At what point does personhood begin—at conception or sometime later?

It is one of the most consequential questions in the discussion surrounding the unborn, abortion, the sanctity of life, and what it means to be created by God.

In Episode 68 of the Chasing Assurance Podcast, Terry Peer and Dr. Terry Peer continue their series “The Questions Which Challenge Us” by examining the biblical question of ensoulment—when a human being becomes a person possessing spiritual and moral value.

Dr. Peer begins with a foundational premise: from the moment of conception, when the sperm and egg unite, a new human life has begun. From that point forward, this person possesses inherent sanctity and value before God.

The discussion examines several important passages of Scripture, including Exodus 21:22–25, a passage sometimes used to argue that the unborn child has a lesser value than the mother. Dr. Peer discusses the language of the passage and why he believes it describes a premature birth rather than a miscarriage—and why the distinction is important to understanding the biblical value placed upon unborn life.

The episode also explores:

• Psalm 139:13–16 and God’s involvement in forming life in the womb
• Job 3:11 and Job’s description of his own life in the womb
• Jeremiah 1:5 and God’s knowledge of Jeremiah before birth
• Luke 1:34–44 and the lives of Jesus and John the Baptist before birth
• Why Scripture refers to unborn babies as children
• The biblical significance of being created male and female
• Why prenatal life is known personally and intimately by God
• The difference between being “fully human,” “potentially human,” and “not yet human”

But this conversation isn’t only about defending a biblical position.

Dr. Peer also speaks directly to women, men, and families who have been affected by abortion.

If an abortion is part of your past and you carry regret, grief, or guilt, this episode contains an important message of grace, forgiveness, redemption, and assurance through Jesus Christ. Your past does not place you beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness.

That message is at the heart of Chasing Assurance.

KEY SCRIPTURE

Psalm 139:13–14 (LSB)

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb… I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

SCRIPTURES DISCUSSED

Exodus 21:22–25
Psalm 139:13–16
Job 3:11
Jeremiah 1:5
Luke 1:34–44
Genesis 1:27
Matthew 1:20–21
John 1:1–4

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY

Dr. Peer recommends several resources for listeners who want to study these questions more deeply:

Early Flight / I’ll Hold You in Heaven — Jack Hayford
A short, pastoral resource offering comfort and hope to those who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, or abortion.

“The Fetus in Biblical Law” — Ron DuPreeze (1992), Ministry Magazine
An article examining Exodus 21:22–25 and the status of the unborn child within biblical law.

“Abortion and the Mosaic Law” — Jack Cottrell (March 1973), Christianity Today
An examination of abortion and the interpretation of Old Testament law, particularly as it relates to the value of unborn life.

We strongly encourage you not simply to accept what you hear in this episode. Open your Bible, study these passages, explore these resources, and prayerfully consider what Scripture teaches.

If you need help locating one of these resources, contact us through the Chasing Assurance website and we will do our best to help.

Thank you to the sponsors who make Chasing Assurance possible:
Heartwood Planning Group
WiseEye Technologies
Coonless Feeders
Green Prairie Seed Company

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