THE VALUE OF LIFE
INTRODUCTION
The value of life is the fact that it is made in God’s image; reflects God’s likeness, giving every person inherent dignity and worth regardless of social status, ability, or stage of life. God forms each person inside the womb and knows them completely before birth; being redeemed by Christ is the ultimate proof of life's value in that God sent Jesus Christ to die for humanity's salvation (Romans 5:8).
The moral and ethical protection of life is because life belongs to God, taking an innocent life (murder) is strictly forbidden and viewed as an attack on God's creation; with life as a gift meant to be lived in relationship with God, loving others, and caring for the earth (Matthew 22:37-39), however the value of life is often placed in the background for the sake of domination with little regard to lives affected by its implementation. There is an onrush towards world domination that leaves many precious lives in the balance of livability.
The Value of Life
Hand of Oppressors
The value of life is of little regard as witnessed by those who suffer at the hand of oppressors seeking to dominate and control; as the evilness of man flourishes, with an inroad towards domination that outweighs any mercy or compassion towards those being oppressed. The value of life fluctuates with the intensity of the situation at the hand of the predator.
Jesus described the characteristics of the beginning of sorrows. He said: There will be religious deception, political unrest, disasters, wars, and the persecution of believers in His name. He revealed that because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax (grow) cold; but he that endures to the end the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:12-13).
A Dangerous Society
When people conduct their lives as through there is no God, who knows and judges every person, evil can and will abound. It was noted that the most dangerous society is one in which people have no sense of accountability to God and no fear of God. The value of life is greatly diminished in such an environment; even through it was God who created man and woman in His own image, placing them in a literal paradise on earth.
The paradise ended when Adam and Eve became disobedient to the Word of God, and accepted the deception of the serpent (Satan’s tool) in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:3-6) that outweighed any fear of God. Man continues to be influenced in such a manner; seeking fulfillment through the things of this world, rather than the godly walk God intended.
Power and Authority
to Destroy
God having power and authority to create also has power and authority to destroy that which He creates. It was noted that this was shown by the pre-Flood days of Noah; when humans become so evil, that every thought and imagination of the human mind and heart was only evil continually. God decided to destroy from the earth the humans He had created. To give life and take away life are both within God's authority.
Apostle Peter wrote: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished; but the heavens and the earth, which are now by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:6-7). It was noted that arguments based on supposedly unchanging processes since creation fail to recall the severity of the flood of water on the earth. Just as God once destroyed the world by water, so it is now reserved unto fire until the Day of Judgment.
Secular Values
As nations of the world move toward living by entirely secular values, God’s Word is ignored. In such an environment, Christians who adhere to the God’s Word, and genuine Christian faith, will be hated by the world (Matthew 10:22). We are witnessing this come to reality when the value of life is deemed as unnecessary and unrealistic in the environment of a secular society, that craves such an environment to excel; with condemnation to those who seek to do otherwise.
Those caught up in such an environment, no longer adhere to the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God; but deem it outdated and old fashioned, no longer a necessity, as the fleshly side of man is appeased rather than the spiritual. Apostle Paul wrote: They that are after the flesh do mind (set their minds) on the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit (Spirit of God). For to be carnally minded (of the flesh) is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).
Warnings of the Past
Theodore Roosevelt wrote: Every thinking man realizes that the teachings of the Bible are interwoven with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure what life would be if those teachings were removed.
Noah Webster: If the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws.
Warnings of the past can become a reality when forbearance plays into the picture, rather than taking action to prevent such occurrence. The value of life is often deflated by warnings pushed aside that would affect the present freedoms enjoyed and proper godly leadership being exercised; if removed.
Day of Lord (Judgment)
Apostle Peter wrote: The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (totally unexpected); in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10). It was noted the Day of the Lord refers to the return of Christ in judgment.
Apostle Peter, noted the value of human life, revealing why such has not already occurred: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the wicked), as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). It was noted that God is not willing that any should perish clearly expresses His desire for the salvation of all who will trust in Him.
Promise to Believers
Apostle Peter wrote: Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved (the forthcoming destruction), what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness. We, (the believers) according to his (God’s) promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Seeing that we look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot (sin), and blameless (2 Peter 3:11-14).
Apostle Peter issued a warning: Seeing that you know of these things before (before hand), beware least you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in the grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18).
Fate of Each Individual
The value of life is emphasized throughout God’s Word; however, it is man who has disallowed what God has created. Scripture reveals: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). It was noted that God’s love towards the salvation of man was clearly demonstrated at Calvary when Jesus died for our sins (1 John 4:11).
God sent not his Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned; but he that believes not is condemned already, because he had not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:17-18). This clearly reveals that the fate of each individual based on the decision they make in this life, towards their final destination.
Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life (a heavenly abode); but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (John 3:36). Again, the fate of each individual is dependent on acceptance of Jesus, as Lord and Savior, towards a heavenly gain; refusal is confinement is a place called Hell.
A Godly Walk
Scripture reveals: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; there the righteous flee and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Let us secure His (God’s) favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive a better (Samuel Adam). The Psalmist David wrote: The Lord is my shepherd (provider and protector). I shall not want (lack). He makes me to lie down in green pastures (of tender green grass); he leads me beside the still waters (waters of rest).
He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:1-3). The value of life is what we allow or disallow in life. Thank God for individuals who allow Him to reign in their life and shun that which is evil. The fruitfulness of such a walk will be rewarded by a Heavenly Father, with the Lord Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior; towards entrance into a heavenly abode (salvation of the soul), of which the sinful nature of man will not be a part.
GOT QUESTIONS A Website where Bible questions are answered. With over 7,000 answers to frequently asked Bible questions published online, approximately 85% of the questions we are asked already have answers available to you instantly. This Website is an easy way to search out any questions you may have.