The issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide is emotionally charged and controversial. There are strong opinions both for and against these practices from a biblical point of view.
Euthanasia involves intentionally taking the life of another person to relieve their suffering. Assisted suicide is when someone aids in providing the means for a person to end their own life.
The sanctity of human life
The Bible teaches that human life is sacred because we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Human life has inherent dignity and worth, regardless of its quality. As a result, many Christians believe we do not have the right to take human life into our own hands. Only God has the right to give and take away life.
Genesis 9:6 – “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
The commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13) is understood as forbidding the intentional killing of an innocent human being. Euthanasia could be considered a form of murder because it intentionally ends a human life.
The sovereignty of God
The Bible presents God as sovereign over the span of our lives. Our days are numbered by God (Psalm 139:16). Viewing life as a gift from God could lead one to conclude we should value life in all conditions and trust God to determine the length of our days.
Job 14:5 – “Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass.
Rather than hastening death, the biblical response to suffering is to trust in God’s purposes and seek to glorify Him. Christians believe God has promised to be with His people even “through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalms 23:4).
The prohibition against killing the innocent
The Bible specifically condemns killing or harming an innocent person. Euthanasia involves intentionally ending the life of someone who has not been condemned of a capital crime. The person may be innocent of any crime at all.
Proverbs 6:16-17 – “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: hands that shed innocent blood…”
The account of Cain killing his brother Abel is an example of the innocent being harmed (Genesis 4:1-15). The prohibition against killing the innocent would apply to euthanasia and assisted suicide.
The power of life and death belongs to God
The giving and taking of life is a power reserved for God alone. Human beings do not have absolute autonomy over matters of life and death. Only God has the authority and right to make such decisions.
Deuteronomy 32:39 – “’See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.”
Advocates for euthanasia and assisted suicide argue that people should be able to end their lives if they choose. The Bible teaches human beings do not have such power and authority.
The duty to preserve life
The Bible instructs us to preserve and care for human life. We have a duty to ourselves and others to promote life and health. Willfully ending a life violates this duty.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
The body does not belong to us to dispose of however we want. Our lives belong to God and are meant to honor Him. Life is a gift, and we are stewards of that gift.
Suicide as a tragic response to suffering
At times in Scripture, suicide is depicted as a tragic response to suffering. Though the act may be forgivable, it is never portrayed as the appropriate choice.
Accounts of suicide in the Bible include Saul falling on his own sword (1 Samuel 31:4), Zimri burning himself alive (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas hanging himself (Matthew 27:5). In none of these cases is suicide presented as the right course of action.
If suicide itself isnever condoned in Scripture, then assisted suicide could also be viewed as conflicting with biblical values.
Care for the vulnerable
The Bible instructs us to care for those who are vulnerable. Society has a duty to protect and uphold the worth of the weak, disabled, and infirm. Euthanasia and assisted suicide undercut this by implying lives lacking certain qualities are not worth living.
Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide sends the message that society will not value or care for the lives of those who are dependent on others. Christians believe we are called to love and assist the vulnerable.
Palliative care and reducing pain
Rather than assisted suicide, a biblical response to those in pain is to reduce their suffering and provide compassionate palliative care. Modern medicine has many effective ways to alleviate pain and provide comfort to patients.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide are often motivated by a desire to reduce suffering. However, intentionally taking a life is not the only solution. Alleviating pain and providing quality palliative care upholds the sanctity of life.
Matthew 25:36 – “I was sick and you visited me…”
Visiting and caring for the sick reflects biblical values much more so than taking steps to end their lives. Christians believe caring for those in pain is our moral imperative.
The example of Jesus
As Christians follow the example of Jesus’ life, they note that Jesus healed many who were sick and suffering. He had compassion on those in pain. However, He never intentionally ended anyone’s life, even when motivated by relieving suffering.
Matthew 14:14 – “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
Some biblical scholars argue that if assisted suicide and euthanasia were morally acceptable options, Jesus would likely have mentioned them or engaged in those practices. However, He preserved life whenever possible.
Potential for abuse
Many Christians caution that euthanasia and assisted suicide are ripe for abuse. Even if strict legal safeguards are in place, there is potential for life to be ended without meaningful consent. The helpless could be coerced or manipulated into choosing death.
If life is not valued unconditionally, euthanasia could become an easy solution when caring for the sick becomes burdensome or inconvenient. The possibilities for abuse make many Christians hesitant to condone such practices.
Slippery slope arguments
One common argument from Christians is that legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide starts society down a slippery slope. It could begin with voluntary choice for competent adults, but logic would allow it to be extended to incompetent patients or minors.
Some worry it would inevitably expand from terminal cases to allowing euthanasia for psychological suffering or disability. Severe injury could become grounds for assisted suicide even over a patient’s objections. Christians often see euthanasia as too dangerous to condone at any level.
Valuing all human life
At its core, the Christian view is that all human life has value. No earthly authority has the prerogative to decide when a life is not worth living. Suffering believers cling to the promise that God has a purpose for it.
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Suffering should be met with compassion and care, not termination. Life is a gift from God, and Biblical principles lead many Christians to oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide as usurping God’s authority over life and death..
Conclusion
There are thoughtful Christians on both sides of this complex issue. However, many common biblical themes emerge that lead most Bible-believing Christians to oppose the practices of euthanasia and assisted suicide:
- The sanctity and dignity of human life
- God’s sovereignty over the spans of our days
- The prohibition against harming the innocent
- The duty to care for the vulnerable in society
- The potential for coercion and abuse of the helpless
- The example of Jesus valuing and preserving life
Rather than hastening death, the typical Christian response to suffering is to provide compassionate care while trusting God has a purpose and plan even in our darkest hours. Although thoughtful Christians disagree, most Bible-believing Christians oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide based on biblical principles.
