For this year’s election, three controversial amendments are on the Virginia ballot, including abortion, same-sex marriage and felons’ voting rights.
It is important for Christians to know what the Bible says about these issues and where we can turn to Scripture for guidance.
For these issues, it is important to look past the political arguments and instead look at the principles found in the Word. The Bible speaks about the value of human life, God’s design for marriage and the importance of justice and forgiveness. By examining some of these passages, Christians can better understand how to use God’s word to approach these issues with love.
The first proposed amendment plans to establish a constitutional right to reproductive care, which includes abortion. The amendment would continue to allow abortion procedures through the third trimester, lessening the current restrictions. However, as Christians, we believe in the sanctity of human life.
Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that before we were born, God knew us and had a plan for our lives.
The Bible confirms that life begins at conception, and this amendment brings into question an unborn child’s right to life. Psalm 139:13-16 describes God forming us in the womb and teaches us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Genesis 1:26-27 teaches us that God created humans in his image and that there is value and dignity in all human life.
From this perspective, unborn children possess value, regardless of their development or the circumstances surrounding their conception. Protecting the life of the unborn is a moral responsibility.
Proverbs 31:8-9 calls Christians to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable — which includes the unborn. All human life shares dignity because of theCreator, who formed each of us with intentionality and care.
Job 31:15 says, “Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?”
These passages can help inform the Christian argument for protecting the unborn. As Christians, we are called to be kind and to serve women facing difficult circumstances, encouraging them to make something good out of unfortunate situations.
The second proposed amendment plans to remove Virginia’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. This would ensure that same-sex couples get equal treatment under state law. Additionally, religious protections are weakened with the amendment so churches could have to comply with any marriage requests they receive.
As Christians, we understand God’s intended design for marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24 describes how a man will leave his parents and become united, as one flesh, to his wife. Jesus also references this passage in Matthew 19:4-6, which emphasizes God’s righteous design for marriage.
Romans 1:26-27 and Leviticus 18:22 explain that sexual relationships are to follow biblical boundaries.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 addresses the importance of sexual morality but also shows hope and the possibility of forgiveness and redemption through spiritual transformation.
Marriage is not simply a legal arrangement but a spiritual covenant between a man, a woman and God.
The third and final proposed amendment will automatically restore voting rights to convicted felons upon release from incarceration. Currently, felons must request to have voting rights restored by the governor.
This particular issue is less black and white from a Christian worldview than the previous issues but is still approachable through prayer and Scripture. The issue presents a balance between accountability andthe opportunity for rehabilitation and second chances.
Romans 13:1-4 says the purpose of government authorities is to administer justice. In this model, individuals are to be held accountable for their actions through consequences, so that society can flourish.
However, accountability does not mean that punishments must last for life. Our faith also emphasizes forgiveness, repentance and the opportunity for transformation. People can experience change in their lives through Christ.
Micah 6:8 also reminds us to balance justice with mercy and to walk humbly with God. Christians can recognize the seriousness of an offense but can also consider the value of allowing people to reintegrate into society.
1 Corinthians 6:11 addresses this issue, saying, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
All three proposed amendments challenge voters to understand their convictions, their moral responsibility and their faith. Scripture provides guidance on these issues, but applying biblical principles requires an examination of the actual language used and the potential consequences of these amendments.
Christians should approach these topics with a commitment to upholding and representing truth. Students should examine the implications of these amendments and vote based on their convictions, remembering the value of human life, God’s intended design for marriage and the role of both forgiveness and accountability.
Exercising your civic right to vote is a responsibility. Christians can use the ballot to help Virginians see the way that Christ intended our world to be.
Sizemore is the POV editor for The Liberty Champion.