Fifth, others object to contraception citing the case of Onan in Gen. 38:7-10. Not only has this text been abused in other ways, the reality is that this text is not dealing with the issue of birth control. Among other things, Onan was guilty of and condemned for sexual immorality, self-focus, and failing to fulfill a Levirate obligation (Deut. 25:5-10).

Sixth, still others object to contraception saying that it demonstrates a lack of trust in God. The biblical response here is that we trust God, but we trust God as we fulfill our responsibility before God. If this logic were applied consistently to every area of life we would not purchase insurance, have surgery, or even go to work.

Seventh, it must be said that certain forms of contraception are indeed sinful. Any abortifacient would be prohibited. The unlawful taking of another person's life is an attack on God Himself and is a violation of the sanctity of human life (Gen. 9:6). Further, because life is the result of the creative act of God (Ps. 139:14) and because life begins at the moment of conception (Ps. 51:5), among others, those contraceptives that prevent the fertilized ovum from implantation are abortifacients and therefore prohibited.

Eighth, Christian couples should indeed take seriously the command of God to "be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:22)." While this command to fill the earth has specific application to our first parents, Adam and Eve, and may not legitimately be used as a command to every married couple or even every Christian, married couple, there is a general principle in the command. One of the purposes of marriage is propagation of the species and the dominion or cultural mandate in connection with it. Moreover, as the Quiverfull Movement declares, children are indeed a blessing from the Lord (Ps. 127:5). It may not be in God's providence for a particular Christian couple to have children, but, no couple may be cavalier in their attitude toward children. All Christian couples should pray and seek the Lord's will for them in this area.

Ninth, believers must always check their motives and make sure they are not being conformed to this world but that they are being transformed by the renewing of their minds (Rom. 12:1-2). A self-centered focus is not in keeping with Christlikeness. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions combined with the eschewing of personal responsibility characterizes the spirit of the age. Children are often seen as a hindrance to our own fulfillment as defined by the world. It was the Lord Jesus Himself who said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Lk. 9:23)." When couples avoid having children for selfish reasons they are not being biblical nor are they glorifying God. Practically, they are actually missing out on a better and more joyful way: God’s way.

Tenth, in the end, we must rest in the sovereignty of God. Not only does God withhold children from some who desperately want them, He gives children to others despite the most effective forms of birth control being in place. In all things we must be content and find our joy in Christ and His sovereign will for our lives (Phil. 4:13).

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