“End of Life” Decisions

SuicideEuthanasiaProlonging lifeEnding life

Suicide – Ending One’s Own LifeEach year 300,000 suicides are attempted—30,000 of these succeed. Teen suicide has more than tripled since the 1950s.….Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 13 & 21.Too, more of the elderly are electing to die by their own hands. Between 1981 and 1986, while the suicide rate was rising 5% nationally, in the over-65 group, it was (rising at) 25%.

Wayne Jackson, Biblical Ethics and Modern Science

Suicide – WHY?The belief that life is about being happy

No meaning to the lives of many

Decline in the esteem of lifeNo value in life

Is Life About Happiness?1 Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with

contentment is great gain.

People who pursue “happiness” are neither happy nor satisfied

Is Life About Happiness?

If you are selfish, you will never “be happy”

Suicide – An Unrepentable SinIf anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 1 John 5:16

Suicide – Supreme Selfishness(Jesus) died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

2 Corinthians 5:15

Suicide – Robbing GodMalachi 3:8a: Will a man rob God?

Ezekiel 18:4: Behold, all souls are Mine

1 Tim. 6:13: God….gives life to all things

The “Right to Die”The “Right to Die” is the idea that you life is your own to determine to endOregon Death with Dignity Act

Assisted SuicideEuthanasia

Euthanasia: “Good Death”"a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering.“

Is it wrong to end life to avoid suffering?

A View of “Assisted Suicide”2 Samuel 1:6-10Then David called one of the young men and said, "Go near, and execute him!" And he struck him so that he died.

2 Samuel 1:15

The Christian “Quality of Life”Pain has a place in life

Job in Job 2:9-10Jesus in Isaiah 53Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:6

The Christian “Quality of Life”Pain has a place in lifeSuffering has value to life

Character & Hope – Romans 5:3-4Maturity & Patience – James 1:2-4Honor & Glory – I Peter 1:6-7

The Christian “Quality of Life”Pain has a place in lifeSuffering has value to lifeWe look for a quality ETERNAL Life

But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when

His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:13

Prolonging LifeIs there an obligation to prolong life?

DNR - “Do not resuscitate”Medications/TreatmentsEating healthyExercise

Prolonging LifeIs there an obligation to prolong life?

Not necessarilyI have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Prolonging LifeIs there an obligation to prolong life?

Not necessarilyAnd as it is appointed for men to die

Hebrews 9:27

Prolonging LifeIs there an obligation to prolong life?

Not necessarilyGood Stewardship vs. Worldliness

…Each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

1 Thessalonians 4:4

Prolonging LifeProlonging life vs. Preserving life Is there an obligation to preserve life?“From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man”

Genesis 9:5

Prolonging LifeProlonging life vs. Preserving life Is there an obligation to preserve life?

Refusing to be a caregiverRefusing to accept a burden

God Has Revealed:Murder is a sin

Murder of the selfMurder by requestMurder of the helpless

God Has Revealed:Murder is a sinWe will suffer in this life

We will be rewarded in the next life

God Has Revealed:Murder is a sinWe will suffer in this lifeProlonging life is not always right or wrong

But wasting life is evil

ConclusionsWe must acknowledge life:

Will be difficult and painfulWill require sacrifices and burdensHas a great reward in such service

Directions to Eternal LifeHearing the Word of God

Romans 10:17Believing the Divinity of God

Mark 16:16Confession of Jesus Christ

Romans 10:9Repentance of Immorality

Acts 2:38Baptism to Change Morality

Acts 22:16