This past week I had the privilege of participating in a Life Summit hosted by Life International in Grand Rapids Michigan, an international life ministry. I was there because ReachGlobal has partnered with Life International to integrate the issues of life into all the work that we do globally. With the dehumanization of people in many forms in our broken world we believe that the Gospel compels us to join God in bringing life and actively resisting the diminishing of life that was made by the creator in His image (John 10:10).
The title of the covenant is important. 72 Ransom Avenue was the venue for this international forum of ministries committed to the life message. It also has a history: First as a Jewish synagogue, then the major abortion clinic in Grand Rapids and now an international life ministry. It is symbolic of the brokenness of our world and the redemption of Jesus Christ who came to ransom people and bring healing to broken lives.
Carefully read this covenant. It is not a one issue statement nor a political statement but one that speaks to the responsibility of God's people to be His agents of righteousness. It is a deeply biblical commitment. I am proud to be associated with Life International.
The 72 Ransom Avenue Covenant
God is the source and giver of all life. In a fallen world where the
sinful dehumanization of life takes many forms, as brothers and
sisters in Christ we hereby declare:
We believe that God created men and women in His image. Therefore, all human life—from conception to natural death—is sacred and must be treated with dignity and respect.
We believe that because man sinned, God sent His only Son to die so that whoever believes in Him would be granted eternal life. Upon belief in Christ, God’s Holy Spirit works continuously to conform us more fully into the image of God.
We believe that a relationship of trust in Jesus Christ changes lives, communities, and institutions through the power of God’s Spirit and the truth of the Bible.
We believe that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ reimages men and women into His likeness.
We believe that the sanctity of human life message is inseparable from Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations.
We believe that Satan’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy God’s image at every opportunity. Jesus came to bring abundant life to all mankind, so as His followers, we must be life-giving to a deeply broken and sinful world.
Therefore,
We are committed to addressing all aspects of the dehumanization of life wherever it exists. Through His Church, we will be His agents of mercy, justice, and healing to people who are marginalized, diminished, or abused, and be the advocate for the “least of these.”
We are committed to presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ to all nations.
We are committed to modeling a culture of life that reflects Jesus and to stand against all evil, which is life-taking in all of its forms.
We are committed to prayerfully developing and executing specific strategies for upholding the sanctity of human life worldwide.
We, the below-signed, are resolved to live out this covenant for the
glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom of life.
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