Killing is an act of violence, not compassion.
This simple truth, once widely acknowledged, is now the subject of much debate. In America, more than a dozen states have pending legislation, and 11 states currently allow Physician-Assisted Killing, often called Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS). This refers to the practice where a medical doctor provides or prescribes a deadly drug with the explicit intention of enabling a patient to end their own life. Many argue this practice is typically reserved for terminally ill patients who wish to have control over the timing and manner of their death. (Wurster) However, as believers in Christ, we acknowledge this practice contradicts God’s design and purpose.
Doctors are called to Heal, Not Destroy
We argue that allowing physicians to assist in suicide fundamentally contradicts the medical profession’s commitment to preserving life and alleviating suffering. The first obligation of physicians is to “do no harm” to their patients. The Hippocratic Oath further espouses, “I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect.” Not only is the practice of physician assisted killing inhumane, but it is also not the way God intended life to be. The ability to heal comes from the Lord (Luke 5:17), but death and destruction come from sin and the enemy of our souls (John 10:10, Romans 6:23). Doctors are called to respect both the gift of life and the gift of healing, and to steward them in accordance with God’s Word (1 Peter 4:10). Scripture teaches “The days of the upright are numbered by the Lord, and their heritage will be forever.” (Psalms 37:18) Our life is all according to what the Author of life has established. Who are we to number the days of our own lives? If we are still living and breathing, God is not done with us yet.
Physician Assisted Killing Defies God’s Law
Intentionally ending someone’s life, even in the face of suffering, contradicts God’s commandments and undermines the value of life as a gift from God. The Sixth Commandment: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) Let it be known, God makes no mistakes. Through the prophet Moses, the Lord imparted ten very important commandments. Physician-Assisted Suicide contradicts God’s decree that “You shall not murder.” Taking part or supporting this vile action results in us disobeying God’s word and specific command. Consider the words of Job: “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” (Job 14:5)
God has Purpose & Dignity for ALL Life, Even in Pain
Suffering is a part of the human experience. We know this to be true according to God’s word. Suffering creates opportunities for spiritual growth and comfort. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) Nobody enjoys suffering, and frankly, it would be nice if we did not have to. But what happens when God pulls us up from it? Perseverance. Strength. Dignity. We learn to fight the battle not by our own strength, but with Jesus Christ. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) The fear of suffering must not keep us from embracing God’s purpose in the days that He has ordained for us.
Any Assault on Human Life is an Assault on the Image of God
It comes to a point where concluding that our lives lack value undermines the dignity we hold as individuals created in the image of God, The Creator. “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:27). It is a privilege to be made in the image of God. As noted, we know he makes no mistakes, therefore, our lives are not mistakes. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalms 139:13-16)
Physician-assisted killing contradicts our whole essence of living and demotes us from experiencing life far more than the current suffering. God is the creator of every aspect of our life. When we intentionally kill God’s creation it is like a slap in the face to Him. The Gospel teaches us that this is not humane nor how the Creator intended it to be. Furthermore, it is morally and ethically wrong. Physician Assisted Killing is an act of violence, not compassion. We are called to love the Creator and His creation. We are called to protect life, not destroy it.
References
Wurtser, M. (2018, July 27). What does the Bible teach about euthanasia and physician assisted suicide?. The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission . https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-euthanasia-and-physician-assisted-suicide/
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