BIBLICAL BRIEFS 93
Medical science has made it possible for very ill people to live indefinitely by means of life-supporting machines. According to our legal system, a person is dead when there is no brain activity anymore. The decision to turn off machines is taken by considering the amount of brain activity as well as the potential quality of life after recovery. When deciding to turn off the machines, there are no religious implications to be considered . The Bible clearly states that God determines the duration of man’s life (Ps. 139:16), and He could decide to extend it, as in Hezekiah’s case (2Kin. 20:6). Life-supporting machines, however, keep people artificially alive; it is strictly speaking only an attempt to stretch hope even is there is no chance for healing or recovery. Being declared brain dead is often the diagnosis finally putting an end to the delayed hope. In the event of a person being kept alive by means of machines, it is unethical and selfish not to put off the machines. If God wants to keep this person alive, He is completely capable of doing it without the help of machines – “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37). Making such a difficult and painful decision is eventually the responsibility of the closest family, and if possible, they must have consensus. Before switching off the life-supporting machines, talk to the patient calmly, even if s/he does not respond. Encourage, ask and offer forgiveness for anything, if necessary, and say goodbye. Death is in anyway only a gateway to another dimension of existence where there is no more death (Rev. 21: 4). Jesus’ comforting words in John. 11:25-26 plaining spell it out : “He who believes in me will live, even though he died; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die forever. Do you believe that? ” So the question actually is,” Do you believe it?”
Dr. Tom Gouws
