Created, Cherished, and Covered
Genesis 1:26–27
In a world where the value of life is questioned, debated, and often denied, the church must hold firm to one foundational truth: every human life is sacred. Not because of what we achieve, contribute, or possess—but because of who created us. In Genesis 1:26–27, we see the origin of our dignity:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’… God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
This truth shapes how we understand ourselves and others. Human dignity was not earned; it was bestowed. Every person—whether in the womb, at the end of life, or somewhere in between—bears the image of God. That includes the unborn child, the disabled adult, the elderly neighbor, and the person weighed down by shame and regret. Each life is created, cherished, and covered by God’s grace.
Life: Made in His Image
The Latin phrase Imago Dei means “image of God,” and it captures something essential: humans are set apart from the rest of creation. We were made to reflect God—in our character, our convictions, our calling, and our community. That’s why life matters. Not because society says so, but because God said so first.
Psalm 139:13–16 reminds us that life in the womb is personal and intentional. God knits each person together, fearfully and wonderfully made. No human life is accidental. None is disposable. This is true from conception to natural death. And when we remember this, we realize that standing against abortion is not simply a political issue or a moral concern—it is a gospel issue. It is a matter of truth, justice, and worship.
Grace: Healing for the Wounded
But we must also speak to grace. Sin distorts the way we see life, others, and even ourselves. It has turned what God declared as “very good” into a world where abortion is not only tolerated but celebrated. And yet, the gospel still speaks.
Yes, abortion is sin. It is the taking of innocent life. But the grace of God is greater still. The wound of abortion, whether experienced directly or indirectly, is not beyond His reach. 1 John 1:9 gives us this assurance:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The enemy wants to bury people in guilt and shame, but Christ offers freedom and forgiveness. The church must not be a place of condemnation but a community of compassion. Our role is to speak the truth about sin—and then offer the hope of the cross. We cannot remain silent about life, and we must not remain silent about grace.
If you are reading this and abortion is part of your story, know this: healing is possible. Forgiveness is available. Jesus sees you, loves you, and invites you to bring that wound to Him.
Conclusion: A Better Kingdom Is Coming
God saw all that He had made and declared it “very good.” Yet we live in a world marred by brokenness—a world that promotes abortion and devalues life. It can be tempting to assume this is just the way things are, or even the way God intended. But Genesis 1 corrects that thinking. God’s creative work was perfect. He formed humanity in His image, declaring inherent dignity, worth, and beauty in every life—born and unborn.
Every life belongs to Him. The child in the womb, the elderly, the disabled, the forgotten—each one bears His image. And though sin has corrupted the world, God’s Kingdom is coming—a Kingdom where there is no death, no sorrow, no pain, no failure, and no sin.
As His image-bearers, we are called to reflect His character and uphold His truth. When we work to protect life, to speak out against abortion, to care for the vulnerable, and to offer healing to the broken, we are not just doing good—we are revealing God. We are reflecting His heart into a darkened world.
So let us go forward, not in despair, but in hope. Let us defend life boldly, love compassionately, and reflect the image of our Creator faithfully—until His Kingdom comes in full.