The issues of capital punishment and abortion (which concern life) have been politicized by many. Our views of these issues will be a reflection of our views of the sanctity of life. God first gave the Ten Commandments to the children of Israel, on which the civil laws of the nation of Israel were based. Each nation has its own civil laws which are used to govern the relationship between its citizens. These may not correspond with God’s law. As such, we as Christians must obey God’s law which supersedes the civil laws of the nation. We must view the sanctity of life through God’s eyes and bear in mind the following principles:

1. Have a High View of Life

All lives are precious. Hence, if a man takes the life of another man intentionally, he will have to pay with his life (Exod 21:14). Such punishments are necessary so that we will not have a diminished view of life. However, if a man causes the death of another man unintentionally, God provides a place for the person to flee to (Exod 21:13). These places are known as the cities of refuge. God made man in His image, and each has a living soul, unlike the animals. As such, man must recognise this and must not regard his fellow men as just an object, a number or statistic. We must have the highest view of man’s life.

2. Know the Giver of Life

God gave us life through our parents. If a man were to kill or insult his parents, who had brought him into this world, he shall be put to death (Exod 21:15). When he is angry with his parents, he is in a way showing his anger towards God because God is the Giver of life. Man with a high view of life will not only honour his parents, but will also be grateful to them for bringing him into this world, loving and taking care of him.

3. Know the Owner of Our Life

Kidnapping or “stealeth a man” (Exod 21:16) is equivalent to taking away the ownership of a person. Only God has the ownership of all lives, including ours. We do not have ownership of our own lives nor the life of another. As such, committing suicide and abortion are sins against God. Our lives belong to God. We are answerable only to God. We must always seek to obey God and do His will.