EUTHANASIA (Mercy killing/Assisted suicide)

                                                            SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

EUTHANASIA (Mercy killing/Assisted suicide)

With such a serious and controversial subject we first have to give credence to the fact that some people want to die because they are terminally ill, suffering, and in ongoing and unmitigated pain.  Then add on the fact that they don’t want to be a burden to anyone.  They may have a loved one so sympathetic that they think it is the loving thing to assist them in their desire.  There are some countries in the world and some states in the U.S. where euthanasia is legal.  It’s a hot topic and one which is much debated both politically and ethically.  The mindset our world is changing and we need to examine anew what the Bible says about mercy killing.

- (Job 1:21)…The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  The Lord gives life and takes it away.  It is His prerogative.  Man must not meddle.

- (Exo 20:13) “You shall not murder.  This one speaks for itself.

-  (Heb 9:27) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.  God makes the appointment of death for each one of us and He is not to be denied His just sovereignty.  

- (Gen 9:6) “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.  Since we are created in the image of God, our lives have intrinsic and immeasurable value.  There is a purpose for our existence whether productive in society or bound in a wheelchair or bed, disabled, infirm, elderly or unborn.  

- (2 Cor 4:17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  The Christian knows that suffering in this life is temporal compared to eternity and the glory that will be enjoyed by all the redeemed in Christ. 

- (2 Cor 1:3-4) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  God comforts others and so often uses other people to provide not assisted suicide but assisted solace.  

-  (Rom 5:3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.  God matures us through suffering and brings people together in loving concern.  More is terminated than we know when you terminate life prematurely.   

We already have abortion taking lives at the beginning of life.  Why do we need to add on the taking of life at the end?  (Deu 30:19)…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.

Louie