As noted in a previous post, the sanctity of life is more than a social issue. The real issue gets down to who/what we consider to be the source of authority for determining the sanctity of human life. With an absolute authority comes a consistency not found when we take a humanistic or relativistic approach.
Consistency About the Sanctity of Life When God is Our Standard
When God is our standard or authority on the sanctity of human life, we find a consistency from conception to old age in how people should be valued.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! (Ps. 139:13-17)
Gray hair is a crown of splendor. (Prov. 16:31) The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. (Prov. 20:29) Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. (Ps. 71:18)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! (When God is our standard or authority on the sanctify of human life, we find a consistency in all stages and conditions of life in how people should be viewed and valued.
Gen. 1:27 – “all” created in the image and likeness of God
2 Cor. 5:14-15; 1 Pet. 3:18 – Christ died for “all”
When God is our standard or authority, we find a consistency in commands and instruction on how people who are oppressed, needy, or defenseless should be treated.
Sampling of verses: Ps. 68:5; 82:3, James 1:27, 1 Jn. 3:17
Inconsistencies When God is Not Our Standard of Authority
When God is not the standard, we find inconsistency because sanctity of life is based on personal opinion, scientific interpretation, or circumstances which are individualistic or relative rather than universal or absolute. Some lives could therefore be considered more valuable than others. Further, the same life could be valued in some settings or times but not in others.