The Sanctity of Life: A Gospel Calling

JUNE 2026

From the opening pages of scripture, we learn that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This truth grounds the Christian conviction that human life is sacred—not because of what we achieve, but because of whose image we bear.

In a world that often measures value by utility, independence, or productivity, the gospel calls us to a radically different vision: every life, from conception to natural death, is precious in the sight of God. This conviction leads us to a particular concern for the unborn. The psalmist declares, “You knit me together in my mother’s womb... I am fearfully and wonderfully made," (Psalm 139:13–14).

These words remind us that God’s care and purpose extend even to the earliest stages of life. The unborn child is not an accident or an afterthought, but a person known and loved by God. Yet, our commitment to the sanctity of life must be more than a statement of belief—it must be expressed in Christlike compassion. Jesus consistently draw near to the vulnerable, the overlooked, and the burdened. In the same spirit, we are called to support mothers in crisis, to walk alongside families facing difficult decisions, and to extend grace where there has been pain or regret. The church must be a place where truth and mercy meet.

And so we continue to support the ministry at ASCEND Women's Center (also known as Mountain Area Pregnancy Services) with our intercessory, moral, and financial support, Kristi Brown, director at ASCEND, has spoken each year at our church. We deeply appreciate her voice for the voiceless. The month of June marks the anniversary of the overturning of the 1973 ruling on Roe vs. Wade, and so it is fitting for us as a community of believers to pause and recognize this cultural moment and continue to work diligently in protecting and encouraging the least, the last, the lost and the lonely.

Defending the unborn, then, is not merely a cultural or political stance; it is a gospel issue. We defend life because God has first loved us, giving His Son so that we might live. Our advocacy flows from gratitude and obedience, with grace and truth. Let us, therefore, renew our commitment to cherish life in all its stages. Let us pray, serve, give, and speak with humility and courage. And may our witness reflect the heart of Christ—full of truth, full of grace, and full of life.

Edward Brouwer