#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27
Have you ever paused to consider what makes a human being truly human? Scripture teaches that every person is formed in God’s image from the very moment of conception. When we look at the remarkable details of our creation—being intricately knit together while in our mother’s womb—we are reminded that life isn’t defined by where it resides, but by the breath and image of God within.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
The idea that a mere transition from the womb to the outside world could alter one’s personhood is both logically and biblically unsound. As seen in the order of creation (Genesis 1:21, 24) and further revealed in Psalm 139:13-15, every intricate detail of our being is designed by a Creator who reproduces life after its own kind. Influential apologists like Norman Geisler and John Lennox have argued that biological processes do not diminish the intrinsic value and personhood given by God. John Lennox once noted that the continuity of life is not dependent on our 047-ImageofLife (inside the womb or outside) but on our creation by a loving and purposeful God. Similarly, C.S. Lewis’s reflections remind us that even in our fallen world, God’s image persists in every human life. Whether an infant is born full-term or prematurely, the essence of what it means to be human remains unchanged. To end a life, no matter its stage or condition, is to disregard that sacred, God-imprinted dignity.
The affirmation in Genesis 1:27 anchors this truth: every human is created in the image of God. The same unchanging nature of our personhood is echoed in passages like Psalm 139:13-15 and Jeremiah 1:5, where God speaks of knowing us before we were even formed. This biblical narrative challenges any argument that attempts to demote a fetus’s humanity after conception, reminding us that the value of life is divinely determined, not assigned by circumstances or external attributes.
Encouragement & Application:
If you’ve grappled with doubts around the sanctity of life, know that these questions can be a pathway to a deeper, more robust faith. Embracing the truth that each human life is a unique masterpiece of God’s craftsmanship can empower you to stand firm in your convictions. I encourage you to explore Scripture further, engage with trusted apologetic sources, and discuss your thoughts with wise mentors who can support you on this journey. In a world filled with complex ethical questions, let the unchanging word of God be your guiding light.
Reflection Questions:
- How do the truths found in Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:13-15 reshape your understanding of what it means to be human?
- In what ways can recognizing the divine image in every person inspire you to defend the sanctity of life in everyday conversations?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for creating each of us in Your own image and for revealing Your truth through Scripture. Help us to see every human life as precious and irreplaceable, no matter the circumstances of its beginning. Grant us wisdom, courage, and compassion to defend this truth with gentle conviction. May our hearts always reflect Your love and our actions honor the life You have so lovingly fashioned. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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