Considerable publicity is given today to a so-called "modern philosophy" on death. According to this concept, when death is imminent the terminally ill patient may decline all artificial devices designed to
prolong life and let death take its course.
Such an approach to the end of life permits what is now called "death with dignity."
When it is remembered that "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)), the question arises: what dignity can be attached to the death of anyone, since death is the wages of sin?
For though "the wages of sin is death," the one who takes Christ as his Savior can know that "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).
No stoic philosophy, natural bravery, nor human fortitude can match the "dignity," calm submission and confidence of the Christian in the hour of death. He is sustained of God. He knows the "Everlasting Arms" are underneath. He knows and trusts the One who has promised: "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee." Isa. 43:22When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:2).
The dignity, with which a true child of God may die, who had made her peace with God, is told in the following story.
A Christian girl in a small town had suddenly fallen sick. A short time before she had felt well and happy. She never dreamed that she would soon be in the place from which there is no return.
She and her only brother were orphans. She had just called him to her bedside and asked him to sing once more her favorite hymn. And so he sang:
"The Lord of life in death has lain,
To clear me from all charge of sin;
And, Lord, from guilt of crimson stain
Thy precious blood has made me clean."
Having concluded the first and second verses, his voice failed, but seeing the pleading look on his sister's face, he managed to sing on.
"Clad in this robe, how bright I shine!
Angels possess not such a dress;
Angels have not a robe like mine—
Jesus, the Lord's my righteousness."
A heavenly smile stole over the dying girl's face. All was peace as she whispered, "Thank you." Only a few more minutes and she was free from all sorrow and pain—with Christ, her Savior.