Sanctity of Life

SANCTITY (SURFACE LEVEL)

The belief that human life is unique and special. In principle, sanctity demands human beings be treated with respect and dignity especially when it comes to a person’s life. [Not to be ended prematurely, unduly, carelessly, or merely for reasons of utility.]

The Christian perspective is that life is a gift from God and that both life and death are under His Sovereign control (Job 1:21; 12:10; 14:5; Ps. 31:15; Mt. 6:25-26; Lk. 12:6-7).

As a result, Christianity opposes any crime that devalues human life (Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:1-17). This includes, but is not limited to, infanticide, euthanasia, slavery, racism, hate crimes, human trafficking, and homicide.

SANCTITY (THEOLOGICAL LEVEL)

Imago Dei: All humans are created in the image of God and therefore equal in value and worth (Gen. 1:26-27; Ac. 14:15; 17:26).

Imago Christi: Every human since Adam has tarnished God’s image. Jesus came and demonstrated the original intent of the divine image (Col. 1:15-20; 2 Cor. 3:18; 4:4).

New Humanity: The gospel breaks down any racial, ethnic, gender, or socioeconomic barriers (Rom. 1:15-17). In Christ, all are made new and adopted into God’s family (Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 2:11-18; 4:20-24; Col. 3:10).

SANCTITY (CONCEPTUAL LEVEL)

One blood, two camps, one mission (2 Cor. 5:9-15). All humans descend from the same ancestor. We are either in God’s camp through Jesus or we are outside and on our own. All are welcome to enter God’s special family (Eph. 1:5). Our mission is to persuade others to respond to God’s love and live for Him.

Though we walk, we do not war (2 Cor. 5:16; 10:1-6). Our battle is not outward, but inward (Eph. 6:12). Worldly weapons are useless in spiritual battles. Truth, righteousness, and hope are our instruments to bring people to the Prince of Peace.

Jesus brings everyone and everything together (2 Cor. 15:17-21; Rom. 5:1, 10). Jesus’ death broke down all barriers, reversed the curse, and united people in one cause - reconciliation. Responding to this message changes our focus now and changes our eternal destiny.

SANCTITY (PRACTICAL LEVEL)

Read the following passages. After reading each section, pause to talk about how Jesus valued people. Choose from the list the barriers Jesus crossed to show His love for those unlike Him.

Barriers:

Racial

Gender

Social

Doctrinal

Political

Positional (authority)

Moral

Religious

Talking With A Woman at A Well (John 4:1-26) 

What barriers did Jesus cross when speaking to the woman at the well?

Jesus crossed these barriers to have a discussion with someone unlike Himself. When it comes to valuing human life, why is it important to cross barriers and have discussions?

Respecting A Roman Centurion (Luke 7:1-10)

What barriers did Jesus cross when He agreed to go to the home of a Roman Centurion?

Jesus crossed these barriers because it was seemingly the right thing to do. The Centurion had respect for who Jesus was and what He was able to do. Why is respect so important when it comes to bringing people together? Note, from this text, the various ways the Centurion respected Jesus.

Sitting With Sinners (Mark 2:13-17)

What barriers did Jesus cross when standing up for people seeking to do what is right?

Jesus crossed these barriers because He wanted to give people an opportunity to hear the truth, regardless of their poor choices, and turn to Him for healing. What are some barriers that stand between Jesus, Christians, and sinners today? (In other words, what are some things that keep people away from Christianity?) What can we do better when it comes to helping people come to Jesus (cp. 1 Cor. 9:19-23)?