The Bible And Family Planning: Sin Or Not?

Family planning is a controversial topic among Christians, with some believing that it is a sin to prevent or control pregnancy. However, modern birth control methods did not exist during biblical times, so the Bible does not explicitly address the use of contraception. While some interpret Be fruitful and multiply as a command to have children, others argue that this was part of a passage about mankind's stewardship over the world. The Bible presents children as a gift and a blessing from God, but it does not state that couples must have as many children as possible. It is generally accepted that abortion is not an acceptable form of birth control as it results in the death of a living human being. Ultimately, the decision to use birth control or family planning methods is a personal one for Christian couples, who must consider their own circumstances, motives, and interpretation of Scripture.

The Bible does not explicitly mention family planning or birth control

Firstly, the Bible presents children as a gift, blessing, and reward from God. In Genesis 1:28, God commands mankind to "be fruitful and multiply", indicating that having children is part of God's plan for humanity. This is further emphasised in passages like Genesis 4:1, Genesis 21:1-2, Genesis 33:5, Psalm 113:9, and Psalm 127:3, which describe children as a blessing and gift from the Lord.

Secondly, the Bible highlights the importance of motivation and intent behind actions. While the Bible does not explicitly condemn birth control, it is essential to consider the reasons and intentions behind using contraceptive methods. The story of Onan in Genesis 38 is often interpreted as a caution against using birth control for selfish or dishonest reasons. Onan was killed by God because he practised withdrawal to avoid providing an heir for his brother, demonstrating that it is the motivation behind contraception that determines its morality.

Thirdly, the Bible emphasises the importance of agreement and unity between spouses when making family planning decisions. While it is not considered sinful to prevent pregnancy temporarily or permanently, it is crucial for husbands and wives to be in harmony regarding future children. Prayer and discussion are encouraged to help couples wisely plan their future together, trusting in God's guidance and sovereignty.

Lastly, the Bible draws a clear distinction between contraception and abortion. Preventing pregnancy before conception is generally viewed as a neutral act, while abortion or emergency contraceptive pills are considered unacceptable as they result in the death of a living human being. Children are viewed as a gift from God, and any decision to end a pregnancy is seen as going against God's will.

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly mention family planning or birth control, Christians can look to biblical principles and guidance to navigate this complex issue. Prayer, discernment, and seeking God's will are essential as couples make decisions regarding their family planning, always keeping in mind the value and blessing of children as gifts from God.

Children are referred to as a blessing, gift, and reward from God

The Bible is clear in its characterisation of children as a blessing, gift, and reward from God. In Psalm 127:3, it is written, "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him". This is reiterated in Genesis 4:1 and Genesis 33:5, which describe children as a gift from God. Psalm 127:3-5 also likens children to arrows in a warrior's quiver, emphasising their value and importance.

Children are viewed as a blessing and a source of great joy in the Bible. In Proverbs 23:24, it is acknowledged that children are a source of pleasure. They are also recognised as a means to grow God's kingdom on Earth. The Bible encourages parents to raise their children in a way that honours the Lord and teaches them His ways.

The Bible further highlights the inherent worth of children by instructing believers to welcome and protect them, as seen in the following verses: "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me" (Mark 9:37) and "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10).

Additionally, children are described as a heritage from the Lord in Psalm 127:3, and parents are considered stewards of God's children, entrusted with the responsibility of raising them. This idea is further supported by the Hebrew words used in the text, implying that children are a heritage belonging to the Lord, not merely given by Him.

The Bible also emphasises the unique value of each child, as they are "fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God" (Psalm 139:14). This underscores the belief that children are a precious gift from God, and their lives are a blessing and a reward.

The Bible does not condemn birth control methods or contraception

The Bible does not explicitly condemn birth control methods or contraception. In fact, it is silent on the matter because modern birth control and fertility options were not available during biblical times.

The Bible does present children as a gift, a heritage, a blessing, and a reward from God. However, this does not mean that couples are expected to have as many children as possible. Just as a farmer does not need to cultivate all the land they have, couples are allowed to decide how many children they can reasonably take care of.

The Bible also does not state that every married couple must have children. It is not considered sinful to prevent pregnancy, either temporarily or permanently, as long as the husband and wife are in agreement on decisions regarding future children.

The closest the Bible comes to addressing birth control is in the story of Onan in Genesis 38. Onan was put to death by God because he refused to procreate with his brother's widow, Tamar, in order to preserve his inheritance. It was not the act of contraception that was sinful, but rather Onan's selfish motivation.

Contraception, by definition, is merely the opposite of conception, and it is not inherently wrong or good. It is the motivation behind the use of contraception that determines whether it is right or wrong.

Therefore, while the Bible does not explicitly address birth control methods, it is important for couples to carefully consider their motivations and methods, seeking God's will in their decisions.

The Bible does not support consequence-free sex outside of marriage

The Bible is clear that God designed sex to be enjoyed within the confines of a marriage covenant. This is evident from the very beginning, with the creation of only one woman, Eve, for Adam. Genesis 2:24 describes the union between a man and a wife, which precedes the sexual act that leads to procreation: "a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This passage sets the foundation for God's intention that sex be reserved for the marital context alone.

The early chapters of Genesis provide a blueprint for marriage, and while it doesn't explicitly state "Thou shall not have sex before marriage," it strongly suggests that sex outside of marriage goes against God's design. This is further reinforced by the command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). In the biblical narrative, this command is joyfully heeded by Adam and Eve after they are joined in marriage (Genesis 2:24-25; 4:1, 25). Their descendants, including Noah, Shem, and Abram, also have children within the boundaries of marriage.

The Bible presents children as a gift from God (Genesis 4:1; Genesis 33:5; Psalm 127:3-5; Luke 1:42; Proverb 17:6. While modern birth control methods were not available during biblical times, and therefore the Bible does not directly address their use, the motivation behind contraception is crucial. The story of Judah's sons, Er and Onan, in Genesis chapter 38, is often interpreted as a condemnation of birth control. Onan practiced withdrawal, the oldest form of contraception, to avoid impregnating his brother's widow, Tamar. However, his motivation was selfish, and God put him to death for his wickedness (Genesis 38:10).

The Bible does not condone sex outside of marriage, and this belief was further emphasized in the Jewish tradition that influenced Jesus and his followers. Paul, a Jew himself, reinforced this teaching in his letters to the Corinthians. He argued that sexual desire should be fulfilled within marriage, stating, "it is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1 Corinthians 7:9). He also emphasized the importance of abstaining from sexual immorality, which includes all forms of sex outside of marriage (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).

In summary, the Bible consistently presents sex as a sacred act designed by God to be enjoyed within the boundaries of a marriage covenant. To engage in sex outside of marriage is to go against God's design, and Christians are called to uphold this standard, even when it is challenging.

Abortion as a family planning method is unacceptable in God's eyes

The Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, but it does refer to children as a gift from God. For example, Psalm 127:3 says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." This perspective suggests that intentionally preventing or ending a pregnancy could be seen as going against God's will.

Additionally, the Bible condemns the taking of innocent life. For instance, one of the Ten Commandments states, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). Abortion can be seen as taking an innocent life, as it involves ending the life of a fetus. Therefore, abortion as a family planning method is unacceptable in God's eyes.

Furthermore, the Bible story of Onan in Genesis 38 provides an example of God's disapproval of preventing reproduction. Onan was killed by God because he practiced coitus interruptus, refusing to provide an heir for his brother. While the motivation behind Onan's actions was selfish, the story still illustrates the importance God places on procreation.

Abortion is a complex and controversial issue, and people's views on it are shaped by their religious, moral, and ethical beliefs. However, when considering it from a Biblical perspective, it is clear that abortion as a family planning method goes against God's design for children as gifts and the sanctity of life.

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