SANCTITY OF LIFE
The phrase “sanctity of life” reflects the belief that because people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27), human life has an inherently sacred attribute that should be protected and respected at all times. The reason that sanctity of life applies to all humanity is because God chose to create us in His likeness and set us apart from all other forms of life. Even though our image has been tarnished by sin, His image continues to remain visible and present in all humanity. For this reason, we treat all human life with dignity and respect. As people of faith, we stand for the sanctity of life, declaring that ALL people are more sacred than the rest of creation. Yes, we are committed to be good stewards of all life, but our conviction of what it means to be made in the image of God especially motivates us to combat all forms of evil and injustices that are perpetrated against God’s Holy (set apart) image bearers. In unity, we stand together against all forms of violence, abuse, oppression, and human trafficking that attempt to violate the sanctity of life.
While our commitment to the sanctity of life remains unshaken, it’s important to understand our motivation. All of our behaviors, words, and efforts are motivated by our love for God and others (Matthew 22:37-39). We have personally seen and experienced the love of Jesus Christ, and for that reason, we long for every single person to have the opportunity to share in the same life-changing love. Because He first loved us, we will love and care for His people – we will see to the needs of the widows and orphans (adoption & foster care), we will protect one another from harm, whether from abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking, or any other abuses. Our foundation is the sanctity of life, our motivation is the love of God, and our calling is to be a voice of hope in a lost and dying world.
On January 13, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating January 22 as the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day. (In 1973, January 22 was the day the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion-on-demand in all 50 states.) To this day, churches continue to recognize the third Sunday in January as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. This year, that date falls on January 16. Would you please join us this Sunday as we celebrate God’s gift of life, commemorate the lives lost to abortion, and commit to protecting human life at every stage. Every human life is a gift to the world, whether born or unborn, young or old, healthy or sick, every person is made in the holy image of God. Together we can and will live out our commitment and faith to keep holy what our Creator has made holy.
I look forward to our time together!
Pastor Ryan