Chapter 10 in the book is entitled: A Right to Die and A Right To Kill. It covers the topics of euthanasia, suicide, and capital punishment. While these three things are related to each other, I will cover each with it's own post. (This chapter in the book shows the general stance of John MacArthur's church.)
The definition of euthanasia, according to the book is: a deliberate medical act or omission taken by oneself, one's doctor, or a third party for the intent purpose of causing one's death, and successfully causing that death.
That being said, there are some distinctions that need to be made.
Active euthanasia involves proactive steps to cause a death. In this instance action is taken to end one's life in a way that is not brought on by illness or injury. (Example: being injected with a substance that would end a person's life)
Passive euthanasia involves the withholding of available medical treatment that would clearly enable a person to live a significantly longer life than if the treatment were withheld. (Example: a person who is diabetic deliberately not taking insulin shots and dieing as a result)
Letting die involves the withholding of life-sustaining medicine or technology from a patient whose death is imminent even with treatment. (Example: taking a loved one off of a life-support machine who is not able to survive without it)
Now that we've got the specific terms down...what does the Bible say on the subject?
The Bible tells us that each of us faces a forthcoming physical death (thanks Adam). And while our death is approaching, only God knows the time and place. Life is a gift from God that we are to appreciate and use to worship His glory.
Death via murder is prohibited by Scripture (Exodus 20:13) and because suicide is murder of oneself, suicide is prohibited as well. Euthanasia differs from suicide only in that it is a medical act. Thus, ending ones life (via medical means or not) before the time appointed by God is prohibited by Scripture. When looking at letting die we must understand that it is different from passive euthanasia. Letting die applies to a person whose death is immanent even with treatment. The book says it perfectly: "Whereas (Passive Euthanasia) seeks to cause a person's death, (Letting die) seeks to 'enhance' the well-being of the patient by avoiding the prolongation of the dying process." As a result I (Aaron) hold to the stance that letting die is acceptable when that person's death is both immanent and inevitable.
Dr. Keith Essex provides four excellent biblical guidelines regarding death:
1. Death is inevitable (Ecclesiastes 3:2)
2. Death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26)
3. Dying is a process (Hebrews 11:21-22)
4. Suffering is a part of the present earthly life and death (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Our life is a gift from God. He has given us this gift and he has a plan for us. The ultimate selfish act we can perform is to take control of our own life and decide when it is finished. Euthanasia is not the way to die well. The way to die well is to have lived a life fully surrendered to the God and to one day stand before Jesus and hear, "Well done good and faithful servant!"
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