Bible Question:

My Bible references a parallel passage to the abortion issue in 2 Chronicles 28:3. My dilemma is another Bible reference, “What is bound on earth is bound in Heaven.” Are there other biblical references as to when life begins?

Bible Answer:

I believe you are referring to the fact that Ahaz burned his sons in fire. This does not appear to be an abortion issue but sacrifice to pagan gods. Here is the passage,

Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do right in the sight of the LORD as David his father had done. But he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel; he also made molten images for the Baals. Moreover, he burned incense in the valley of Ben-hinnom, and burned his sons in fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had driven out before the sons of Israel. And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree. Wherefore, the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Aram. 2 Chronicles 28:3 (NASB)

The context of 2 Chronicles 28:3 tells us that King Ahaz “did not do right in the sight of God . . he also made molten images to the Baals.” He worshipped pagan gods and ignored the true God. So God brought King Aram, who made war and defeated Ahaz.

As to the reference (Matthew 18:18) about “what is bound on earth is bound in heaven,” I am not sure how that fits either passage. It was a statement made by Jesus in connection with church discipline – not abortion.

Psalm 139:13-15 and Isaiah 44:2 refer to the beginning of life in the womb of the mother. In fact, scripture indicates that we were loved by God from the beginning of time (John 17:24). So when that egg becomes fertilized it is a human soul. You may want to read the following Q&A on abortion.

Conclusion:

2 Chronicles 28:3 deals with human sacrifice to pagan gods. God placed it here to remind us that He longs for those who are like Asa

. . . the heart of Asa was wholly devoted to the LORD all his days. 1 Kings 15:14 (NASB)

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to move our hearts to be fully devoted to Jesus. Jesus is our Lord and He wants our hearts!

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