In His Word God consistently evidences His high regard for human life, because all people have been created in His image. He hates the shedding of innocent blood (Prov. 6:17), and He commands all men not to murder (Ex. 20:13, Deut. 5:17), but rather to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Prov. 31:8). Scripture testifies that human beings are image bearers, even after having fallen into a state of sin and misery.
These words are taken from a piece that the Christ Church session put together several years ago seeking to offer pastoral perspective on the sanctity of life in the midst of what has been termed a “culture of death”. The Imago Dei (image of God in man) is an incredibly formative lens through which to view the world. John Calvin in talking about a generous lifestyle says the following: Scripture helps in the best way when it teaches that we are not to consider that men merit of themselves but to look upon the image of God in all men, to which we owe all honor and love. ... Whatever man you meet who needs your aid, you have no reason to refuse to help him. Say, “He is a stranger”; but the Lord has given him a mark that ought to be familiar to you, ... the image of God, which recommends him to you, is worthy of your giving yourself and all your possessions. ... we remember not to consider men’s evil intention but to look upon the image of God in them, which cancels and effaces their transgressions, and with its beauty and dignity allures us to love and embrace them. John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, III.7.6.
Allowing the truth of the Imago Dei to reign amongst us would truly transform our culture. I say these things partly in the wake of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe which had legalized abortion in our country. Abortion is one of the ways we as a culture have not recognized the Imago Dei and have promoted a culture of death. But I say only partly, because the truth is there is much more than abortion legislation that is required to to transform a culture of death into a culture of life. Recognizing the Imago Dei in our fellow humans, as Calvin alludes to above, will shape how we think about wealth and poverty. Seeing the Image of God in our fathers and mothers will shape our attitude toward aging and the ever increasing pressure to euthanize. How we see refugees, people of a different skin color, ethnicity or gender, how we treat employees, whether we open our homes to foster or adopt, etc... all will be determined on who we deem our fellow humans to be. I love how Calvin talks about the image of God as being the truth that cancels and effaces their transgressions, and with its beauty and dignity allures us to love and embrace them. What a vision of humanity we have to offer the world!
Unfortunately throughout its history, particularly in times of ease, Israel would struggle to see this Imago Dei in their fellow humans. Their failure to seek justice and exhibit compassion to the likes of widows, orphans and the foreigner would leave them ripe for correction through the prophets. We encounter such a rebuke in our passage for this week Isaiah 1:1-20. Yet, as is so often the case, when things look absolutely their bleakest God’s grace shines through casting a hopeful ray through the cross all the way to the empty tomb. Come now, let us reason together says the Lord ...
P.S. -- On the topic of life there are many good resources available. I offer a couple podcasts here to you that you may find helpful both in thinking through issues of abortion and euthanasia but also articulating these positions with friends who may not share your convictions.
Photo by Nourdine Diouane on Unsplash
