Abortion and the Forgiveness of God

He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive Us

Can God forgive a woman who has had an abortion? This is a very common question because many women in our society have had abortions. The Bible is true when it says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). I would encourage a woman still having continuing guilt about past wrong decisions, the mistaken decision to have an abortion, to believe that verse. Have you confessed that sin to God and acknowledged that it was wrong? His word says he is faithful to forgive you your sins, so it’s a matter of trusting him now that he has forgiven your sin. There is no doubt that there is sadness and regret, but the Bible says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). He forgives our sins and we go on.

What the Bible Says about Abortion, Euthanasia, and End-of-Life Medical Decisions

Wayne Grudem

Wayne Grudem offers a biblical and ethical guide to controversial issues surrounding abortion and euthanasia, defining his terms clearly and exploring science, politics, and opposing arguments.

Encouragement to Others

In many cases, a woman who has had an abortion will feel more deeply the sorrow that others feel. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

It’s a matter of trusting him now that he has forgiven your sin.

I would encourage a woman in that position to rest in God’s forgiveness for the wrong that was done. Also, pray that she may have the opportunity to talk to others who have had similar situations and be able to encourage them. Pray that they can rest in and be thankful for God’s complete and total forgiveness.

Wayne Grudem is the author of What the Bible Says about Abortion, Euthanasia, and End-of-Life Medical Decisions.

Wayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He is a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, the general editor of the ESV Study Bible, and the author of over twenty-five books.

5 Myths about Abortion

Scott Klusendorf

January 22, 2019

A lot of misinformation exists related to abortion. Here are 5 common myths that many people—pro-choice and pro-life alike—often believe.

Podcast: The Heart of the Abortion Debate (Scott Klusendorf)

August 05, 2019

Scott Klusendorf discusses abortion and the current state of the pro-life movement, highlighting the biggest mistakes pro-life people make and responding to common pro-choice arguments.