lw3-99

MAY, 2001

GOD's JEALOUS LOVE
By Pastor Anita Norris

How precious also are Thy thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with Thee. O that thou wouldest slay the wicked, O God; depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed. For they speak against Thee wickedly, and Thine enemies take Thy name in vain.” Psalm 139:17-20

God’s precious thoughts towards us are many, embracing our lives throughout their course (from early residence within the womb to our final habitations on this earth). While it is true that humankind has fallen into sin, this has not changed God’s good intention for us but, in fact, He has made provision for the forgiveness of our sin and our reconciliation to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

We rebel against God and seek to frustrate His purpose when we kill the unborn child. Rationalizations for the act only magnify the evil perpetrated against these weakest, most innocent members of the human family. Robbing a human being of the opportunity to know God in this earthly life is cruel denial.

To destroy innocent human life is to reject the truth that we are created in the image of God. This is a denial of God’s Word; it is calling Him a liar and blaspheming His reputation. It invites the judgment of God on individuals and on nations:

To destroy innocent human life is to reject the truth that we are created in the image of God.

“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man His blood shall be shed. For in the image of God He made man.” Genesis 9:6

“So shall you not pollute the land in which you are: for blood pollutes the land and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.” Numbers 35:33

God’s judgement against the killing of innocent human beings grows out of His love for us. Therefore, all who perform, counsel, or seek abortion must beware the consequences of judgement which await them. Some of these are felt in this life: pain, guilt, anguish, sterility, death. Other, more severe consequences, however, await them when they pass out of this life into eternity.

When the church is silent on the issue of abortion, it is in effect surrendering the truth to the lie prevailing in America today and serves Satan rather than Him who says, “I am the Truth.” The consequence is judgement on our nation which begins with the household of God (I Peter 4:17) and extends to us as individuals. The testimony of anguish and guilt from men and women within churches who have received or paid for abortions is one tragic expression of this (Proverbs 24:11-12).

When the church is faithful, standing for righteousness in defense of those who cannot defend themselves, persecution can be expected (II Timothy 3:12). Persecution is a blessing which produces perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3; Philippians 1:29; I Peter 4:12-14). Additionally, the blessings of seeing lives saved and tormented souls delivered, of witnessing the effective Word of God accomplish the church’s task. (Isaiah 55:11-12)

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, on account of me. Rejoice, and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its savour, with what will it be salted? It is good for nothing any more, but to be cast out and trampled under foot by men.” Matthew 5:10-13