Abortion and God's grace

Anon · Jul 28, 2015

I have been searching for hours for an answer to my question and cannot find one and have browsed many Christian forums and came across this one which appears to be in use constantly so am hopeful that I may get an answer to my question.
for background I consider myself to be an ardent Christian, I became a more evangelical Christian about two years ago when I changed churches to a more modern contemporary church who helped me to realise that I was forgiven. Since then I have become a changed person.

my current situation, I am 38 and for some time have longed for a second child, my husband (not a Christian) and I have been sort of trying, anyway today I have found out I am pregnant (2 weeks) I am now in a panic and have come to the decision I do not want this child. My daughter is 4 and after 4 horrendous years we are just settling as a family and things are normal. During my pregnancy with her I had SPD, preeclampsia, what they call a fast birth and a massive bleed afterwards, I then had a breakdown in a major way and was hospitalised for three months with her in a mental health mother and baby unit. I am pleased to say that I have now been stable for nearly a year and a half but am still on a lot of medication

sooooo with all of my history I am now panicking and I have pretty much made up my mind that I want an abortion.

so eventually I come to my question (you needed the history first or perhaps my justification???) if I have an abortion while being an active Christian and commit this sin knowingly going against God am I still forgiven?
Perhaps take the abortion issue out of the question 'if I knowingly commit a sin against God can I still expect to be forgiven?' You see once you have committed your life to Christ we are told to try not to sin, we are broken people and we will always sin accidentally but what about purposeful sin can that be forgiven?

please do not turn this into a debate about my decision for the abortion, that is not the question I am asking my question is about grace

Thanks

notuptome · Jul 28, 2015

Yes Gods grace is sufficient. There will be consequences. I do not know what you were thinking then and I do not understand what you are thinking now but post abortion grief can be very difficult to deal with. Gods grace is not a magic power to make all our bad decisions just go away.

I am in no position to condemn or to support your situation. You will need Gods mercy and you can obtain that only from Him.

You need good Christian counseling before you act. Counseling now will reduce the therapy later.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

Mitspa · Jul 28, 2015

So just kill it...if your too busy ...why not get rid of your other children as well, since you have all those excuses?

BenFTW · Jul 28, 2015

Your question about God's grace is the equivalent of, "May we sin so that grace abounds?" The apostle Paul's answer was "God forbid!" So you see, his reasoning was how can you who is dead to sin live in it? It is no longer your master. In the same way, you can choose to sin, but why would you? It is no longer who you are in Jesus. You are righteous, in Jesus Christ.

You say to not turn this into a debate about your decision for an abortion, but the question you're asking is to seek a peace of mind about the abortion, so as to not think it would affect your salvation. Your concern is not for the baby, it is for yourself. Which is understandable, you had complications in the past with birth. You are afraid. It's okay. Shall you let fear run your life, or will you trust the Lord? You can ask the Lord, your Heavenly Father, to help you make it through the birth. It doesn't have to be a fearful experience. Ask the Lord to be present.

I am just giving you food for thought. Consider that His grace is sufficient, but know that there are consequences to your actions now. It may not send you to Hell in the afterlife, but may make hell out of life now. Woman experience grief and depression after an abortion. There are people who carry the burden thirty years later. As people will say, "Abortion changes you."

You are asking about God's grace to seek to justify the abortion, that His grace is sufficient. It is, but it is also sufficient to help you through this birth. You desired a second child for so long and here he is. Now that the second child is in arms reach you wish to cast it away? Why? It is because you're afraid. Your desire for the child hasn't disappeared, you are just scared of the process. Knowing this, that the desire still lives inside of you, the abortion will more than likely lead to a depression. I am not speaking this over your life, but as an observation. It will feel as if you have lost something and indeed you would have, if you carry out the abortion. A blessing and responsibility, a love between mother and child. A special bond. The desire of your heart.

What you truly need an answer to is not your questions on grace, but how to overcome the fear that is holding you back from receiving that which you have longed for. You do want the child. You do. You know you do. However fear has crept in. You need prayer for boldness and comfort, so as to have the strength and well being to have this child. Seek the Lord. Pray. Have others pray over and for you.

kaylagrl · Jul 28, 2015

Anon said:

Im sorry,there is no way you can justify your abortion.You know what you are doing,you're making a decision to take a life. God will not forgive intentional sin. There is no debate,abortion is murder.Im sorry you were sick with your last pregnancy but that is not your babies fault.Im sorry but I feel strongly about abortion.My suggestion to you is to stop thinking about grace to cover an abortion and get the ladies of your church to pray you through your pregnancy. Im sure your church has a prayer chain.How about having the faith that God will honor you for doing the right thing and keeping your child. Abortion is wrong,period.I hope you will pray about this and change your mind.

blue_ladybug · Jul 28, 2015

whoa, hold it.. First you say you "have been longing for some time to have another baby" then you turn around and say "I've come to the conclusion I don't want this baby." Then you know what? You shouldn't have had sex without protection. YOU CHOSE to lay down and make this baby. Now you want to kill it??!!!

You definitely do NOT have your head on straight nor your priorities in order here. If you weren't positive you wanted a kid, THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE USED A CONDOM OR TWO. :/ God will not forgive you for killing this child and you WILL face eternal consequences.

Your question of will you be forgiven of this sin if you willfully go against God and kill this baby, is NO. There is no excuse you could give God for MURDERING your child. Purposefully sinning against God is unforgivable..especially when it involves MURDERING an innocent baby. It's not this baby's fault that you can't remember to use birth control before having sex. If you're looking for US to justify your sin, you are sorely mistaken. There is no justification for murder, and I suggest you talk to hubby and find out how he feels about another baby. I also suggest you talk to your pastor and get professional help because your head ain't on straight right now. I suggest you ask for God's grace in ENDURING through this pregnancy, instead of using His grace to justify an abortion.

God gave you this baby that you say you've been longing for. Accept it and have it. Get any thought of abortion out of your mind right now. Who are you to kill what God has given you?? Don't turn yourself into a murderer. Have this baby, love it and cherish it..

MarvelousLight · Jul 28, 2015

Hi Anon,

You seem to be going through a very anxious phase right now. I want to ask that you do not make any impulsive decisions based on the way you feel, because feelings can cloud our mind in making decisions we may regret later. So, let's think slowly, and access this problem carefully, before we move on to make the right decision concerning your current situation.

You said you have been longing for a second child for some time now, right? Now that you are pregnant, shouldn't you be glad that your desire has been answered, and that God has blessed you with another child? If you were to have an abortion, wouldn't you be going against your original plan? The reason why you want an abortion is because you are suffering from a panic attack again. Based on what you have wrote, your first pregnancy has caused you to experienced some kind of breakdown, and it took you some time to recover. Due to your previous history, you are afraid that this will happen again, and that it may lead you to go through the same experience again. However, all of this are just your fears, and imagination of what you think happen. The fact is, you do not know whether this will happen or not, so I suggest a few things.

I am not medical expert, but what I would advise you to see an OB/GYN and other health practitioners for a health assessment as to your physical state, whether you'll be able to carry out your pregnancy. You should also try your best to be healthy this time, and do what it takes to prevent any health problems that had occurred during your first pregnancy, so you may give birth smoothly for your second pregnancy.

Do not make any drastic decisions on your own without consulting medical advice and your loved ones. Also, abortion should never be an option, because it is murder, so don't even think about it. You are trying to escape your fears by eliminating it, then what happens when you get another pregnancy, are you going to get another abortion again, and again? This is not the way to cope with our fears. We must give God our fears, and anxious thoughts, and trust in God. Pray to God that He will help you to be healthy during your second pregnancy. I will also be praying with you.

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

MarvelousLight

JustAnotherUser · Jul 28, 2015

I think based on the posts made here, you know the answer. No debates will be given, at least not by me. I will say that if you can find support to help you go through the process of delivering this baby then please do so as there are plenty of people who would be willing to help.

mystdancer50 · Jul 28, 2015

The Bible asks, "Should we continue to sin so grace can abound?" and, of course, the Bible answers the question: surely not!

Is Christ's grace sufficient? Of course it is. Will you be forgiven? Of course you will, should you truly ask and repent. Will you be able to forgive yourself? Ah...there is the rub.

Many women who have had abortions are left with life-long pain and trauma, not to mention that the dangerous act of murdering a child growing inside you (no, I won't sugar coat it) can make it so that you can never conceive again. Your murdered child, however, will go directly into God's arms...but that isn't what He wants.

So here is what you must ask yourself: Am I going to be insistent on what I want based on what I feel in this moment or am I going to rejoice and trust in God and do what He wants?

There is always adoption. Many, many, MANY families want newborn babies. That is the truth.

And, one last thing that I can tell you for certain: the one that truly wants you to give into fear and kill this child is satan.

So, choose whom you'll serve: God or the devil.

A_Friend_In_Christ · Jul 28, 2015

Why would you knowingly want to go against God's will? God does not approve of abortions.

JesusLives · Jul 28, 2015

Mitspa said:

Sorry Mitspa but this comment is very insensitive did you not read the part about life threatening complications with the first birth? She is scared and not sure of what to do and you come in both guns blazing and let her have it....Not playing nice....

JesusLives · Jul 28, 2015

Dear Sister Anon

I had an abortion and I did not have any complications with the birth of my daughter, I could not afford the baby and I didn't want to give it up this is something I have had to live with since my late 20's probably around 28. I am 60 now and it is nothing I can ever do to reverse what I have done. I feel horrible about it but I have had to give it to God and let it go and trust He has forgiven me for it.

You said you wanted this second child and I understand how conflicted you are about this since you have described complications at your first birth and a mental breakdown as I know some women are also very affected from baby blues right after having a child. So there are issues that you are having to deal with and you are afraid that the same things will happen again with a second pregnancy.

First my advice would be to lay this at God's feet pray to Him and tell Him your fears and ask Him to help you have a normal pregnancy. He is able to do the impossible. I would also consult again with my doctor and find out what the risks and complications you might be facing and if your life is in danger as it would do no one any good if you died in childbirth. Each pregnancy can be different so consult your doctor and for sure give this matter to God before you make any rash decisions.

If you want to personal message me I would be happy to talk with you and pray with you... Sorry some of us can come down judgmental since we are not wearing your shoes. Although I have walked the path you are thinking about taking and unless your life is at risk I would recommend against it. In love your Sister JesusLives

oyster67 · Jul 28, 2015

First thing I am going to do is pray for you. Prayer is very powerful and it is the Father's will that we all pray in a spirit of unity and love. The Lord wants to deliver you from this fear of what might happen. Fear is of the Devil. You are His child. A verse that comes to mind is 2 Timothy 1:7....

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

God bless you, dear.

Willie-T · Jul 28, 2015

Darlene,
You are very loved.

atwhatcost · Jul 29, 2015

Anon said:

You found out you're pregnant TODAY and also made the decision to abort TODAY? Not much thought put into that decision, is there? Have you considered waiting for the panic to subside before deciding? You haven't even taken into consideration something else you said, "I have become a changed person." Doesn't that play a factor into your decision?

For that matter, doesn't your hubby get in on this decision? It's his son or daughter too. This wasn't a whoopsie. You were working towards this. Was there no thinking involved with that either?

I'm not saying you're making the right decision. I'm not saying you're making the wrong decision. I'm saying you're taking way too little time to have already decided. Don't go for the answer out of panic. Ask God to calm you down enough to think rationally. Ask God for his help in this matter. You'll be surprise what he can do for you.

Talk to your hubby. (It doesn't matter if he's a believer or not for this one. He lived with you through the last pregnancy. He loves you. He loves his daughter. He wants what's best for both of you. And mostly, that's his child too, so he gets some say.) Try and come up with an answer you can both agree with.

And talk to your OB-GYN. You have no idea what's been happening in the medical field to combat all you've gone through.Your OB probably does because she/he knows you. You need facts and a rational decision, not a decision made because you're panicking.

This isn't a political discussion. This is about your health and that child in you. You both matter. So, don't have a final decision today. Your OB can tell you how much time you have t decide before all those other problems show up. Use that time wisely. Be that new person and trust God for your answer. And trust your hubby. You may well end up aborting anyway, but at least it is a thoroughly thought out decision. This isn't!

atwhatcost · Jul 29, 2015

kaylagrl said:

I'm am very antiabortion. I don't even think people should abort babies for incest or rape. That said, I think there is room for this one. She almost died and then had a breakdown. Her life is in jeopardy. And I'm not saying that it is then okay to abort the little tyke. I'd much rather she make the right decision with God's guidance and her hubby on her side, whichever side that comes down on. Not all decisions are cookie cutter decisions.

Pres19 · Jul 29, 2015

I'm just going to put this out there..

You said y'all tried for so long to have another baby right?
Maybe this baby was the answered prayer..
Maybe just maybe God had already planned on making this pregnancy and birth different from the last time.

You asked for a child and God gave you a child.
Why throw His grace and love away because of fear?

PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!!

He gave you a Gift.. Why not be thankful?

You want Him to forgive you, Right?
Instead ask Him to help you through this.

Honestly, this is the first post about abortion that I'm not mad about.. Because I get it.. I really do.. I went into labor at 21 weeks into my pregnancy.. Didn't know until I was 23weeks and 6 days.. I stayed in the hospital for 12 days begging and thanking God for each day I was able to keep my son in. He was born at 25 weeks and 4 days.. I had to watch him fight for his life.. I couldnt hold him until he was 28 days old.. I couldn't bring him home until he was 87 days old..I had postpartum depression and PTSD because of this.. But if God blessed me with another child.. I'd be THANKFUL and I'd do it all over again.
I truly understand.. But at the same time I don't.. He answered your prayers for another child.. Why not be happy? Ask Him to help you make it through this..
Your unborn child doesn't deserve this..
If you think the stress is hard now.. Wait for the pain that will come to you knowing you took away this babies life..I know you don't want that.. No one does..

Mo0448 · Jul 29, 2015

While I firmly believe in the sanctity of life and that no circumstance justifies an abortion...the thing I have come to realize is that I cannot FORCE or demand that abortion be made illegal based on what I believe and here is why. When Jesus calls us to him he knows that we need him and that without him we are set on a road to destruction and doom. Yet never does Jesus force us to accept him; instead he shows us love by giving us a choice. What better way to show us his love and grace than to give us a choice. We can accept all the good he has to offer for us, or we can turn it down but he never forces us to accept him. There's a choice.

With that being said...As much as I would love to have all people see the sanctity of life I cannot force them to accept it, so while I am and always will be pro-life, everyone has a choice so therefore I leave that decision to them. Just as to lead someone to Christ we have to show them what it means to live in Christ...the only thing we can do is provide all the tools so that an individual can make a well educated decision on the matter.

I think as a Christian this has been one of the hardest realizations I have come to accept. But to love like Christ means we allow everyone to have the free-will to make a choice whether we agree with it or not...

Mo0448 · Jul 29, 2015

Mo0448 said:

Hey guys I apologize I wrote that reading a little bit of the OP and assuming it was a abortion vs life debate...that comes off ignorant...nonetheless...I'm surprised someone brought up that "God won't forgive one who knowingly sins"? Not to derail but last time I check WE ALL SIN KNOWINGLY! No one just says oh I accidentally got in bed with another person and committed adultery, or I accidentally lied, or I stole or killed or looked at pornography or cheated my taxes...do you guys get my point? To suggest God won't forgive her for what she is thinking of doing is suggesting something very outside the nature of God.

I am not advocating for her to abort in fact I am enthusiastically pro-life, and I do believe that there will be psychological physical repercussions to that decision should she abort...as there could be physical repercussions if she doesn't based on her own experience with the first child..

All in all though sister Pray and have faith I believe that no life comes about in vain and that God has a plan with that child you are carrying and nourishing as we speak! If you do make the other choice though suggesting that God would not forgive you for that would be wrong...I just hope that he can give you the grace to live with the choice you make regardless of which it is

In Christ,

Moses

Pres19 · Jul 29, 2015

I forgot to add..

I know you didn't ask about weather or not to have abortion but I felt the need to say what I said in my first post.. Now..
About your question..

I don't know nor can I say you'll have his Grace and mercy if you go through with this.. All I know is..
God Loves..Forgives.. And gives us strength in times of need..

I pray and hope whatever decision you make..
You pray about it long and hard first... Seek God before you make a decision.

God Bless you sister.
I'll be praying for you.

(My first post was said out of consern, not anger. I know it may have come off that way but I promise I didn't mean it that way.)

Abortion and God's grace

Anon

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