A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that allows a person to make known their wishes regarding medical treatments they do or do not want to receive in case they become unable to communicate due to illness or incapacity. While the Bible does not specifically mention living wills, it does provide guidance on how Christians should approach difficult medical decisions and end-of-life care.
Here are some key principles from Scripture on what the Bible says about having a living will:
1. Life is a gift from God that should be valued
The Bible teaches that life is given by God and therefore has inherent value and dignity. Genesis 1:27 says that God created humans in His own image, thereby giving human life sacred worth. James 4:14-15 describes life on this earth as a “vapor” and encourages us to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” This suggests we should not cling too tightly to life here on earth but rather entrust our lives to God’s will.
At the same time, Scripture does not teach that we are obliged to prolong biological life by any means possible. The value of life does not require us to accept every possible medical treatment or artificial extension of life. While we should not hastily end a life God has given, we need not feel obligated to extend life by burdensome medical interventions when reasonable hope of recovery is gone.
2. God is sovereign over life and death
The Bible reminds us that God is sovereign over the timing and circumstances of death. Psalm 139:16 declares that the lifespan of every person is already written in God’s book before they are born. James 4:15 emphasizes that God determines the length of our lives, overriding any personal plans we may have. And Hebrews 9:27 states matter-of-factly that “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” This implies our deaths are appointed by God at the proper time.
Since God is sovereign, we need not feel that extending biological life by any means possible is absolutely necessary. God may graciously choose to heal and prolong life in some cases, as He certainly has the power to do. But when medicine can no longer improve quality or reasonable hope of recovery, Christians can trust God’s wisdom in the timing of death. Seeking to avoid death indefinitely is not required; God will determine the right time for us to die.
3. Dying with dignity can glorify God
The way Christians face death provides a powerful testimony to the hope we have in Christ. Though terminal illness is difficult, the Bible encourages us to face even death with courage and faith. Philippians 1:20 says “Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” The peace and security we have in God can shine through the process of dying.
Prolonging the dying process with unpleasant medical interventions may not actually glorify God or reflect well on our Christian testimony. In some cases, refusing unwanted treatment and focusing on comfort and peace during the dying process demonstrates deep trust in God’s goodness and the hope of eternal life.
4. We should prepare wisely for death
Though we trust God with our lives, the Bible still encourages wisdom in planning for the future and providing for loved ones. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” This implies a responsibility to do good works while we can. And 1 Timothy 5:8 warns that those who fail to provide for relatives have “denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” So Christians should prepare for death, not just assuming God will provide for everything.
Having a living will is a responsible way to prepare for death, just as a Christian would take other steps like purchasing life insurance or writing a will. Though we trust in God’s plan, we make wise preparations for the future He determines.
5. We have freedom in many medical decisions
In many medical situations not specifically addressed in Scripture, Christians have freedom to decide based on personal preferences. For example, the Bible does not forbid the use of pain medication or other palliative comfort care, even if it may unintentionally hasten death. We need not feel obligated to accept every possible life-extending treatment if we judge the benefits do not outweigh the burdens.
Romans 14:5 says, “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Though we should seek counsel, each of us can ultimately follow our conscience after carefully evaluating medical decisions that involve our own life. A living will is one way to express our personal wishes when we can no longer speak for ourselves.
6. Withholding basic care is generally not appropriate
Though we are not obligated to pursue any and every life-sustaining treatment, completely withdrawing basic human care that provides comfort would be undesirable and in most cases immoral. For example, withdrawing food and water from a dying person or withholding relief of pain and suffering would show contempt for the value of life that God has instilled.
As Jesus said in Matthew 25 regarding care for the least of these, “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Our care for the dying should reflect Christ’s sacrificial love that suffers alongside people in their illness and distress. Though some treatments can be refused, basic compassionate care should continue.
7. Christians should think carefully about their motives and priorities
As with all major decisions, our heart motives are key. God cares not just about what we do but why we do it. There are ungodly reasons like the love of life itself or the fear of death that might motivate some to refuse a living will and insist on continuation of treatment at all costs. There are also complex family dynamics that could sway decisions.
As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” Seeking God’s glory and the good of others should be our priority, not personal preferences or convenience. If we thoughtfully evaluate medical treatment options in light of God’s priorities, we can have peace about decisions like a living will.
8. We should seek godly counsel when making decisions
Very few medical decisions are straightforward, and considering a living will involves weighing many complex factors related to the prognosis, potential burdens, and personal preferences involved. The Bible advises seeking wise counsel before making important decisions. Proverbs 11:14 warns that “in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Consulting with doctors, family, pastors, and other mentors can provide helpful input and perspective.
When making a living will, we do well to seek godly counsel while being sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. Close relationships within the Body of Christ bring protection and wisdom for working through difficult choices. This assists us in making prayerful decisions that honor God.
9. Our ultimate hope is in Christ and the resurrection
Whatever medical decisions we make at the end of life, Christians have the confident hope that death is not the end. John 11:25-26 records Jesus’ promise that “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” Death for believers is merely passage into full presence with Christ.
This eternal perspective can free us from undue anxiety about medical decisions regarding the timing of our death. Our hope is ultimately realized not in extending earthly life but in receiving resurrection life. So we can face death without fear, trusting in Christ and accepting when God calls us home.
10. We should approach death trusting God’s goodness and wisdom
As Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is “a time to be born, and a time to die” (3:2). Though dying involves sorrow and loss, we can have faith and hope that God will work all things for good. As we make decisions that involve our death or the death of loved ones, we can believe firmly in God’s wisdom, sovereignty, and love.
Above all, our attitude should echo Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Trusting the goodness of God makes possible a godly life and a godly death that brings glory to Christ.