Before God saved me, I was not just pro-choice. I was pro-abortion. Today, I cannot imagine what I was thinking.

Recently, Fox News published an article that I wrote about abortion, our nation’s uneasy conscience, and the roughly 55 million babies murdered since Roe v. Wade legalized the practice in 1973. To put that number in perspective:

• 55 million equals 17.5% of the country’s current population.
• 55 million is greater than the population of any state in the Union.
• 55 million is greater than the population of 219 of the world’s countries (135 of those countries have more than 1 million people).
• 55 million is greater than the population of South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Australia, Argentina, and Canada.

Fifty-five million is about the same as the population of the 25 smallest states and Washington D.C. combined: Kentucky, Oregon, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Iowa, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Nebraska, West Virginia, Idaho, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Montana, Delaware, South Dakota, Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. We have bloody hands and a guilty conscience. 

I can’t change your mind

For many, the article I wrote will only make you angry and seal your resolve against anything that encroaches “a woman’s right to choose.” Just remember, it’s the right to choose murder.

I realize that I cannot change your mind, but I pray that the Holy Spirit does before it’s too late—as he did for me.

The roughly 55 million babies murdered since Roe v. Wade is greater than the population of 219 of the world’s countries.

Before God saved me, I was not just pro-choice. I was pro-abortion, in favor of government measures to control population and conserve global resources. I would often argue about the abortion issue with my very pro-life girlfriend (now wife), Grace. I won our arguments—even though I was wrong—because I was good on my feet. You can win an argument and still be wrong. 

The Holy Spirit changed my mind on this and many other issues as a college freshman when I became a Christian and started studying the Bible. Today, when my kids pile on me while we sit on the couch for family movie night, I cannot imagine what the heck I was thinking. 

Hope after death

If abortion is a part of your story, I pray that God’s grace will grip your heart and that you would be convicted by the devastating realization: I am a murderer. Forgiveness cannot soothe and healing cannot begin until that confession is made.

Grieve deeply.

Cry until you are worn out.

You have murdered a defenseless child. Your child. You men who drove your girlfriend or wife to the clinic are accessories to murder in the eyes of God the Father who loves that child. God can forgive you, but your grief will continue until the kingdom of God when Jesus wipes every tear from your eye. There are some things you cannot undo in this life—such as murdering your child.

But you can be forgiven and comforted by Jesus Christ today. 

Jesus forgives

Jesus was born—as a baby, despite Satan’s efforts to destroy him prematurely through the death decree of Herod. He grew to be a man. Though he was innocent of any sin, the authorities sentenced him to death. As he was being killed, he looked down at his murderers and said, “Father, forgive them.”

There are some things you cannot undo in this life—such as murdering your child.

Jesus died so that we could be forgiven. Our sin may haunt us, but it need not have power over us because Jesus took the punishment and gave us grace, righteousness, and eternal life in exchange.

This is an incredibly generous offer from a gracious and loving God. But one day it will expire. If you are a sinner, a murderer, in need of grace—as we all are—repent of sin and believe in Jesus Christ and be saved, or suffer a fate worse than the one you doled out to your child.

The energy you waste on railing is better spent on repenting. 

Related resources:

• Article: A woman at Mars Hill Church explains her response to Pastor Mark’s preaching on abortion.
• Article: Pastor Mark summarizes the scientific and biblical answers to the question, “When does life begin?”
• Video: Best-selling author Randy Alcorn explains why he makes minimum wage.
• Article: Dr. John Piper present 15 things to consider about abortion.
• Video: Mars Hill Pastor AJ Hamilton shares the story of how he was conceived as a result of rape.