Is birth control a sin?

[Guest]

To throw a bit of a wrench in things.... someone might say, "I am not married because I do not want kids." Would that also be a type of birth control too?

Hm. What about I Corinthians 7?

[Guest]

Isn't it odd that even us Christians don't want to trust God, but would rather play God? Do you suppose that you can have more children than God wants you to have?

Isn't that like saying when the Bible tells you to "trust in the Lord" then you can go and jump off a cliff thinking if the Lord wants me to live he will save me?

Shouldn't we be following the spirit of the law instead of the letter of the law. For example, the bible also states that a man shall leave his father and mother and join to his wife. Does this mean every man needs to get married and if you don't your not trusting God?

I believe God judges us on our motives which I find throughout Jesus' teachings.

[Guest]

Micah said:

Isn't that like saying when the Bible tells you to "trust in the Lord" then you can go and jump off a cliff thinking if the Lord wants me to live he will save me?

well, it's not exactly like that, but i get your meaning. i agree, in general, with what you are saying. paul clearly said that not everyone is meant to get married. obviously the verses regarding having children dont apply to singles. again, as you state, the motive as to why a person is single is what matters.

however, gary has a point. if a person TRULY trusts that God knows best, then it necessarily follows that the person will trust that God will give him EXACTLY as many children as God deems appropriate, not one more or one less. If a couple decides not to have another child because the one they have is so strong-willed, then by using BC they are placing their own judgment over God's. in other words, if God knows that another child is not what the couple needs, then he will not ordain it to be. but perhaps God knows better; perhaps he knows that another child will be good for the family in some way or another.

i think the inherent problem with BC is that it seems to potentially interrupt God's plan. i am trying to think of another analogous example but am unable to do so right now. suicide comes to mind but that is a rather extreme example.

TK

[Guest]

well, it's not exactly like that, but i get your meaning. i agree, in general, with what you are saying. paul clearly said that not everyone is meant to get married. obviously the verses regarding having children dont apply to singles. again, as you state, the motive as to why a person is single is what matters.

however, gary has a point. if a person TRULY trusts that God knows best, then it necessarily follows that the person will trust that God will give him EXACTLY as many children as God deems appropriate, not one more or one less. If a couple decides not to have another child because the one they have is so strong-willed, then by using BC they are placing their own judgment over God's. in other words, if God knows that another child is not what the couple needs, then he will not ordain it to be. but perhaps God knows better; perhaps he knows that another child will be good for the family in some way or another.

i think the inherent problem with BC is that it seems to potentially interrupt God's plan. i am trying to think of another analogous example but am unable to do so right now. suicide comes to mind but that is a rather extreme example.

You see to me it is not a matter of interrupting God's plan it is a matter of motive. I believe that God allows us to make our own judgements as long as our motives are pure. Take 1 Corinthians 9 for example:

11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

Here is an example that Paul is using his own judgement to work for money instead of his right to collect money, but his motive is for Christ.

There are times that God thwarts our own judgements as well. When Paul wanted to go north to preach the Gospel, but God prevented him from doing so. Was Paul wrong? I don't think so, it just wasn't God's timing and God made it known to him. Could not God due the same by overcoming BC?

[Guest]

Hm. What about I Corinthians 7?

Thanks Michelle, I didn't even think about that.

[Guest]

A common phrase found several times in Genesis, both to the animals and to man:

"Be fruitful and multiply".

I suppose God could have said, "Be fruitful and multiply until one of you invents contraceptives, then go at your own pace", but He didn't.

You seem to assume that the command actually says "Be fruitful and multiply without restraint or thought." The command is simply "Be fruitful and multiply."
You also assume that all birth control involves contraceptives. It does not.

Isn't it odd that even us Christians don't want to trust God, but would rather play God? Do you suppose that you can have more children than God wants you to have?

What about adoption? Would that be considered multiplying? Is that only for couples physically unable to have children?
As an example, my wife and I have 2 boys that we had through conception and pregnancy. We are still physically able to have children as best as we can tell. However, we feel a calling of God to adopt and have started the adoption process. If we were to get pregnant, the adoption would be cancelled, so we are "naturally" avoiding conception to fulfill this purpose of God in our lives. Are we playing God, or obeying God?

I wonder if one day we will be in Heaven, embarrassed at how much we let the world influence us and at our own refusal to follow such simple commands.

I think we'll be suprised at areas in our lives where we choose an influence other than God. I think we may also be suprised at what God had actually commanded and what he left for us to decide via principle and conscience.

Dave

[Guest]

I am new to the forum and so would like to say up front, no offense meant in any way. I realize there are many who are not able to have children, or who have special circumstances, and it is not my desire to make anyone defensive or to inflict pain. I have come to my opinions out of my own pain and circumstances.

The issue for me is not birth control, but who is in control. I have operated for years making what I thought were good decisions, but was actually my will in direct conflict with God’s will. We live in an age where we have all of these seemingly complex issues that have complicated answers…or do they? Who is in control? Is the world in a state of chaos…did God set things in motion and then head off to his villa and leave us to figure things out? Or is God in control of everything; every breath, every heartbeat, every blade of grass? Scriptures overwhelmingly indicates the latter.

Many Christians have bought into the idea of a chaotic, out-of-control world. When my wife and I had a child born with a severe heart defect and then became pregnant with another child, even our Christian friends questioned our rationale. We were grilled about whether or not we were being responsible, and what about quality of life for these children. We have three older children, isn’t that enough? "Have you become Catholic, or…Mormon"? Well-intentioned Christians asked, “Don’t you know what causes that?” Yes, God causes that.

In my world, God opens and closes the womb (Gen 20:18, Gen 29:31, Gen 30:22). God knew me when I was in the womb (Psalm 139:13). God tells me to trust in Him and lean not on my own understanding (Prov 3:5). Jesus tells me not to worry, as I have no control even over the little things in life (Matt 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-26). And I am told not to be anxious, but to present my requests to God and His peace will guard my heart and mind (Phil 4:6-7).

If these Scriptures are true, then I should let God be in control of everything, my life, my day, my finances, and my family planning. The decision to have more children (or not) is His to make. But what if I have too many children? Well, won’t He provide for us? He has always provided for me quite well. What if we have another child with a defect? Well, the child my wife is carrying now does have an anomaly that could cause a stillborn birth. We have found from our experiences with Hannah (our 2 year old with a heart defect) that everyday is a precious gift from God. Hannah has enriched our lives so much and made our faith so much stronger. Hannah is a blessing whether her heart is whole or imperfect. We would like to have many days with her in our lives, but are grateful for whatever God can spare us.

Dave, you questioned (rhetorically, I’m sure) about whether I would advise to have children or adopt. My answer would be an enthusiastic “Yes!” Do both! Why limit God? He can provide for all your needs and all your children’s needs.

Do I believe, “Be fruitful and multiply without restraint or thought”?? Well, definitely without restraint and believe me, I have given it much thought. I believe that "without restraint" is implied in the command. A wise man once said that the fabric of Eternity is forever changed when a child is conceived; either Heaven or Hell is made richer.

Someone commented about trusting the Lord and then jumping off a cliff. Ha! Have you tried this ploy before? I will defer that one to Jesus. For His response, see Luke 4:9-12.

Psalm 127:3-5 says, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

Children are our reward. They are treasure from the Most High, given here on earth. An underserved reward, as they tell us more about God’s goodness than what we deserve. We have the opportunity to populate the world with Christians while the pagans abort and limit the number of children they have. What if our careful planning is interrupting God’s careful planning?

The Bible has a lot of great theories and principles and I find they even work well when you apply them to your life.

Dave, I am happy that you and your wife feel the call to adopt. I pray that God will richly bless you; and even more, that you will readily accept all that he wishes to bless you with. I encourage you to seek out the wise man mentioned above and listen to “A Vision for Children” by Steve Gregg. Whatever you decide, blessings to you. I truly wish you well.

I appreciate any and all prayers for our son, who is due in November. My wife is 29 weeks pregnant and has always had high-risk pregnancies. She has had several miscarriages and so we have treasures waiting in Heaven as well. From what we are told the anomaly in this pregnancy would only affect the baby in the womb; it is insignificant once he is born. However, doctors have been known to be wrong, and so whatever comes we trust the Lord.

We also appreciate your prayers for Hannah, who is with us only by the grace of God.

In Jesus,
Gary

[Guest]

I am new to the forum and so would like to say up front, no offense meant in any way. I realize there are many who are not able to have children, or who have special circumstances, and it is not my desire to make anyone defensive or to inflict pain. I have come to my opinions out of my own pain and circumstances.

No offense taken, at least on my part. I should also echo your sentiments above because my posts can be direct and may come across as offensive. My apologies if this has been the case. I aim to discuss but always within the context of the humility and love of Jesus Christ.

The issue for me is not birth control, but who is in control. I have operated for years making what I thought were good decisions, but was actually my will in direct conflict with God’s will. We live in an age where we have all of these seemingly complex issues that have complicated answers…or do they? Who is in control? Is the world in a state of chaos…did God set things in motion and then head off to his villa and leave us to figure things out? Or is God in control of everything; every breath, every heartbeat, every blade of grass? Scriptures overwhelmingly indicates the latter.
Many Christians have bought into the idea of a chaotic, out-of-control world. When my wife and I had a child born with a severe heart defect and then became pregnant with another child, even our Christian friends questioned our rationale. We were grilled about whether or not we were being responsible, and what about quality of life for these children. We have three older children, isn’t that enough? "Have you become Catholic, or…Mormon"? Well-intentioned Christians asked, “Don’t you know what causes that?” Yes, God causes that. .

There is much of what you say that I agree with. However, intrinsically within your argument is the assumption that while God is in control, he has left many decisions within our hands. Some of these are a choice between obedience and sin, other choices are amoral.
For instance, the decision for a father in regards to what job he will hold to provide for his family is often amoral. Should he work as an accountant or software developer or carpenter or a janitor? All 3 options can be Godly if based on his principled attitude to give the glory to God. Could the same be said of the decisions of when to have kids and how many if the principled attitude is the same?
IMHO, we, as believers, are to be led by the Spirit. Could 2 believers differ on this issue and still both be led by the Spirit individually?

In my world, God opens and closes the womb (Gen 20:18, Gen 29:31, Gen 30:22). God knew me when I was in the womb (Psalm 139:13). God tells me to trust in Him and lean not on my own understanding (Prov 3:5). Jesus tells me not to worry, as I have no control even over the little things in life (Matt 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-26). And I am told not to be anxious, but to present my requests to God and His peace will guard my heart and mind (Phil 4:6-7).

Amen and amen to all this!

If these Scriptures are true, then I should let God be in control of everything, my life, my day, my finances, and my family planning. The decision to have more children (or not) is His to make. But what if I have too many children? Well, won’t He provide for us? He has always provided for me quite well. What if we have another child with a defect? Well, the child my wife is carrying now does have an anomaly that could cause a stillborn birth. We have found from our experiences with Hannah (our 2 year old with a heart defect) that everyday is a precious gift from God. Hannah has enriched our lives so much and made our faith so much stronger. Hannah is a blessing whether her heart is whole or imperfect. We would like to have many days with her in our lives, but are grateful for whatever God can spare us.

This is an awesome testimony of what God has done and is doing through your obedience to the leading of His Spirit. What an honor that God has chosen you and your wife for both of these special gifts.

Dave, you questioned (rhetorically, I’m sure) about whether I would advise to have children or adopt. My answer would be an enthusiastic “Yes!” Do both! Why limit God? He can provide for all your needs and all your children’s needs.

My point with this question was to point out that there may be times and situations where some form of birth control is necessary. Our leading to adopt was to be an example. We plan to do both, but as is obvious from my original statement, not at the same time.

Do I believe, “Be fruitful and multiply without restraint or thought”?? Well, definitely without restraint and believe me, I have given it much thought. I believe that "without restraint" is implied in the command. A wise man once said that the fabric of Eternity is forever changed when a child is conceived; either Heaven or Hell is made richer.

Good quote. I would add that since the parents have an immense influence on the final destination of their children, the decision of having each child should be considered in light of the cost and privilege.
Luke 14:28-33
28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Dave, I am happy that you and your wife feel the call to adopt. I pray that God will richly bless you; and even more, that you will readily accept all that he wishes to bless you with. I encourage you to seek out the wise man mentioned above and listen to “A Vision for Children” by Steve Gregg. Whatever you decide, blessings to you. I truly wish you well.

I appreciate any and all prayers for our son, who is due in November. My wife is 29 weeks pregnant and has always had high-risk pregnancies. She has had several miscarriages and so we have treasures waiting in Heaven as well. From what we are told the anomaly in this pregnancy would only affect the baby in the womb; it is insignificant once he is born. However, doctors have been known to be wrong, and so whatever comes we trust the Lord.

We also appreciate your prayers for Hannah, who is with us only by the grace of God.

IMHO, this is an area of conscience. Followers of Christ may differ, but both are still following the leading of the Spirit.
I've listened to the teaching you mentioned above. It is good stuff. My conclusions from the truths mentioned in it are different than yours, but I think we agree on the value of children in God's eyes.
You have my prayers for your son and also for Hannah.

Dave

[Guest]

Dave,

Thanks for your last post. It was a wonderful summary of what God is doing in your life. I really appreciated the line,

"IMHO, we, as believers, are to be led by the Spirit. Could 2 believers differ on this issue and still both be led by the Spirit individually?"

(I haven't figured out how to cut and paste quotes, slow learner on this side.)

Yes, I agree. God is so perfectly able to meet us where we live and patiently lead and teach us as we are led by the Spirit.

I also appreciated the verse from Luke 14 as it is a favorite and I have spent much time counting the cost in my life and my family's life.

While I disagree on the issue of birth control, I realize that we are coming at the issue from different perspectives and life views. While much of our faith is shared, much of it is also personal. I have not walked your path and have plenty to learn on my own path. As you say, different views and yet shared goals as we both recognize the value of children.

Thank you for your prayers for Hannah and the baby. We truly cherish them. We know where are blessings are from. Best wishes to you and your family, brother. Please let us know what we can pray for concerning adoption.

In His Name,
Gary









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