Does Life Begin at Conception?
The question of when life begins is not just biological; for the Christian, it is fundamentally theological. The biblical viewpoint offers a consistent perspective on the beginning of life and the inherent worth of the unborn, rooted in the doctrine of creation and the sanctity of life.
1. Does a Life Begin at Conception?
From a traditional biblical perspective, the answer is Yes, life begins at conception because God is actively involved in forming the human being from the earliest stages.
Scripture emphasizes God's personal, purposeful work inside the womb, suggesting that the developmental process is intentional and divinely initiated. The Psalmist does not speak of a non-living substance being formed later, but of God's active involvement in the very start of the process: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:13-14).
The act of "knitting together" implies a continuous, living process under divine supervision, not a mere biological accident. The life is sustained by God from that moment.
2. Is the Unborn a human in the Womb?
The biblical witness affirms that the unborn life is not just tissue, but a person—an individual known and recognized by God. This is the core of personhood.
God often describes His relationship with individuals beginning before their birth, confirming their personal status in His eyes:
The prophet Jeremiah records God saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” (Jeremiah 1:5). This suggests a personal relationship and eternal purpose exist before physical birth.
John the Baptist's life begins with a dramatic display of recognition in the womb. When Mary visited Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s unborn child leaped for joy at the presence of the Lord: “For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy” (Luke 1:44). This recognition and reaction demonstrates personal awareness.
The consistent use of personal language by God regarding the unborn confirms the view that the life in the womb possesses personhood.
3. Does That Person Have Rights?
Yes, if the life is established at conception and possesses biblical personhood, then that life carries the full rights and value of any other human being.
This right is founded on two core doctrines:
The Image of God (Imago Dei): Every person, by virtue of being made in God's image (Genesis 1:27), has inherent and sacred worth. The unborn, recognized by God as a person, inherits this sacred status.
The Right to Life: The command “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) is the biblical foundation for the right to life. In the biblical framework where life and personhood begin at conception, this command is understood to apply to the unborn just as it applies to an adult. The intentional termination of an innocent, personified life is therefore viewed as the gravest violation of God's moral law.
Conclusion: The Sanctity of Life
From the biblical viewpoint, the life beginning at conception is known, formed, and valued by God as a person. The conclusion that this life is sacred and possesses the right to protection is central to the doctrine of the Sanctity of Life, which commands the Christian to protect and advocate for all human life from its earliest beginnings.
