Life was breathed into man by God. Man was made in the “image” of God and after God’s “likeness” (Gen. 1:26; 9:6). Man was God’s unique, spiritual, immortal, and intelligent creation. Thus, God commands, “You shall not murder” (Ex. 20:13). To take human life is to assault the image of God in man. Human life should be respected and reverenced. Life, even prenatal life, is always a miracle. No one should feel they have the right to shed the blood of an innocent human being. In Genesis 9:5, “require” indicates that God was doing more than simply stating a rule. He was saying that He will actually pursue or seek a man’s life in payment for the innocent life he has taken.
Where have “world values” begun to shape believer’s minds? Disrespect for human life should not be allowed to invade any mind. Rather, let us proclaim the value and the sacredness of life. Let us take His values as we “turn and live.”
