THE VALUE OF LIFE
INTRODUCTION
The value of life is often placed in the background for the sake of domination with little regard to lives affected by implementation. There is an onrush towards world domination that leaves many precious lives in the balance of livability.
There is an enhancement of control and domination of evil as reported in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit, all of which were destroyed by the hand of God. Thank God for individuals who are in opposition towards such a continuation.
The Value of Life
Hand of Oppressors
The value of life is of little regard as reflected 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, natural disasters, wars, and the persecution of believers in Him. He revealed that because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax (grow) cold; but he that shall endure to the end the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:12-13).
Reversing Life as Sacred
The best and purest human beings, from the beginning of time, have understood that life is sacred (Paul Bellow). Man has evolved into reversing life as a sacred category by craving out the destiny of many; imposing undue hardship and punishment towards a desired goal of domination.
The demand for legalized abortion is of such a category by refusing to recognize that life is sacred from the moment of conception. Termination is now looked upon as a woman’s right. There is increasing demand for acceptance through a culture drift that would disqualify life as sacred and the value of life concept.
A Dangerous Society
It was noted that when people conduct their lives as through there is no God, who knows and judges every person, evil can and will abound. 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 when God created man and woman, 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) over any fear of God. Man continues to be influenced in such a manner today; seeking fulfillment through the things of this world, rather than the godly environment God intended.
Power and Authority
to Destroy
It was noted that God having power and authority to create also has power and authority to destroy that which He creates. This was shown by the flood (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 the earth and the humans He had created.
Apostle Peter wrote: Whereby the world that then was (pre-Flood days of Noah), 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).
Day of the Lord
Apostle Peter noted: 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).
Peter, noting the value of life, revealed why such has not already happened: 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.
Forthcoming Destruction
Apostle Peter wrote: Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved (forthcoming destruction), what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness (2 Peter 3:11). We, (the believer) 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 3:13-14).
Peter then issued a warning: Seeing that you know of these things before (before hand), beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in 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; 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).
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 has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:17-18).
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). The fate of each individual is dependent on acceptance of Jesus, as Lord and Savior, towards a heavenly gain; refusal is confinement in a place called Hell.
Warning Pushed Aside
If the fires of freedom and civil liberties burn low in other lands, they must be made brighter in our own. If in other lands, the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our effort here to keep them free. If in other lands the eternal truths of the past are threatened by intolerance, we must provide a safe place for their continuation (Franklin D. Roosevelt).
It is unfortunate that warnings of the past have now become a reality, as forbearance plays into the picture, rather than acceptance. The value of life is often deflated by warnings being pushed aside and proper action not taken to avoid what is coming to fruition.
Secular Values
It was noted that as nations of the world move steadily toward living entirely by secular values, God’s Word is ignored. In such an environment, Christians who adhere to the Bible, and genuine Christian faith, will be hated by the world (Matthew 10:22).
We are witnessing this come to reality with the value of life is deemed as unnecessary and unrealistic in our present day environment of a secular society that craves such 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 deems it outdated and old fashioned, no longer a necessity, as such seek to please the fleshly side of man, rather than 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).
A Godly Walk
Scripture reveals: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; there the righteous flee and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). It was noted: 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 wrote: The Lord is my shepherd (protector and provider), I shall not want (lack). He makes me to lie down in green pastors (pasture 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 and shun evil. The fruitfulness of such a walk will be rewarded by a Heavenly Father, with the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Lord an Savior; towards entrance into a heavenly abode, in 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.