Q

Q : The Scriptures : Do they deal with euthanasia? Do they demand the death penalty for euthanasia?

A : Although the scriptures do not mention euthanasia specifically, they do, by implication, forbid the taking of one's own life. Also, it follows that those who assist in such procedures are liable to the penalty of death because. . .

Genesis 9:6 " Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed : for in the image of God made he man":

[See the page : capital crime & scripture, this site, for commentary.]

Q : Why should God allow people to suffer terribly in this life? Is it not humane to help end apparently intractable suffering by euthanasia?

A : Although the answer may disagreeable to some, the scriptures (e.g. the Book of Job ) tell us that God is entitled to bring suffering upon men, and that man must bear it patiently until God brings his life, or the suffering to a terminus. God does all things with infinite wisdom.

Job was a man of faith whom God allowed to be tested. Job, at the instigation of Satan, lost his children, his wealth and finally his health. In a moment of weakness Job cried out....

Job 3 : 20-21 " Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul; Which long for death, but it commeth not; and dig for it more than hid treasures "

John Calvin's comments on these verses

He (Job ) remembered not that God had just cause to keep men in the midst of many miseries, and that although their state be wretched here below, yet is God righteous still : and that albeit he punish us, and keep us occupied many ways, yet it becommeth not us to hold plea with him, under colour that He holdeth us here against our will, and that we be shut up in prison while we be in this life : neither must we conceive any displeasure of all that. Job did not sufficiently consider this. Now if such a person as Job was, happened to overshoot himself, and to kick against God, for want of having the said regard that I have spoken of : much more must we set our minds upon the said two points : that is to wit, that we bear in remembrance that God never forsaketh us (i.e. believers), and therefore that we may not be over sorrowful when God sends us any adversities, because we be sure that his chastising of us is after such a sort, as therewithall He relieveth our grief at leastwise if it be not long of ourselves, and of our own unthankfulness : and secondly, that when we be distressed that we can no more : God calleth and allureth us friendly unto Him, yea I say, He provoketh us to resort to prayer as often as we be as it were utterly stripped out of all that we have.

Job later, in repentance, exclaims..

Job 14 : 14 "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come"

John Calvin's comments on this verse

.....that is to wit, Lord comfort me for I am now at my wits end, I see Thou usest nothing but force, I see Thou executest nothing but violence against me : and so must I still fight and strain myself to the uttermost, and I have no other comfort but to wait till the day of my change...

Furthermore when Job saith that he will tarry for his change, that word deserves to be weighed thoroughly. Verely he speaketh of the resurrection, and meaneth that we must be wholly renewed so that the corruption that is in us by reason of Adams sin be utterly done away, and God receive us into the immortality of His Kingdom. Lo here the change which of Job speaketh : And the same is the thing which we must have an eye unto. For without the resurrection we cannot comfort ourselves neither will all that ever a man can allege be sufficient to cheer us.

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