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Acts 17:28 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
²⁸for by him [God] we have life and move and exist, even as some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’

For in him we live – The expression “in him” evidently means by him; by his originally forming us, and continually sustaining us. No words can better express our constant dependence on God. He is the original fountain of life, and he upholds us each moment. A similar sentiment is found in Plautus (5, 4,14): “O Jupiter, who dost cherish and nourish the race of man; by whom we live, and with whom is the hope of the life of all men” (Kuinoel). It does not appear, however, that Paul designed this as a quotation; yet he doubtless intended to state a sentiment with which they were familiar, and with which they would agree.

And move – κινούμεθα kinoumetha. Doddridge translates this, “And are moved.” It may, however, be in the middle voice, and be correctly rendered as in our version. It means that we derive strength to move from him; an expression denoting “constant and absolute dependence.” There is no idea of dependence more striking than that we owe to him the ability to perform the slightest motion.

And have our being – καὶ ἐσμέν kai esmen. And are. This denotes that our “continued existence” is owing to Him. That we live at all is his gift; that we have the power to move is his gift, and our continued and prolonged existence is his gift also. Thus, Paul traces our dependence on him from the lowest pulsation of life to the highest powers of action and of continued existence. It would be impossible to express in more emphatic language our entire dependence On God.

An unplanned abortion or a miscarriage can result at any time, because of our human imperfection, or from something like a car accident. However, an operation or other intervention to end a pregnancy by removing an embryo or fetus from the womb is a different matter. According to the God’s Word, as the above has demonstrated, abortion is willfully taking a human life, for which God will expect a life for that life. It is not an unforgivable sin if you have already had an abortion, before coming to an accurate knowledge of the Scriptures, but you must repent from that sin, and turn around, never doing it again.

The Bible places a high value on all human life, including that of the unborn. Biblical teaching declares that life is a sacred, God-given gift (Gen. 1:26–27; 2:7; Deut. 30:15–19; Job 1:21; Ps. 8:5; 1 Cor. 15:26), especially the life of children (Ps. 127:3–5; Luke 18:15–16), and condemns those who take it away (Exod. 20:13; 2 Kings 1:13; Amos 1:13–14). The development of unborn life is controlled by God (Job 31:15; Ps. 139:13–16; Eccles. 11:5; Isa. 44:2; 46:3; 49:5; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:15; Gal. 1:15). The personhood of the fetus is clearly taught in Exod. 21:22 where the unborn is called a “child” (yeled) rather than a “fetus” (nephel or golem). Hos. 9:11 implies that life begins at conception, while Luke 1:41, 44 recognizes the consciousness of an unborn child.

Psalm 36:9 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁹For with you [God] is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

For with thee is the fountain of life – The fountain or source from which all life flows. All living beings derive their origin from thee, as streams flow from fountains; all that is properly “called” life proceeds from thee; everything which makes life real life – which makes it desirable or happy – has its origin in thee. The psalmist evidently meant here to include more than mere “life” considered as animated existence. He recalls what he had referred to in the previous verses – the various blessings which proceeded from the mercy and loving-kindness of God, and which were attendant on his worship; and he here says that all this – all that makes man happy – all that can properly be regarded as “life” – proceeds from God. Life literally, in man and in all animated beings; life spiritually; life here, and life hereafter – all is to be traced to God.

In thy light shall we see light – As thou art the Source of light, and all light proceeds from thee, so we shall be enabled to see light, or to see what is true, only as we see it in thee. By looking to thee; by meditating on thy character; by a right understanding of thyself; by being encompassed with the light which encompasses thee, we shall see light on all those great questions which perplex us, and which it is so desirable that we should understand. It is not by looking at ourselves; it is not by any human teaching; it is not by searching for information “away from thee,” that we can hope to have the questions which perplex us solved; it is only by coming to thyself, and looking directly to thee. There is no other source of real light and truth but God; and in the contemplation of himself, and of the light which encompasses him, and in that alone, can we hope to comprehend the great subjects on which we pant so much to be informed. All away from God is dark; all near him is light. If, therefore, we desire light on the subjects which pertain to our salvation, it must be sought by a direct and near approach to him; and the more we can lose ourselves in the splendors of his throne, the more we shall understand of truth. Compare 1Jn_1:5; Rev_21:23; Rev_22:5; 1Pe_2:9.

Romans 14:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹²So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God.

So then – Wherefore; or according to the doctrine of the Old Testament.

Every one of us – That is, every Christian; for the connection requires us to understand the argument only of Christians. At the same time it is a truth abundantly revealed elsewhere, that “all men” shall give account of their conduct to God; 2Co_5:10; Matt. 25; Ecc_12:14.

Give account of himself – That is, of his character and conduct; his words and actions; his plans and purposes. In the fearful arraignment of that day every work and purpose shall be brought forth, and tried by the unerring standard of justice. As we shall be called to so fearful an account with God, we should not be engaged in condemning our brethren, but should examine whether we are prepared to give up our account with joy, and not with grief.

To God – The judgment will be conducted by the Lord Jesus; Mat. 25:31-46; Act_17:31. All judgment is committed to the Son; Joh_5:22, Joh_5:27. Still we may be said to give account to God,

(1) Because He “appointed” the Messiah to be the Judge Act_17:31; and,

(2) Because the Judge himself is divine.

The Lord Jesus being God as well as man, the account will be rendered directly to the Creator as well as the Redeemer of the world. In this passage there are “two” incidental proofs of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. “First,” the fact that the apostle applies to him language which in the prophecy is expressly spoken by “Jehovah;” and, “Secondly,” the fact that Jesus is declared to be the Judge of all. No being that is not “omniscient” can be qualified to judge the secrets of all people. None who has not “seen” human purposes at all times, and in all places; who has not been a witness of the conduct by day and by night; who has not been present with all the race at all times, and who in the great day cannot discern the true character of the soul, can be qualified to conduct the general judgment. Yet none can possess these qualifications but God. The Lord Jesus, “the judge of quick and dead” 2Ti_4:1, is therefore divine.

Some may believe that abortion is an easy resolution to an unexpected pregnancy. However, abortion can very much make life far more difficult ti live. Some Bible writers revealed to their readers that there is an ongoing conflict within the Christian, with one side being the fallen, sinful flesh. In this revelation, the Bible writers use such expressions as “the inner man,” “our inner man,” and comparable expressions. At Romans 2:14-15, Paul speaks of us saying, “The law is written on their hearts.” Because man and woman were made in the image and likeness of God, they were given a moral nature that was in harmony with God. This moral nature produces a mental power or ability such as reason and conscience. Even though we are imperfect; we retain a measure of this moral nature that is in harmony with God’s moral standards. This moral nature operates in “the inner man,” as a law, a moral law. However, because of our fallen condition, there is also ‘the law of sin, which is in our members.’ This ‘law in our members of our body, wages a war against the law of our mind and can make us a prisoner of the law of sin.’ (Rom. 6:12; 7:22, 23) Abortion would violate our moral nature of right and wrong, the measure of conscience that God had originally given Adam and Eve. Moreover, abortion would demand that a young woman closes her tender heart and compassion to the tiny life growing inside her. (See 1 John 3:17) How disheartening!

What may not be appreciated are the emotions that come after the abortion. There will be this unrelenting feeling of guilt and shame at taking another human life. Even a police officer that shoots a wicked criminal in the line of duty is obligated by the department to seek out counseling, to deal with the taking of a life. Imagine how much more so this will be with a mother, who takes the life of her unborn baby. This emotional trauma will never go away. When the due date of the baby comes, it will be emotional losses, which you have never known, and it will be revisited upon you every birthday, every holiday that child would never enjoy with you.

Get the Help and Care

Almost everyone has family or friends of some sort, who will help you during and after the pregnancy. They can provide emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and financial assistance. Most countries have some kind of assistance for mothers as well. Many years down the road, when you look back on this decision, it will be just the opposite of the pain you would have suffered, nothing but peace of heart and mind, as you look at your young child.

What If You Have Had an Abortion?

Jesus Christ revealed God’s intention on such things when he said: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32) Yes, when we truly feel real guilt, remorse, and are sincerely repentant for a wrongful act, no matter how serious, and we make efforts to not repeat it and ask God to forgive us, he gladly does so, even for serious sins such as murder. (Isaiah 1:18) “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise,” says Psalm 51:17.

Aside from a cleansed conscience, God supplies the repentant one with peace of mind and a restful heart when they humbly come to him in prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” says Philippians 4:6-7. After digging into the Bible and unloading our heart to God, we will realize that inner peace. We will come to know that with God “there is forgiveness.”—Psalm 130:4.

By Albert Barnes and Edward D. Andrews