Response to “The Right to Die (With Dignity)”

Rom. 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Our response in the face of pain must be compassion to love sufferers like Jesus did. Christ destroyed the last enemy, death, and brought life by paying the price with his blood; therefore, our lives are no longer our own (1 Cor 6:19-20). We are called to submit to God’s will, regardless of our feelings, including His plan for our lives and deaths.  Where there is life, there is hope (Eccl 9:4). “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor 4:16).  However, this world is broken and we must contend with the reality of suffering.  Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection saves us from judgment and gives us assurance of future glorification, but it also gives us the promise of present grace to endure pain until He calls us home (2 Cor 12:9).  In our finiteness, we don’t always understand the purpose of our pain, but we trust God will be glorified. As created beings, we don’t have the authority to tell our Creator, “You cannot bring hardships in my life, even kinds that may lead to death” (Rom 9:20). We don’t have the right to number our days, offer death as a solution, refuse the miraculous, or actively assist in murder or suicide. By so doing, we elevate ourselves to God’s level of authority and fail to submit to His perfectly loving plan for us.

Ransom Poythress