batzel@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (John B. Batzel) (02/16/91)
Question presented for theological debate:
Is it wrong to pray for one's own death?
Biblical support for study:
Ecclesiastes 4:2
Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the
living which are yet alive.
Romans 14:8
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die
unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the
body, and to be present with the Lord.
Philippians 1:20
[20] According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also
Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.
[21.] For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. [22] But
if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall
choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire
to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are]
the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that
they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
This seems to say that desiring your own death is perfectly okay. Now
we know that seeking it on your own (i.e. suicide) is unacceptable, and
falls under the commandment of Exodus 20:13, but where would praying for
your own demise be considered?
I find this to be an interesting concept. Perhaps others have already
studied this, or would care to join me in studying it now?
Eagerly awaiting Him,
John B. Batzellshaw@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (logan shaw) (02/19/91)
In article <Feb.15.18.43.01.1991.215@athos.rutgers.edu> batzel@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (John B. Batzel) writes: >Question presented for theological debate: > >Is it wrong to pray for one's own death? While I understand the longing to be with God, there is work to be done here on Earth. I tend to think that all Christians have a part in this work, and that's what we're still here on Earth. When did Jesus die? Right after he said 'It is finished.' [ lots of scriptures deleted for brevity... ] None of these scriptures seem to indicate that you're better of dead than alive, just that you're better off Christian if you're dead. > Eagerly awaiting Him, > > John B. Batzel -Logan -- =----------------Logan-Shaw---(lshaw@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu)----------------= "A moderately bad man knows he is not very good: a thoroughly bad man thinks he is all right...You understand sleep when you are awake, not while you are sleeping" - C. S. Lewis, _Mere_Christianity_