The issue of whether refusing medical treatment is a sin is complex, with reasonable arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the Bible does not provide a definitive answer, and Christians have differed in their perspectives. This article will examine key biblical principles and passages that relate to this question.
Sanctity of life
One of the strongest cases against refusing treatment rests on the sanctity of human life. Multiple verses affirm the value of life and our responsibility to preserve it (John 10:10; Acts 17:25). Life is a gift from God that we are called to steward wisely as faithful servants (Luke 12:42-48). This would suggest a moral imperative to pursue reasonable medical care to preserve life.
However, human life is not absolute. There are instances where taking a life is morally justified, such as self-defense, just war, and capital punishment (Exodus 22:2, Romans 13:4). The sanctity of life does not trump all other considerations.
God’s sovereignty over life and death
Related to the sanctity of life is God’s sovereignty. Our lives belong ultimately to God, not to us (Ezekiel 18:4; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). He determines the number of our days (Psalm 139:16). This could suggest that refusing treatment contradicts God’s authority over the duration of our lives.
At the same time, while God is indeed sovereign, He generally allows the natural consequences of our choices to take effect. When we make foolish decisions, we typically suffer the results, including with regard to health and mortality. Refusing treatment may simply allow the natural result of an illness to occur.
Role of medical treatment
The Bible speaks positively about physicians and medicine as legitimate means of improving health (Sirach 38:1-8; Colossians 4:14). However, medicine should not be viewed as a requirement or absolute. Even with the best treatment, our ultimate life expectancy is in God’s hands.
The biblical authors wrote from the perspective of their pre-modern medical context. The complex treatments available today did not exist. We have far more ability now to artificially extend life than they did.
While medicine is viewed as beneficial, physical health is not the supreme good in Scripture. Other considerations like spiritual growth may outweigh prolonging our earthly life at all costs (Philippians 1:21-24). Medicine serves an important but limited role.
Freedom of conscience
The Bible recognizes individual freedom of conscience in areas of ethical gray. Romans 14 addresses either vegetarianism or observance of holy days; reasonable Christians can reach different conclusions. Refusing medical treatment may fall into this category for some people.
However, this freedom has limits. Our choices should be based on faith and honor God (Romans 14:22-23). We are called to walk in wisdom with concern for weaker believers as well (1 Corinthians 8:7-13). While freedom of conscience exists, it does not permit actions that seriously transgress biblical values or harm others.
Avoiding idolatry
Idolatry, or worshiping created things rather than the Creator, is strongly cautioned against throughout Scripture (Exodus 20:3; Romans 1:22-23; Colossians 3:5). Some Christian thinkers express concern that an obsessive pursuit of health and longevity reflects making an idol of physical well-being.
At what point a good thing like medical treatment becomes an idol is debatable. But avoiding making health and longevity our highest goal is wise. Our lives belong to God, not to ourselves or medical science. Reasonable care is appropriate without slipping into idolatry.
Stewardship of resources
Especially in contexts where medical resources are scarce, many argue treatment should be prioritized for those with good prospects of recovery. Refusing treatment may be a way to free resources for others in dire need (Philippians 2:2-4).
However, judging whose life is more “worth saving” is ethically complex and dangerous. The equal value of all life as made in God’s image offers a counterpoint (Genesis 1:26-27; Galatians 3:28). Balancing stewardship of resources and dignity of life is tricky.
Motivations matter
The attitude behind refusing treatment also matters. Simply desiring to end one’s life is very different than accepting impending death or prioritizing other goals. Suicide directly counters God’s sovereignty and neglects biblical wisdom to persevere in suffering (Psalm 31:24; John 16:33).
However, accepting mortality with grace when only minimally prolonging low-quality life may be a spiritual virtue. Christians can honor God even in decline and death (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Our motives impact whether refusing treatment is sinful.
Deut. 32:39, God determines life and death
Deuteronomy 32:39 states that the Lord puts to death and brings to life. This affirms that God is sovereign over the span of our years. Attempting to prolong life apart from God’s will could be presumptuous. However, this does not definitively prohibit medical treatment.
2 Chr. 16:12-13, Not seeking the Lord
2 Chronicles 16 describes King Asa becoming diseased in his feet. He only sought physicians, not the Lord, and consequently died. Some interpret this as suggesting it is wrong to pursue medical solutions before seeking God.
However, the passage does not say seeking physicians was wrong per se. The problem was relying only on medicine while neglecting to seek God at all. Using medicine while still trusting in God is not prohibited.
Phil. 1:20-24, Paul’s two desires
In Philippians 1:20-24, Paul describes being torn between the desire to depart and be with Christ and remaining to continue ministering. This shows that seeking to prolong earthly life is not an absolute moral obligation if one has a reasonable desire to end it.
However, in Paul’s case, he recognized the benefit of continuing service. When treatment can allow ongoing ministry, pursuing this is wise. A balance is required between earthly and eternal perspectives.
James 4:13-15, Our limited control
James 4:13-15 warns against boasting about our plans without submitting to God’s will. Some use this to argue against attempting to prolong life apart from God’s timing. However, reasonable medical care does not contradict seeking God’s will or recognizing his sovereignty.
This passage cautions against pride and self-determination. Using medicine with humility and trust in God’s ultimate authority is a different posture than arrogant belief in controlling life’s length.
Eccl. 3:2, A time to die
Ecclesiastes 3:2 states there is a time to die. Those advocating against refusing treatment argue this verse warns against trying to subvert God’s appointed time of death. However, accepting mortality when treatment is excessively burdensome is arguably different than opposing God’s purposes.
This passage does emphasize God’s sovereignty over the span of life. But it does not mandate always maximizing longevity through any means possible. Accepting the limits of medicine aligns with recognizing a time to die.
Ex. 21:19, Obligation to provide care
Exodus 21:19 establishes an obligation to financially provide for the medical care of someone injured by one’s negligence or aggression. Some extrapolate from this that seeking medical treatment is morally obligatory.
However, this verse addresses a specific case rather than establishing a general rule. While providing care was required here, this does not necessarily prohibit someone refusing treatment for themselves in other circumstances not involving harming others.
Matthew 10:8, Healing fulfills kingdom purposes
In Matthew 10:8, Jesus instructs His disciples to heal the sick as they proclaim the kingdom. Healing demonstrates God’s compassion and power. This has led some to argue that foregoing medical treatment diminishes Christian witness and fails to fully proclaim God’s kingdom.
However, while physical healing can serve God’s purposes, it is not an absolute mandate. Paul notes that God’s strength is displayed even in our frailty and suffering (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Our witness is not solely dependent on physical health.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Our body’s status
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 highlights that our body is the “temple” of the Holy Spirit and belongs to God. Accordingly, some argue we have a responsibility to care for our health just as the priests cared for the temple.
However, these verses do not specifically mandate pursuit of medical treatment. Reasonable care for our bodies as God’s temple is wise without necessarily requiring maximizing longevity through any means possible.
Practical considerations
Beyond direct scriptural arguments, several practical considerations may shape a Christian’s perspective on these issues:
- The nature and prognosis of the medical condition
- The degree of suffering caused by the condition or its treatment
- The risk and efficacy of the proposed treatment
- The financial cost of treatment
- The patient’s responsibilities to dependents
- Stress on the healthcare system and use of scarce resources
- Mental competence and ability to make informed choices
These factors can reasonably sway decisions regarding treatment in different cases. Christians seeking God’s will for their situation need wisdom in weighing such practical concerns.
Conclusions
In summary, several key principles emerge from examining Scripture:
- Human life has dignity and value as made in God’s image
- God is sovereign over the span of our years
- Medicine and medical treatment are viewed positively in Scripture
- Healing can fulfill God’s purposes, but physical wholeness is not the supreme good
- Christians have freedom of conscience on many ethical issues not directly addressed in Scripture
- Our motives and attitudes matter when making these decisions
- Wisdom, faith, and concern for others should shape our perspective
The complexities around this issue allow room for reasonable Christians to reach differing conclusions. While some may feel refusing treatment inherently shows lack of appropriate trust and stewardship, others may see it as an acceptance of mortality that honors God’s sovereignty. This decision involves much biblical reflection and Spirit-guided wisdom.