We hear a lot of rhetoric about “truth” today, but very few really know what “truth” is, let alone where to find truth. Where did this question of “truth” come from? From the evil one embodied in a serpent, of course. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say … ?’” (Genesis 3:1 NIV).
In those four little words, not only was the evil one placing doubt in the mind of God’s human creation, he was also asking, “What is truth?” We read those very words coming from the mouth of Pontius Pilate when he questioned Jesus about His kingdom (John 18:38).
Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6 NIV) and Jesus promised to send “the Spirit of truth.”
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you … But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:16-17, 26).
Lutherans For Life was founded on this truth of Scripture and relies on the guidance of the “Helper, the Holy Spirit” to guide us to truth reflected in the ministry’s mission, vision, and philosophy.
The vision of Lutherans For Life is this: “Every Lutheran, both individually and in community, upholding the God-given value of human life and influencing society to do the same.”
The philosophy of Lutherans For Life “… believes that the Church is compelled by God’s Word to speak and act on behalf of those who are vulnerable and defenseless … Therefore, as Lutherans For Life, we will strive to give a Gospel-motivated witness to the Church and society … We will call God’s people to compassionate action and foster life-affirming alternatives for those facing difficult situations.”
With these thoughts in mind, the board of directors of Lutherans For Life recently entered into a discussion on a very difficult life issue: the use of aborted fetal tissue in vaccines. This may come as a complete shock to many life-affirming Christians, and many may refuse to believe it. Despite these beliefs, mounting evidence confirms this information as factual.
Lutherans For Life is God’s ministry; therefore, with His guidance and discernment, we strive to be a resource and ministry of truth and excellence. This life issue of fetal tissue in vaccines is not well understood by most and is surrounded by misconceptions and misinformation. Therefore, as the board further explores the truths of this subject, we ask for your prayers for understanding and discernment so that we may continue to lead as a voice of truth and integrity.
In this process, we plan to engage those who know the facts—the truth—and have done extensive, trusted, and credible research. This will also include incorporating Lutherans For Life’s “Five Core Values of Our Ministry Together” in any action we take or resource we produce:
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God’s Word informs and God’s Spirit empowers our work and witness. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:14)
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Faithfulness to biblical truth and integrity of witness are more valuable than political expediency. (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)
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The mind of Christ determines our response to life issues—prayerfully with humility, compassion, and selflessness, speaking the truth in love. (2 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 2:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:24-26)
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Education remains our focus, trusting the Holy Spirit to change hearts and minds. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
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We uphold the sanctity of human life because all people are created and redeemed by God Who intends they bear His image for time and for eternity. (John 10:10)
As a life-affirming ministry, we must do whatever it takes to bring forth light and truth to protect the vulnerable and defenseless as our philosophy states.
“You are the light of the world … In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14a, 16).
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (John 3:20-21).
Here are some websites to help you do your own research:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4526020/
newcitytimes.com/news/story/vaccines-aborted-babies-should-christians-be-concerned
cogforlife.org/vaccines-abortions
rtl.org/educational-materials/vaccines-abortion
www.immunize.org/talking-about-vaccines/furton.pdf
O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.