Abortion is all over the news. It’s fodder for political debates and can spark emotions on every side of the issue. As we move closer to the end of this age and the rise of anti-Christ, we shouldn’t be surprised that this continues to be a bigger and bigger issue.
But abortion is also a deeply moral, personal issue. If you’ve ever had an abortion, you probably know that. Or, perhaps, you know someone else who has? It’s possible you’re contemplating an abortion now.
What do you believe God says about your possible choice? What are your reasons for contemplating that choice? Are you simply scared and don’t know what else to do?
Are forgiveness and peace possible after an abortion or are there some sins for which we never find redemption?
Whether we’ve been there, are contemplating these things personally, or just live in this fallen world with other sinners like us, we need to know how to answer these questions.
Welcome to “God’s Word Day by Day.” I hope you’ll join us every day. You can sign up here. But even if you only stop by occasionally, each day’s devotion stands on its own.
Today’s Readings:
Jeremiah 25 & 26
Psalm 119.25-32
Proverbs 27.17
2 Thessalonians 2.1-17
Abortion & the Spirit of Anti-Christ
2 Thessalonians 2.1-17:
As We Approach the Day of the Lord
Here in chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians, Paul begins talking about some of the events that will take place leading up to the “Day of the Lord.” He speaks of a “falling away,” “the man of sin,” and “the son of perdition.”
About this man of sin he says:
[He] … opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God (v. 4).
And …
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved (vv. 9-10).
The Anti-Christ
According to my understanding of end times, this man of sin will come to power once the church has been raptured. He will look to many like a savior and will appear to be a man of peace, but will be an impostor. He is sometimes called the anti-Christ. And while he is not the devil himself, he will be controlled by the devil.
Again as I understand things, the rapture will be followed by a seven-year period called “the Tribulation.” During the first 3 ½ years anti-Christ will keep up much of his charade as he consolidates his power, but mid-way through the Tribulation, he will go into the rebuilt Jewish temple in Jerusalem and set himself up to be worshiped. As Paul said, “he sits as God in the temple of God.”
Daniel called this the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11-12) and Jesus used the same phrase in talking about the events of the last days (Matt. 24.15; Mk. 13.14). This will set in motion the events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ—the “Day of the Lord.”
The Spirit of Anti-Christ
But the spirit of anti-Christ is already at work in the earth (1 Thess. 2.7; 1 Jn. 2.18; 2 Jn. 7). It has manifested itself throughout history through evil men and women and their ungodly policies and agendas. And it continues to manifest itself today.
About Our Father’s Business
While it’s clear that no one knows the day or the time when those final events will begin, it could be much closer than many want to believe. In the meantime, we need to be about our Father’s business. We should be praying for our nation just as Daniel did for his people (see our Old Testament reading).
We need to be part of God’s faithful remnant by seeking to be on His side on the issues that matter to Him. That includes how we vote and when we speak up, as well as, how we pray and much more.
We need to defend life at every stage, including the lives of thousands and thousands of babies who are being murdered legally in this country and around the world. Otherwise, their blood is on our hands.
9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand (Gen. 4.9-11).
Even if we are not directly involved in the abortion industry (and it is an industry, producing a great deal of wealth for those participating), we cannot look the other way. We are our brothers’ keepers.
It, also, means we must speak the truth in love to those caught up in immoral lifestyles and stand with other believers who may have their jobs and livelihoods threatened because they refuse to go along with unbiblical requirements.
Practical Ways to Help
With those issues and others, doing our part should involve prayer, taking advantage of opportunities to share the gospel, and as I said how we vote, among other things.
In the case of abortion, it might mean praying for or donating to a Christian Pregnancy Center or volunteering to serve in one. It might mean speaking the truth to someone contemplating an abortion, helping a pregnant girl, or, even, adopting a baby.
We, also, need to pray for those involved in the abortion industry. Rather than screaming at them, we need to look for opportunities to speak to them of God’s love and grace for the worst of sinners, even while speaking the truth about the horrible sin in which they’re involved.
What we can’t do is pretend it isn’t going on or think if we’re not involved we can just not think about it.
Will God Forgive Me for an Abortion?
But what about those who have already had an abortion? Are there some sins so unforgivable that there is no hope?
First, if you’re reading this and are contemplating abortion, please go to a godly friend, a pastor or Christian Pregnancy Center.
No matter what your situation, there is help. God loves you and your baby and He doesn’t want you to do something you’ll regret for the rest of your life. If you don’t know where to go or who to talk to, leave me your name and number or email in the comments section. I WILL NOT publish your comment, but I will contact you and help you find the support you need.
The Good News of the Gospel
And if you have had an abortion in the past, don’t run from God, turn to Him.
Every one of us has committed sins against God and all sin is deserving of death (Rom. 3.23, 6.23), but the good news of the gospel is that Jesus died for guilty sinners LIKE ME and YOU! Read John 3.16, carefully and thoughtfully.
Then look at Romans 3.23 and 6.23. Read them for yourself. They tell us that we have all sinned and that we deserve to die for the sins we’ve committed.
Finally, read Romans 5.8, 10.9-10, 13. There is forgiveness available for our sins, even the sin of abortion! But you must go to God and admit your sin. Admit that you know you deserve to die (Rom. 6.23). Tell Him that you believe what Jesus did for you. He lived a sinless life and then willingly died in your place. Then call out to Him! Ask for His forgiveness. Surrender your life completely to Him and ask Him to help you live for Him (2 Cor. 5.15). Then find a good Bible-teaching church and go there. Learn and get involved. This website and this one can help you find a church in your area.
Not a License to Sin
But what if you were already a Christian when you had an abortion? Is there forgiveness available to you? Being a Christian isn’t a license to sin and we can’t sin with our fingers crossed behind our backs and then use His grace like a “get-out-of-jail-free-card,” but if you are sincerely repentant for what you did, He will forgive you (1 Jn. 1.9)!
In either situation, I strongly urge you to seek help and counseling from a Pastor, Biblical counselor (find one here) or Christian Pregnancy Help Center (this one is local to my area but they can help you find one near you).
Today’s Other Readings:
Jeremiah 25 & 26:
Prayer & Fasting for Our Nation
The time of judgment had come for the Nation of Israel and in Jeremiah 25, God told the people that they would be taken into captivity for 70 years.
I’d like to jump ahead in time for a minute and look at Daniel, Chapter 9 which says:
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— 2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the LORD through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. 4 And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, ‘O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, 5 we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.’
By this time, the 70 years prophesied by Jeremiah were nearly complete. And even though Daniel understood that God had declared it and would bring it to pass, he began to fast and pray for his people.
Praying for Our Nation
As I look at the events going on in our nation today, it would be easy to simply criticize the ungodly or give up because things seem hopeless. But just as He did in Jeremiah’s time, God always has a faithful remnant that He is protecting, preparing, and using for His glory. God wants each of us to be a part of what He is doing in the earth.
How are you doing in that area? Are you allowing God to use you as part of His faithful remnant? Are you praying for our nation? For unbelievers? For the people of God?
I know I fall so far short, but with God’s help, I want to be more like Daniel. How about you?
Psalm 119.25-32:
Running with God or Just a Casual Stroll?
I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart (v. 32).
The Bible repeatedly uses the word “walk” when speaking of our lifestyles—the way we live. But the psalmist uses the word “run” here. His desire to follow God was filled with enthusiasm; he wanted more than just a “casual stroll” with God. How about you?
Proverbs 27.17:
How Well Do You Sharpen?
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
What kind of people do you surround yourself with? Only people who tell you what you want to hear or do you seek out friends who will challenge you in your walk with God? And what kind of friend are you? Are you willing to sharpen others by your faithful walk with God, by standing up for God’s principles, and by speaking the truth in love even when it’s not easy? Do you truly sharpen others or just make them comfortable where they are?
Coming Up:
In the next few days, we’ll talk about how our thoughts run our lives, whether our faith is genuine, God’s teaching on women, and more.
I hope you’ll sign up so you don’t miss any of them. You might also like to check out our YouTube channel.
If this post spoke to you, I would love it if you would share it on your favorite social media platform.
Blessings as you grow in Christ,
Donna ♥
Note about this post:
I began blogging through the Bible in 2012 and have done so every year since then. These posts are the product of many edits and additions throughout those years. Some days I make major changes, other days fewer.
A while ago, I read Jen Wilkin’s book None Like Him about the attributes of God. One is His incomprehensibility. In it, she says, “God is incomprehensible. This does not mean that he is unknowable, but that he is unable to be fully known.”
I have found that to be true each year as I’ve gone back through the Bible. Sometimes I find myself feeling as if a passage just appeared there for the first time. I’m reminded that no matter how many times we read through the Bible, we have only scratched the surface. I hope you feel the same.
Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26.14)
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