A coma is a profound state of unconsciousness where a person cannot be awakened. It can be caused by injury, illness, or drugs. While in a coma, a person is completely unresponsive and unaware of their surroundings. Their eyes are closed and they do not make any purposeful movements. A coma can last from several days to several weeks. Some people recover from comas, while others remain in a vegetative state or die.
The Bible does not directly address the medical condition of a coma. However, there are some biblical principles that can provide guidance and comfort regarding those who are in a comatose state:
1. Human life is sacred
The Bible teaches that all human life is precious and made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Even those in a comatose state retain their inherent dignity and value. As long as there is life, there is hope and the potential for God to work in mighty ways. Christians should see those in comas as precious souls loved by God rather than merely as bodies.
2. God is sovereign over life and death
God is the ultimate author and giver of life (Acts 17:25). He has determined the number of our days before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). While doctors may not expect those in deep comas to recover, nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). He can restore health when there seems to be no hope medically. With God, a recovery can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Christians can pray for healing while still submitting to God’s ultimate will.
3. God cares for the helpless
Those in a coma are utterly helpless and dependent on others for care. God has special compassion for those who are vulnerable. In Psalm 41:1-3, David writes that God will bless and protect those who care for the weak. As Christians care for coma patients, they are living out God’s command to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Such service pleases God.
4. Our souls go to be with God when we die
The Bible teaches that upon death, the spirit leaves the body and goes to be with God. For believers in Jesus, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord which is far better than this earthly life (2 Corinthians 5:6-9, Philippians 1:21-23). There is no “soul sleep” or period of waiting. While we may desire healing and longer earthly life, those who die are immediately in God’s presence and free from all pain and suffering.
If a coma patient does not recover and dies, Christians can have hope and confidence that their soul is now rejoicing in heaven. This hope sustains us in our grief.
5. God’s grace is enough in all circumstances
Having a loved one in a coma can be incredibly difficult emotionally, spiritually, and even financially. Families may wrestle with hard decisions regarding long-term care or ending life support measures. They desperately yearn to communicate with their loved one again. In the midst of such agony and the unknown, God promises that His grace will sustain and strengthen (2 Corinthians 12:9). He does not leave us alone in suffering.
God’s peace that surpasses understanding can guard our hearts no matter what happens (Philippians 4:6-7). We can rest knowing He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him as we lean into Him day by day (Romans 8:28).
6. Prayer makes a difference
God invites us to come to Him with our requests in prayer (Philippians 4:6). As believers pray for healing for those in comas, they can be confident God hears and acts. While He may not work in the timing or way expected, prayer impacts situations. Miracles still happen today. James 5:13-15 reminds us that the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.
Praying over coma patients also invites God’s presence and peace into desperate situations. He draws near to us as we draw near to Him through prayer (James 4:8).
7. God redeems suffering
When healing does not come and loved ones do not recover from a coma, we can know God ultimately works all things for good (Romans 8:28). While we may not see it at the time, He can powerfully redeem suffering. God uses all circumstances to conform believers into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29). He comforts us in any affliction, so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Hardship yields perseverance, character, and hope according to Romans 5:3-4. As believers weep and mourn, God draws near and comforts. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted, Jesus says in Matthew 5:4. God exchanges our ashes for beauty if we turn to Him (Isaiah 61:3).
8. God’s grace sustains caregivers
Caring long-term for someone in a coma is physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. Caregivers often place their own lives and needs on hold. In the midst of weary days, God’s Word reassures that He sees and will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:29-31). His mercies never fail; they are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
By resting in God’s presence caregivers can find peace and joy even in trying circumstances. His grace is sufficient for every need. According to 2 Corinthians 9:8, God is able to make all grace abound so caregivers have all sufficiency in all things.
9. God works through doctors and medicine
While God still works supernaturally, He also works through modern medicine and caring health professionals. In Exodus 15:26, God says He is the healer who physicians. Doctors have God-given wisdom, skills, and technology to treat patients. Scripture encourages us to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Christians can approach medical care for coma patients with discernment and wisdom. Life-sustaining care can be given in hope of recovery while also recognizing God’s plan is not thwarted. If He chooses to heal, modern interventions allow time for that to happen.
10. Eternal life changes perspective
Comas remind us starkly of human frailty and mortality. Our days on earth are a breath compared to eternity (Psalm 144:4). No matter what happens with coma patients, Christians can cling to the hope of heaven where there is no more crying, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4).
Paul says to live is Christ and to die is gain, as earthly struggles give way to the glories of eternity (Philippians 1:21-24). This eternal perspective changes how we view both life and death. Our lives here are but a mist that appears for a little while before vanishing (James 4:14). We can trust God with the brevity of each earthly life.
While we all desire healing and long life, the gift of eternal life transcends our situations. God redeems all suffering for those who are in Christ. For believers, death ultimately loses its sting since we will live forever with Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). With Christ, we are more than conquerors no matter what happens (Romans 8:37).
In summary, the Bible provides deep comfort, hope, and peace regarding those who are in a coma. While desiring recovery, Christians can rely on God’s sovereign plan and care. His grace sustains through all circumstances when we turn to Him in our weakness and grief. The promise of eternal life puts suffering and death into perspective as temporary hardships on the road to glory.