Essay taken from C&MA -Perspectives
God’s Intention: Creation
Human life is created by God and is good. Since we are uniquely created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and formed by God , we hold to the sanctity of all human life .
As best as we understand, human life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13–16). It also lasts beyond death into eternity .
God gives life and breath to everyone, calling us to value equally the dignity of every individual life in its entirety, which compels us to love and have compassion for all peoples of the world.
Our Distortion: Fall
Sin affects every aspect of human life (Romans 5:12) and devalues life (James 2:1–4).
This degrading of human life leads to dehumanizing practices (e.g., abortion, racism, injustice, abuse, suicide, human trafficking, genocide, murder, and euthanasia). Since each person is made in the image of God, we grieve such practices
Our Redemption: Jesus Christ
As our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King, Jesus brings new and abundant life (John 3:3), which transforms our distorted view of human life.
We affirm the dignity of all people, especially the vulnerable and overlooked (e.g., the unborn, foreigners, the mentally ill, the poor, the elderly, widows, orphans, and the incarcerated (James 1:27).
Our Hope: Consummation
Our hope for final victory over death is Jesus!
Since Jesus rose from the dead and will return to restore all righteousness (Titus 2:11–14), all will rise bodily from the dead and those who trust in Christ will live with Him forever.
Life, not death, will ultimately prevail, and Jesus will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4), fully vindicating the sanctity of life (Revelation 22:3–5).