Statement on: The Sanctity of Human Life

Abortion. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion, in this paragraph, is defined as the taking of the life of an unborn baby in a viable pregnancy. A viable pregnancy, in this paragraph, is defined as one in which there is a living baby in its mother’s womb. We believe abortion is murder, whether it is done surgically or by taking pills that cause an abortion. We reject any teaching that abortion is acceptable due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well-being of the mother. However, we also believe there is forgiveness and emotional healing in Christ for any woman who has had an abortion and repents of it.

(Ex. 21:22-23; Jdgs. 13:7; Ps. 22:10, 51:5, 139:13-16; Isa. 44:24, 49:1,5; Jer. 1:5; Lk 1:15,44; Gal. 1:15; 1 Jn. 1:9; Ps. 147:3)

Euthanasia. We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Human life is a gift from God. We must respect this gift of life from conception until natural death. We believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death to eliminate suffering constitutes murder contrary to the will of God. We consider these acts of euthanasia or assisted suicide as murder. However, we do not consider the discontinuation of extraordinary medical procedures as euthanasia. 

(Ex. 20:13; 23:7; Mt. 19:18; Acts 17:28; Rom. 13:9; 1 Tim. 1:8-11; 1 Peter 4:15; Rev. 21:8)