, and the men of the city demand to have sexual relations with them. Lot, the righteous man in the city, offers his daughters in an attempt to protect the visitors, but the crowd insists on their demand. The angels then intervene, blinding the men and ultimately leading Lot and his family out of the city before it is destroyed.

Many people interpret this story as a condemnation of homosexual behavior, particularly because of the attempted sexual violence. The book of Leviticus contains two specific verses that explicitly mention same-sex relations:

Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”

Leviticus 20:13: “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”

These verses are part of the Holiness Code, a collection of laws given to the Israelites that also includes other moral, ritual, and purity laws. Many conservative Christians cite these passages as direct condemnations of homosexuality.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses same-sex relations in Romans 1:26-27:

“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

In 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Paul again refers to “arsenokoitai” as part of a list of sinful behaviors:

“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”

Traditional View: The traditional interpretation, often held by conservative Christian denominations, views that homosexuality in the Bible is clear in its condemnation of all same-sex sexual acts. Supporters of this view typically argue that the Bible defines marriage as a heterosexual institution (Genesis 2:24) and that same-sex relationships are incompatible with God’s design for human sexuality. They also maintain that the moral teachings of the Bible are timeless and applicable to all cultures.

Conclusion: A Complex and Evolving Conversation

Scripture is very clear about the sin of homosexuality and how God views it as an abomination.  So much so that he completely destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  This sin perverts God’s design of male and female.  It would be like someone designing a beautiful luxurious automobile and giving it to a loved one.  Then the loved one takes this automobile and drives it in the Indianapolis 500 speedway.  The cars designer would be furious because the car was not designed for racing.  Thus males where not designed for sexual relations with other males and females where not designed for sexual relations with other females.

For those struggling with homosexuality, remember that Jesus paid a horrific price for our sins.  So if you declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9.

It’s not too late to receive God’s forgiveness.  No one has to suffer in hell. 

Need more answers?  We highly recommend Allen Jackson Now.  You can ask your questions at the top right corner of their home page.