Sanctity of Life

The concept of the sanctity of life is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the inherent value and dignity of human life as created by God. The foundation for this belief is found in the creation account, where humanity is made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This divine image bestows a unique worth upon every individual, distinguishing human life from all other forms of creation.

The sanctity of life is further underscored by the commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), which highlights the inviolability of human life. The shedding of innocent blood is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-17 , which lists "hands that shed innocent blood" among the things the Lord hates.

The value of life is also evident in the biblical mandate to protect and care for the vulnerable, including the unborn, the elderly, and the marginalized. Psalm 139:13-16 beautifully articulates the intimate involvement of God in the formation of life in the womb: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Justice

Justice, as portrayed in the Bible, is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a central theme in His dealings with humanity. The Hebrew word for justice, "mishpat," encompasses both legal justice and a broader sense of righteousness and fairness. Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He."

The biblical call for justice is not limited to legal matters but extends to social and economic realms, advocating for the protection and fair treatment of the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures this divine requirement: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Justice is also a key aspect of the prophetic literature, where prophets like Isaiah and Amos call out the injustices of their time and urge a return to God's standards. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow."

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies and teaches justice, emphasizing love and mercy as integral to true justice. In Matthew 23:23 , He criticizes the religious leaders for neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness."

The biblical vision of justice is ultimately eschatological, looking forward to a time when God's perfect justice will be fully realized. Revelation 21:4 offers a glimpse of this future hope: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

In summary, the sanctity of life and justice are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His intentions for human relationships and society. These principles call believers to uphold the dignity of life and to pursue justice in all areas of life, aligning with God's righteous standards.