EUTHANASIA–ENDING A LIFE “AHEAD OF TIME”

Not a lot of biblical commentary on this issue directly.

     Some related themes are clear.

     Some are not directly presented!

         We want to introduce the biblical evidence that is clear.

to think a bit about the implications of some of the unclear issues

Respect for life–a biblical perspective on some of the issues

     God created Gen. 1-2; Ps. 139:13-14; Isa. 44:2, 24

         Life is special and worthy of special care, because God created it.

Human life has special value, because we are created in the image of God. Gen. 9:5-6

                  The value is based on the image; NOT on the health or quality of life

     God’s sovereign control of life   Ps. 39:4-7; Isa. 43:1-3; 44:2, 24; 46:3, 4

God loves the suffering person more than we do! We can trust Him.

              Ps. 116:15; 1 Pet. 5:7

         Perspective from Philippians 1

              God takes some offensive, evil misconduct and uses it for good

                  1:6, 12, 13, 14-18

              If to live is Christ, to die is gain. 1:20-21

              To die is better than to live (always!! Reverse of popular view)     1:22-23

                  So, why would we CLING to the dying?!!

              God is still in charge! 1:23-26

                  He’ll decide what’s best for us–in accordance with His loving purposes!

         Series of “God-given paradoxes”“

              Taking of life is sin and deserves death.

(Even trying to take your own life is an attempt to improve our life over God’s will for our life! That’s pride (James)

              He who CLINGS to his life, ultimately loses what he’s clinging to

                  Mk 8:35-36

              Letting go of our life results in obtaining life. John 12:25

Giving up your life for a friend is the ultimate demonstration of love.

                  John 15:13; Rom. 5:6-8

     “Thou shalt not kill” Exod. 20:13; 21:12; Matt. 5:21-22; 19:18

         Biblical perspective on suicide

              Taking the will of God into our own hands.

              Pride of assuming we have a better plan than God’s plan for our life.

When society decides whose life is “worth living”

This is a right the sovereign God keeps for Himself.

              That call is not OURS to make.

              We can trust HIM to decide when our life isn’t worth living.

The dilemma of modern medicine–“Because we can!”

Our word is not the last word

John Kilner, Life on the Line

         Three issues to deal with in this discussion:     [Calls for this kind of thinking:]

              1. God-centered 

              2. Reality-bounded

                      God intended implications, built in to the way HE made things

                           (whether we like it or not!).

              3. Love-impelled

     Distinction between ending a life–allowing a life to come to an end

                           and deciding not to keep trying to extend it artificially.

         Disconnecting life support.

Not ending life to escape from a hard life.

                  Job’s perspective is significant:

                      That’s a call that only GOD should make!

Distinction between disconnecting life support and starving someone to death.

              The problem with feeding tubes

              Starving someone to end the pain.

     Releasing a dying person–why would we cling?!!

Compassion and grace for people who have to make the call.

     A time for compassion – NOT for criticism!