Jesus is life. Speaking to the grieving Martha, whose brother had just died, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). Jesus is the author of life. Everything that has life has it because Jesus gives it. Christianity is not just one way to life among many; it is the only way to true life, because Jesus is the creator and re-creator of all life. Jesus says, exclusively, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is life. Speaking to the grieving Martha, whose brother had just died, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). Jesus is the author of life. Everything that has life has it because Jesus gives it. Christianity is not just one way to life among many; it is the only way to true life, because Jesus is the creator and re-creator of all life. Jesus says, exclusively, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Mission
The Christian Hospice Care Foundation (CHCF) is dedicated to keeping hope and comfort centered upon Jesus Christ in the midst of illness, disease and death. The CHCF website is designed for people who are confronted with a life limiting illness and would benefit from hospice care, but would also like to keep the absolute truth claims of Jesus Christ at the center of their care. Through the use of written and audio media CHCF seeks to accomplish this goal.
Understanding Hospice Care
Within the last sixty years, hospice and palliative care services have gained a reputable position in the medical community. This was due mostly to the pioneering work of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926-2004), who in 1969 published On Death and Dying, a scathing indictment of the medical community's ignorance, insensitivity, fear, and approach to death and dying. In the words of Time magazine, Dr. Kübler-Ross "has brought death out of the darkness." Not long after Kübler-Ross's book came out, federal legislation facilitated a hospice benefit for Medicare, and private insurers followed suit. This benefit is now available to people over sixty-five with a prognosis of six months or less to live. As a result, hospice agencies sprouted throughout the United States.
The goal of hospice care is not to cure the disease but to reduce the symptoms of the disease by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the patient and family. This means that treatment is palliative in nature and does not include such measures as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other advanced life-support systems. The person signing onto the hospice program agrees to forego any further curative medical treatment for his or her disease.
The goal of hospice care is not to cure the disease but to reduce the symptoms of the disease by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the patient and family. This means that treatment is palliative in nature and does not include such measures as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other advanced life-support systems. The person signing onto the hospice program agrees to forego any further curative medical treatment for his or her disease.
As mentioned already the goal of hospice care is to alleviate the suffering that is associated with death, not only spiritually, but also mentally and physically. This is an admirable goal for the Christian and should be viewed as such. Jesus alleviated spiritual, mental and physical anguish everywhere he went. In order to accomplish this task, hospice agencies have several medications to assist them. There are two major groups of medications: psychotropic drugs (that treat anxiety, depression, psychosis, neuropathic pain, etc.) and narcotics (that treat visceral, somatic pain and shortness of breath). These medications are not used to hasten death as some people fear, but they are used to treat symptoms in order to alleviate pain and suffering, provide comfort and enhance a dying person's quality of life.
CHCF shares these goals. As a ministry of the Church, however, these goals are viewed in the context of one's relationship to Jesus Christ. This is not the case for most hospices. Due to Medicare requirements hospices are required to provide "spiritual care" that is humanistic (man-centered as opposed to Jesus-centered), pluralistic (Jesus is one God among many) and agnostic (neither negates nor affirms the teachings of Jesus). As a result government subsidized hospice programs deny that Jesus is God, reject the absolute truth claims of Jesus, and remain undecided about the doctrines Jesus taught. Instead these programs affirm: "self-determined life closure," an assumption that "spiritual suffering cannot be totally alleviated," and an assured belief that faith is the acceptance of something or someone like God "without objective proof" (Core Curriculum for the Generalist and Palliative Hospice Nurse, 152).
It is impossible for a hospice to provide spiritually sound care and counsel from a Christian perspective on suffering, pain, guilt, sin, hope, the afterlife, and comfort when these underlying assumptions are embraced. CHCF seeks to fill this void by keeping end-of-life care centered upon Jesus, while at the same time affirming the benefits of a local hospice and palliative care program.
The Central Role of the Local Congregation and Pastor
The local congregation is central to Christ-centered hospice care. It is in the context of a loving congregation that Christian's bear the burdens of one another, and enter into the experience of suffering together (Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 12:26). “Above all things,” says the apostle Peter, we are to “have fervent love for one another,” be hospitable to each other, and use the gifts we have received from God to care for one another (1 Peter 4:8-10).
The most important healthcare team the pastor may be a part of is the hospice team. State and federal regulations recognize the importance of spiritual care at the end of life, so they require that all hospice programs provide spiritual care to their patients. The pastor has an open door to fill this role, and he should initiate this role immediately in the interest of the dying member and his or her family.
The pastor will need to explain his role clearly to the hospice team members. The core team members will include a physician, nurse, aides, social worker, and chaplain. Most, if not all, of the communication will occur through the nurse, but the other team members may be present as well. The pastor should explain the following. First, the congregation he serves will assist the dying member and his or her family with their social needs (i.e., visitation, meals, breathers, etc.). Second, he will provide all the necessary counseling for them, as well as the bereavement follow-up (see Pastoral Counseling at End of Life). Third, he will work with the other hospice team members in place of the hospice chaplain to assist in the spiritual care of the dying member and the family.
The pastor also has the responsibility of integrating the congregation into the hospice team. First, the pastor needs to notify the diaconal team (if the congregation has one). The diaconal team will be able to assess the mercy and hospitality needs of the dying member and his or her family. Needs may include, but are not limited to, providing meals, setting up a visitation schedule, providing funds, providing breaks for family members, etc. Second, the pastor needs to pray publicly for the dying member and the family in specific ways. Prayer should occur during corporate worship and weekly prayer meetings. Third, the dying person and the person’s family should be discussed at each elder and deacon meeting. These discussions must include, but are not limited to, such topics as (1) how the dying member and the family are doing spiritually and physically; (2) what kind of assistance the church is giving—specifically, at what level the congregation is involved, whether the assistance is disseminated wisely, and what further assistance is needed; (3) what the hospice team is doing and how the integration is working; and (4) what the plan ahead is for the time of death, funeral arrangements, and bereavement follow-up for family members and friends.
The CHCF website will provide helpful material to guide the pastor, local congregation, family and terminally ill person in addressing these and other important issues.
Going Into Jesus' Presence
Going Into Jesus’ Presence seeks to address candidly the struggles a person may have as he or she approaches death. The best way to prepare for death is to accept the reality of one’s impending death, and one’s responsibility to prepare soberly, wisely and prudently for it. Therefore, Going into Jesus’ Presence does not sugar coat the suffering that death causes, but it always seeks to present the hope the Christian has in Christ throughout the dying process.
Going Into Jesus’ Presence is for the person who is confronted with a terminal diagnosis and death. It seeks to provide counsel for:
1. A Myriad of Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions
2. Physical Pain and Discomfort
3. Getting Things in Order
4. As Death Nears
5. As Eternal Life Nears
6. Those Left Behind
Going Into Jesus’ Presence is for the person who is confronted with a terminal diagnosis and death. It seeks to provide counsel for:
1. A Myriad of Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions
2. Physical Pain and Discomfort
3. Getting Things in Order
4. As Death Nears
5. As Eternal Life Nears
6. Those Left Behind
You are invited to listen along while you read by clicking on this link: Going Into Jesus Presence
If you are reading or listening to this, you are either curious about its content, or you have been diagnosed with a terminal disease. If your answer is the latter, you may be experiencing a myriad of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. You may also have physical pain and discomfort, and everything about this experience may be overwhelming. Perhaps you fear the days ahead, and you have many questions. The goal of Going Into Jesus’ Presence is to provide answers for some of your questions, in the hope that you may find comfort and guidance in the midst of this final trial of life.
A Myriad of Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions
Usually after a person receives a terminal diagnosis, disbelief, shock, and denial occur. Your mind may be racing, and you may feel confused. Perhaps the whole matter seems surreal. These thoughts and feelings will be short-lived, however, and eventually, they will be joined by anger, anxiety, fear, and depression.
You may be prescribed medications to help you cope with these emotions and feelings, but medications will not be enough. You will also require counseling. It is important for you to know that counseling is always based upon the underlying convictions of your counselor, no matter how hard the counselor may try to follow your beliefs about life, death, and the hereafter. A simple statement like, “Don’t worry; everything will be okay,” is a statement of belief. In our culture people view life and death in different ways, and the way they understand and treat feelings and emotions accompanying death will be just as unique. Going Into Jesus’ Presence will provide you with counsel about life, death, and the hereafter that is rooted in orthodox and traditional Christianity.
The Bible teaches that Jesus is God, and at a certain time in human history, he became a man. Jesus lived in our world as the only perfect man, and at the age of thirty-three, he was crucified for our sins. After Jesus died, he was buried, and three days later he rose from the dead, conquering sin, death, and the devil. In his resurrected body, he ascended into heaven and sat down at God’s right hand.
The Bible also teaches that people will either receive or reject these facts about Jesus. If they are received, when a person dies, his or her soul will go to be with Jesus in heavenly bliss. If they are rejected, when a person dies, his or her soul will be separated from Jesus and will enter hell. Then, one day in the future, Jesus will come again to judge everyone and make all things new. At his second coming, a bodily resurrection will occur, and everyone who ever existed will stand before Jesus with a reunited body and soul. Those who received him will be acquitted on the basis of his righteousness and reenter heaven with a resurrected body and soul. Those who rejected him will be condemned on the basis of their unrighteousness and will reenter hell to endure infinite suffering in their bodies and souls.
These are the fundamental doctrines of the Christian religion, and if you believe them, then you have a firm foundation for comfort and hope in the midst of this trial. You know what will happen after you die, no matter how you may feel or whatever emotions you may experience, and no matter how sick you may become, Jesus is always with you. Jesus says to you even now,
Come to me . . . you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest . . . My yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Certain types of medications may help to settle your mind, and as a result, it may be easier for you to find rest in Jesus. Use the recommended medications as an aid that will help you to read, meditate on, and pray over the gracious promises found in the Bible. You may still struggle with shock, bewilderment, denial, confusion, anger, anxiety, fear, and depression, but know also that if you are yoked to Jesus, these thoughts, feelings, and emotions are yoked to him as well, and one day the suffering will all be gone. The Bible is tried and true counsel for your heavy-laden soul, so go to Jesus in faith and rest in him.
Physical Pain and Discomfort
You have probably experienced pain and other symptoms due to your disease already. It is important for you to know that uncontrolled pain and discomfort can affect your thoughts, feelings, and emotions as well. There are several medications and ways to treat pain and discomfort, but it will be necessary for you to report what you are experiencing to your hospice clinician.
The type of pain you have, whether it is dull, deep, achy, burning, shooting, tingling, or numbing, will help the clinician know what kind of medication to use. The location and severity of your pain is important to report as well. Usually, the clinician will ask you to rate your pain on a scale from one to ten, with ten being the worst possible pain you have ever had. This information helps to determine the class and dosage of medication to use. Once a pain-management plan is in place, it is important to report any episodes of continued pain, what you were doing when you experienced the pain, and any side effects from the medications you are taking. It is equally important to take the medication on a consistent schedule, as the schedule helps to keep a steady level of the drug in your bloodstream in order to treat the pain adequately.
You may be afraid of some of the medications used, especially morphine. These medications are used to alleviate pain and suffering, and that is all. They are not used to hasten death. Like all medications they must be monitored carefully and adjusted appropriately to control your pain. Initially, after taking certain pain medications, you may experience sedation and a feeling of euphoria, but these side effects will usually wear off in a few days.
Also, don’t be afraid of becoming addicted to the medication. You require the medication to treat your pain and to assist you in devotion to God, to your family, and to your friends. You are not taking the medications for recreational purposes, nor abusing them—you are using them to treat pain.
Finally, it is important that you do not skip a scheduled dose of medication or stop taking it because you are pain free. If you are pain free, it is probably because the present medication and dosage is effective. If you stop abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, and your pain may return with a vengeance. If this happens you may require different medications to control the withdrawal and higher doses of narcotics to control the pain. So don’t stop taking the medication abruptly!
Some of the other symptoms that may cause you discomfort and can be treated are: restlessness, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, difficulty sleeping, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, cough, hiccups, a painful mouth, upper respiratory congestion, shortness of breath, fevers, and seizures. It is important for you to report any of these or other symptoms to your hospice clinician. The goal is to increase your quality of life, which means treating pain, suffering, and discomfort so that you may be able to rest easier in Jesus.
Getting Things in Order
Quite often it is at times like these that issues that may have been hidden or pushed away for many years may come back and bother you. Sometimes people feel guilty because of something they have done to God or another person in the past. Perhaps, you have done all that you could to submerge this guilt, to numb it, to forget about it, but there it is again gnawing at you. If you are experiencing guilt, God may be telling you something; he may be telling you that something is not right with your relationship to him or others.
The only way to deal with guilt is to confess it to God. The Bible says if you confess your sins, which are what causes the guilt, he is “faithful and just” to forgive them (1 John 1:9). So confess your sins to God, and he will forgive you. Then, if it is possible and if you are able to do so, seek reconciliation with those you may have sinned against. Perhaps, you have sinned against a spouse, a child, a friend, or a neighbor; seek their forgiveness as well. It is important to remember that if you seek reconciliation with God and others with a sincere heart, then you are forgiven, even if you still feel guilty. In such instances, cling in faith to the gracious promise of God that “he is faithful and just to forgive,” and not to your feelings.
On a completely different note, it is important for you to choose a healthcare surrogate. A healthcare surrogate is a specific person you identify to speak on your behalf if you are unable to do so. I recommend you pick one person as a primary and a second as backup. It is extremely important for you to communicate to your surrogates your wishes concerning your medical care and to be sure that they are people who can carry out what you want. Your surrogates have a difficult job, as they may be making life-and-death decisions on your behalf. If it is your desire to let your terminal disease run its course, to be as comfortable as possible, without any aggressive medical treatment, then communicate these wishes to your surrogates and also in a living will (see The Christian and Advance Directives).
Another important part of preparation is getting your estate in order and planning your funeral. One of the blessings of knowing how long you have to live is that you have time to prepare to die. Getting things in order will help those close to you immensely and will relieve a great deal of future stress for those you care about. If you have not prepared a will and settled your finances, now is the time to do so. It is also time to prepare your funeral. How will your service be organized? Who do you want to perform the service? What Scripture verses will be read? By taking these steps, you will care for, witness to, and encourage your family and friends in a profound way (see End of Life Planning and Preparations).
As Death Nears
In this section I will briefly present some of the things that may occur as death nears. This is not meant to scare you but to help you with the unknown. At one to three months before death, you may desire to withdraw from people and prefer to lie or sit quietly alone. You may experience a decrease in appetite, and any food you do eat may make you feel extremely tired. You may want to sleep more, and you may have less interest in your favorite activities. At one to two weeks before death, your body may begin to feel heavy, and you will be fatigued after movement. You may become disoriented, confused, agitated, have bizarre dreams, and hallucinations. Your heart may beat faster. You may experience breathlessness. You may feel changes in your body temperature. Within days to hours of death, you may have a sudden surge of energy, but this will be followed by a decline to coma and eventual death.
As Eternal Life Nears
If you rested in Jesus, after you die you will open your eyes in eternity and see him in all his glory! You will enter heaven, and before you Jesus will be seated on his glorious throne. He will be absolutely radiant, and he will welcome you to heaven. You will also see a rainbow over his throne, and gathered around it will be twenty-four elders dressed in brilliant white robes with golden crowns on their heads. You will see and hear them worshiping Jesus constantly, saying: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).
In front of Jesus’ throne, you will see seven blazing lamps and a sea of glass clear as crystal. Above and around the throne, you will see four angelic creatures. The first has the face of a lion, the second like an ox, the third like a man, and the fourth like a flying eagle. Each of these angelic beings has glistening scales and six wings, and they fly around Jesus. Constantly, they offer praise to Jesus saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).
If this is not enough, Jesus will descend from his glorious throne and come to you personally. As he approaches, he will say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant, now enter into your rest” (cf. Matthew 25:21, 23). Then he will draw near, and with a tender hand, he will touch your eye and wipe away every tear of suffering, pain, and misery. Then he will say to you, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (cf. Revelation 21:4), for you have entered into the fullness of life and joy.
Those Left Behind
The most important thing you can do for those who will be left behind is to engage in open and honest communication with them, especially the children who are close to you. It may be difficult, and it may cause many tears, but talk about your terminal diagnosis and impending death. Don’t hide that you are dying; don’t feel like you have to be strong for others. Talk about how you feel and talk to the children at a level that they can understand. Keeping open lines of honest, heartfelt communication will pay off with huge dividends when you are gone, particularly for the children.
I said, at the beginning, my goal was to provide you with hope, comfort, and guidance in the midst of this final trial of your life here on earth. It is my prayer that this objective has been reached. I leave you with these words of encouragement from the apostle Peter:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:3-6).
Life's Final Trial: Devotions for Faith, Hope and Assurance
Life's Final Trial: Devotions for Faith, Hope and Assurance seeks to encourage faith, hope and assurance as life's final trial, death, is faced by the Christian. Life's Final Trial provides a brief Scripture meditation, prayer and hymn of praise. Each devotion is linked to audio. You are invited to listen along while you read by clicking the title at the beginning of each selection.
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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
If you have been newly diagnosed with a terminal disease, you may be saying to yourself, “This is the last passage I want to read right now. How can all of this work together for good? Look, I am suffering. I will soon be separated from the people I love. I am dying! Why would you select a passage like this to provide comfort?”
If you have been newly diagnosed with a terminal disease, you may be saying to yourself, “This is the last passage I want to read right now. How can all of this work together for good? Look, I am suffering. I will soon be separated from the people I love. I am dying! Why would you select a passage like this to provide comfort?”
You are faced with a difficult trial, yes, but a trial that God promises to use for your good and for the good of everyone who loves him, “who have been called according to his purpose.” Christians believe that nothing is left to random chance. We believe and affirm God’s providence. Christians believe in God’s most holy, wise, and powerful control over the entire universe, including your specific trial right now. Notice the text says, “In all things God works,” not in some things, but in everything. God is at work in all things and working them out “for the good of those who love him” and “who have been called according to his purpose.” The “good”—that is, the best possible goal for God’s children—is always to glorify him. It is for this reason that God has brought this final trial into your life at this time.
Prayer
O great Triune God of all power, rule, control, and governance, we are humbled by your incomprehensible purposes. Father, I pray for your afflicted servant during this difficult time. Help your servant to rest in you, and help your servant to know that all of this is happening for good—for your good. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Praise
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll;Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control,That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal;Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord! Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
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Life’s Guide
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)
When people follow medicine as a guide, they are doomed to hopelessness. Medical science can only treat symptoms and stave off the inevitable for a period of time. One day the unavoidable will arrive for everyone—death will come. Medical science is not a guide that can be trusted. Its light is dim, and it leads ultimately to disappointment.
On the other hand, the psalmist says that God’s Word illuminates the way ahead clearly. God’s Word, of course, is found in no other place but the Bible. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” says the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is God’s Word, because God communicated it to us. The Apostle Peter says that holy men spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit to do so, and it is these words that are written down in the Bible (2 Peter 1:21). God’s Word can guide us because it is infallible—it is a perfect guide for faith, life, and practice. It shows us what life is really about and how we are to live. The Bible is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It leads us moment by moment and provides clear illumination for the pathway ahead. In God’s Word the path is not obscure, dark, and hopeless; it is clear, illumined, and hopeful.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Prayer
O blessed and almighty God, God of guidance and light: Father, I pray for your servant. I pray that you would lead and guide your servant into all truth, comfort, and assurance of the hope found only in Holy Scripture. Illuminate each step of the way and light up the road ahead. Grant, Father, bright meditations on the radiant and glorious New Jerusalem that awaits your servant at the end of this difficult road. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Praise
Before Thee let my cry come near, O LORD; true to Thy word, teach me. Before Thee let my pleading come; True to Thy promise, rescue me.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Prayer
O blessed and almighty God, God of guidance and light: Father, I pray for your servant. I pray that you would lead and guide your servant into all truth, comfort, and assurance of the hope found only in Holy Scripture. Illuminate each step of the way and light up the road ahead. Grant, Father, bright meditations on the radiant and glorious New Jerusalem that awaits your servant at the end of this difficult road. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Praise
Before Thee let my cry come near, O LORD; true to Thy word, teach me. Before Thee let my pleading come; True to Thy promise, rescue me.
Since Thou Thy statutes teachest me, O let my lips Thy praise confess. Yea, of Thy word my tongue would sing, For Thy commands are righteousness.
Be ready with Thy hand to help, Because Thy precepts are my choice. I’ve longed for Thy salvation, LORD, And in Thy holy law rejoice.
O let Thine ordinances help; My soul shall live and praise Thee yet. A straying sheep, Thy servant, seek, For Thy commands I ne’er forget.
—Psalm 119X (The Book of Psalms for Singing)
—Psalm 119X (The Book of Psalms for Singing)
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Life’s Faith
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
In his letter, James, Jesus’ brother, says that “every good and perfect gift comes from above,” that is, from God (James 1:17). Jesus Christ is God’s greatest gift to mankind. The familiar verse, John 3:16, says, “God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son into the world.” It was the Father’s desire to send Jesus, his Son, into the world as a gift to mankind.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
In his letter, James, Jesus’ brother, says that “every good and perfect gift comes from above,” that is, from God (James 1:17). Jesus Christ is God’s greatest gift to mankind. The familiar verse, John 3:16, says, “God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son into the world.” It was the Father’s desire to send Jesus, his Son, into the world as a gift to mankind.
There is no fact more clearly attested in human history than the Son of God coming into the world. Two premier Jewish and Roman historians of Jesus’ day, Josephus and Suetonius, mention him in their writings. It is the Bible, however, that testifies to the life of Christ. Luke, the physician, evangelist, and respected historian from Syria in Jesus’ day, wrote his gospel to provide an “orderly” and exacting “account” of Jesus’ life on earth. Luke’s historical record describes what Jesus came to do, so that we may understand, believe, and trust the saving work he did on our behalf.
According to Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem under the reigns of Claudius Caesar and Herod the Great. Jesus was supernaturally implanted by the Holy Spirit in the womb of a Jewish virgin named Mary. He was born of her and was without sin. Jesus lived for thirty-three years in the region of Palestine, and during those years he kept every detail of God’s law perfectly. He had to fulfill all the requirements of the Old Testament law system, and he had to be presented to God as a perfect offering without sin.
It is the gracious work of the Father and the Son that saves us. The Father did not have to send his Son into the world, nor did the Son have to come and die in our stead. This grace saves us by faith. Faith is a gift of God as well. It is the instrument that links us to what Jesus did on our behalf many years ago. Faith has three components: knowledge, assent, and trust. You have to know who Jesus was, what he did, and what you are being saved from in order to be saved. You have to give assent to these facts and believe them to be true. Then, you have to trust these facts, and that means basing your entire life upon them. This is the grace that truly saves, because it originates with God and not with us.
Prayer
O Glorious God, author of salvation, praise to your name. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, your gift to the world. Lord Jesus, thank you for obeying your Father, and being willing to suffer and die an awful death on our behalf. Thank you Holy Spirit for the application of the Father’s grace, salvation, and faith—all free gifts given to us at the cost of your beloved Son. Amen.
Praise
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, now scornfully surrounded with thorns, thine only crown; O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was thine! Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call thee mine.
What thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain: mine, mine was the transgression, but thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ‘Tis I deserve thy place; look on me with thy favor, vouchsafe to me thy grace.
What language shall I borrow to thank thee, dearest Friend, for this, thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end? O make me thine forever; and should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to thee.
—“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
Prayer
O Glorious God, author of salvation, praise to your name. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, your gift to the world. Lord Jesus, thank you for obeying your Father, and being willing to suffer and die an awful death on our behalf. Thank you Holy Spirit for the application of the Father’s grace, salvation, and faith—all free gifts given to us at the cost of your beloved Son. Amen.
Praise
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, now scornfully surrounded with thorns, thine only crown; O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was thine! Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call thee mine.
What thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain: mine, mine was the transgression, but thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ‘Tis I deserve thy place; look on me with thy favor, vouchsafe to me thy grace.
What language shall I borrow to thank thee, dearest Friend, for this, thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end? O make me thine forever; and should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to thee.
—“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
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Life’s Hope
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
Hope is help in the midst of life’s final trial. You have great hope, for God has said that he will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has given you the gift of his Son, and he has “chosen” you to be his child. He also has “chosen” you for a purpose, and that is to “make known” the glorious mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” These are stupendous and hopeful words!
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
Hope is help in the midst of life’s final trial. You have great hope, for God has said that he will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has given you the gift of his Son, and he has “chosen” you to be his child. He also has “chosen” you for a purpose, and that is to “make known” the glorious mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” These are stupendous and hopeful words!
The author of the book of Hebrews says that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Your present hope is that Christ is in you, and this is revealed by your faith in him. If you possess this present hope, then you have power to endure under this present trial. In fact, this present hope will be an anchor for your soul.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17-18)
Christian hope is both a present reality and a future promise. It is not a vague, “I wish” or “I think,” but it is a firm assurance that what God promises is true. Christian hope is a present power, a sure anchor, and a certainty of greater things to come. Beloved, you possess “the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” (Titus 1:1-2). So fix your “eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Right now you see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, but one day you will come face to face with Jesus. Presently, you know the mystery only in part, by faith, but one day you will know it fully, even as you are fully embraced by Jesus, and this is your hope of glory!
Prayer
Merciful Father, I pray for faith and hope to fill the soul of your servant. Grant, Holy Spirit, great assurance of everlasting life in Christ. Reveal more clearly the present reality of Christ in your servant, and open your servant’s spiritual eyes to the “hope of glory” to come. I pray this in Jesus’ matchless name, amen.
Praise
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain
His oath, his covenant, his blood support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.
Refrain
When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found; dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before his throne.
—Edward Mote, “The Solid Rock”
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Life’s Love
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
The Bible says that Jesus is love, for “God is love.” In 1 Corinthians 13, if you exchange the word love with the name of Jesus, you will possess a portrait of his loving character. Jesus is patient, and he is kind. Jesus does not envy, he does not boast, and he is not proud. Jesus is not rude, nor is he self-seeking. He is not easily angered, and he keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Jesus never fails. Christian, it is this same love that has started to shine forth in your own life, that grows brighter and brighter each and every day. Love is the greatest power that you possess, for it is the very love of Jesus that has been given to you from the Spirit of Christ.
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
The Bible says that Jesus is love, for “God is love.” In 1 Corinthians 13, if you exchange the word love with the name of Jesus, you will possess a portrait of his loving character. Jesus is patient, and he is kind. Jesus does not envy, he does not boast, and he is not proud. Jesus is not rude, nor is he self-seeking. He is not easily angered, and he keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Jesus never fails. Christian, it is this same love that has started to shine forth in your own life, that grows brighter and brighter each and every day. Love is the greatest power that you possess, for it is the very love of Jesus that has been given to you from the Spirit of Christ.
Jesus’ love outlasts everything. When faith and hope are weak, love will still burn within your heart. One day faith will become sight. “We shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2), and faith will fade away. On that same day, hope will become a reality, and this too will pass away. But love will endure forever and ever throughout all eternity. Our love for Jesus and his love for us begins now, and it will never end, even after we die! It will only become deeper and more intimate. So, when you start to doubt and despair in the midst of this final trail of life, remember the love of Jesus, this same love he has given to you.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)
Prayer
O loving Jesus, you are love, and you possess perfect love, and you give love. I pray for your servant. I pray that your servant may know the power of your love during this difficult trial. I pray that your servant’s love may abound more and more in desire for you. I pray that when things may seem dark and hopeless, that your love would prevail in the heart of your servant. Amen.
Praise
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high: hide me, O my Savior hide, till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on thee; leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me! All my trust on thee is stayed, all my help from thee I bring; cover my defenseless head with the shadow of thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want; more than all in thee I find; raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind. Just and holy is thy name; I am all unrighteousness; false and full of sin I am, thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within: thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of thee; spring thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity.
—Charles Wesley, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
Prayer
O loving Jesus, you are love, and you possess perfect love, and you give love. I pray for your servant. I pray that your servant may know the power of your love during this difficult trial. I pray that your servant’s love may abound more and more in desire for you. I pray that when things may seem dark and hopeless, that your love would prevail in the heart of your servant. Amen.
Praise
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high: hide me, O my Savior hide, till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on thee; leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me! All my trust on thee is stayed, all my help from thee I bring; cover my defenseless head with the shadow of thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want; more than all in thee I find; raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind. Just and holy is thy name; I am all unrighteousness; false and full of sin I am, thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within: thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of thee; spring thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity.
—Charles Wesley, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
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Life’s Promise
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Jesus is the foundation, bedrock, and bulwark for all of God’s promises. “And so through him the ‘Amen,’” that is, the “let it be so,” or truly, “is spoken by us to the glory,” or praise, “of God.” Consider this promise of Jesus in the midst of this final trial of your life:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. (John 14:1-4)
God in his grace through Jesus Christ has granted you faith, hope, and love in this life so that you may embrace the future promises that are mentioned in this passage. The road is coming to an end, and your destination point is just around the corner. It is hard to wrap your mind around what Jesus is saying, but remember the one who is saying it is the basis for all of God’s promises. He says to you even right now, “Trust me.”
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Jesus is the foundation, bedrock, and bulwark for all of God’s promises. “And so through him the ‘Amen,’” that is, the “let it be so,” or truly, “is spoken by us to the glory,” or praise, “of God.” Consider this promise of Jesus in the midst of this final trial of your life:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. (John 14:1-4)
God in his grace through Jesus Christ has granted you faith, hope, and love in this life so that you may embrace the future promises that are mentioned in this passage. The road is coming to an end, and your destination point is just around the corner. It is hard to wrap your mind around what Jesus is saying, but remember the one who is saying it is the basis for all of God’s promises. He says to you even right now, “Trust me.”
Christian, after this final trial, your soul will go to God’s house in heaven, and at a future date, your body will rise, as a renewed glorified body, and be reunited to your soul. Then, for all eternity you will have eternal rest and peace, both in your body and in your soul. The veritable and trustworthy Jesus, the one in whom all of God’s promises are “yes” and “amen,” promises it. What better guarantee can you have than this?
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)
Prayer
O the riches of the glory of God! Your ways are past finding out. All of your promises are yes and amen in Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness, hope, and love on our behalf. Holy Spirit, thank you for communicating the faith, hope, and love of Christ to us so that we may know, believe, trust, embrace, strive after, and be assured of God’s future promises to come. Grant your servant the ability to meditate deeply on the promises of heaven and the bodily resurrection. Yea, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Amen.
Praise
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God; he whose word cannot be broken formed thee for his own abode: on the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake thy sure repose? With salvation’s walls surrounded, thou may’st smile at all thy foes.
See, the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love, well supply thy sons and daughters, and all fear of want remove: who can faint, while such a river ever flows their thirst t’assurage? Grace which, like the Lord, the giver, never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hov’ring, see the cloud and fire appear for a glory and a cov’ring, showing that the Lord is near: thus deriving from their banner light by night and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna which he gives them when they pray.
Savior, if of Zion’s city I, through grace, a member am, let the world deride or pity, I will glory in thy name: fading is the worldling’s pleasure, all his boasted pomp and show; solid joys and lasting treasure none but Zion’s children know.
—John Newton, “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)
Prayer
O the riches of the glory of God! Your ways are past finding out. All of your promises are yes and amen in Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness, hope, and love on our behalf. Holy Spirit, thank you for communicating the faith, hope, and love of Christ to us so that we may know, believe, trust, embrace, strive after, and be assured of God’s future promises to come. Grant your servant the ability to meditate deeply on the promises of heaven and the bodily resurrection. Yea, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Amen.
Praise
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God; he whose word cannot be broken formed thee for his own abode: on the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake thy sure repose? With salvation’s walls surrounded, thou may’st smile at all thy foes.
See, the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love, well supply thy sons and daughters, and all fear of want remove: who can faint, while such a river ever flows their thirst t’assurage? Grace which, like the Lord, the giver, never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hov’ring, see the cloud and fire appear for a glory and a cov’ring, showing that the Lord is near: thus deriving from their banner light by night and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna which he gives them when they pray.
Savior, if of Zion’s city I, through grace, a member am, let the world deride or pity, I will glory in thy name: fading is the worldling’s pleasure, all his boasted pomp and show; solid joys and lasting treasure none but Zion’s children know.
—John Newton, “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”
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Life’s Fulfillment
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. (John 6:47)
Jesus is life. Speaking to the grieving Martha, whose brother had just died, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
Jesus is the author of life. Everything that has life has it because Jesus gives it. Christianity is not just one way to life among many; it is the only way to true life, because Jesus is the creator and re-creator of all life. Jesus says, exclusively, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Dear Christian, if you remember anything at all, remember this: you have this life. No matter how fearful and difficult this trial may become, your death opens the door to eternal life.
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. (John 6:47)
Jesus is life. Speaking to the grieving Martha, whose brother had just died, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
Jesus is the author of life. Everything that has life has it because Jesus gives it. Christianity is not just one way to life among many; it is the only way to true life, because Jesus is the creator and re-creator of all life. Jesus says, exclusively, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Dear Christian, if you remember anything at all, remember this: you have this life. No matter how fearful and difficult this trial may become, your death opens the door to eternal life.
Death cannot destroy the life that Christ has given to you. The life that Jesus gave to you is everlasting; it will never end. You have been delivered from sin and death to righteousness and life. It is a life that begins here and now and is lived according to the Bible, in faith, hope, and love. It is a life that will spring up into eternal and everlasting life that will never end. Death is not death for you; it is the final trial of this life that swings open the door to eternal life.
Then all of this will make sense to you. You will see how God orchestrated his perfect plan for your life on earth. When an artist creates a Persian carpet, he will hang it from a scaffold and work at the carpet from one side. The artist will have his apprentices on the other side of the carpet handing him different colored threads—yellow, red, brown, and black. The artist will stitch the thread in a pattern on the front side of the carpet, but on the back side the apprentices will see only several multicolored threads in a tangled mess. When the carpet is finished, however, the artist will instruct his apprentices to come over to the front side and see the finished product. On the other side of the rug, the pattern is beautiful; all of the yellow, red, brown, and black threads are arranged perfectly. So it will be when you enter eternal life; you will see God’s perfect plan and not a thread of suffering, misery, or pain will be out of place.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears . . . Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:9-12)
Prayer
Most gracious God, glory and praise to your name. Lord Jesus, thank you for everlasting life. I pray for your servant that you will be pleased to grant greater assurance of eternal life, in the midst of this final trial of life on earth. Amen.
Praise
I love the LORD, because He hears my pleading. He’s heeded me; through life I’ll call on Him. The cords of death and Sheol’s terrors bound me; In deep distress I grief and trouble found. Then on the LORD’s name in prayer I called: “You I implore, O LORD, deliver my soul!”
The LORD your God is merciful and righteous; Gracious, the LORD the simple ones preserves. When I was low, to me He gave salvation. Turn back again, my soul, unto your rest, Because the LORD has dealt well with you, Because my helpless soul You rescued from death.
You saved my eyes from tears my feet from stumbling. Before the LORD I’ll walk in lands of life. I have believed and said, “I am afflicted.” I in despair confessed “All men are false!” What shall I render now to the LORD For all his benefits upon me bestowed?
Salvation’s cup I’ll lift up in the LORD’s name, vows to the LORD before his people pay. Observed by Him and precious in the LORD’s sight Appears the death of all His saints each one. O LORD, I am Your servant, Your slave. I am Your handmaid’s son, for You set me free.
To You I’ll bring my off’ring of thanksgiving; With sacrifice I’ll call upon the LORD. I’ll pay the vows I made unto Jehovah before His people all, O may it be! With in His courts the house of the LORD, In midst of you, Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
—Psalm 116C (The Book of Psalms for Singing)
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears . . . Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:9-12)
Prayer
Most gracious God, glory and praise to your name. Lord Jesus, thank you for everlasting life. I pray for your servant that you will be pleased to grant greater assurance of eternal life, in the midst of this final trial of life on earth. Amen.
Praise
I love the LORD, because He hears my pleading. He’s heeded me; through life I’ll call on Him. The cords of death and Sheol’s terrors bound me; In deep distress I grief and trouble found. Then on the LORD’s name in prayer I called: “You I implore, O LORD, deliver my soul!”
The LORD your God is merciful and righteous; Gracious, the LORD the simple ones preserves. When I was low, to me He gave salvation. Turn back again, my soul, unto your rest, Because the LORD has dealt well with you, Because my helpless soul You rescued from death.
You saved my eyes from tears my feet from stumbling. Before the LORD I’ll walk in lands of life. I have believed and said, “I am afflicted.” I in despair confessed “All men are false!” What shall I render now to the LORD For all his benefits upon me bestowed?
Salvation’s cup I’ll lift up in the LORD’s name, vows to the LORD before his people pay. Observed by Him and precious in the LORD’s sight Appears the death of all His saints each one. O LORD, I am Your servant, Your slave. I am Your handmaid’s son, for You set me free.
To You I’ll bring my off’ring of thanksgiving; With sacrifice I’ll call upon the LORD. I’ll pay the vows I made unto Jehovah before His people all, O may it be! With in His courts the house of the LORD, In midst of you, Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
—Psalm 116C (The Book of Psalms for Singing)
Forever in His Sight: What to Expect as a Person Approaches Death
People often ask when a person is approaching death, what will happen as death nears? The following seeks to explain the bodily and mental changes that may occur as a person approaches death, while at the same time maintaining a clear focus on the Christian's victory in Christ.
You are invited to listen along as you read by clicking this link: Forever in His Sight: What to Expect as a Person Approaches Death
The following is meant to be a guide to help you recognize the bodily and mental changes you may observe as a person nears death. This is not a checklist but a broad guide to assist in easing anxiety and to provide guidance.
It is important for you to remember throughout the dying process that although a Christian may be leaving your sight, Jesus says that he or she is forever in his sight. No matter how sick or debilitated the person may become, you can rest in this promise! The same Jesus, who said, “I am the way the truth and the life,” says, “I will never leave” this Christian or “forsake” him or her. There is only one way to the Celestial City, and the Christian is on that road because of saving faith in Jesus.
Jesus gained the victory over death so that every Christian can say with the Apostle Paul,
Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Jesus already has secured the victory! Now the Christian must fight this final battle before he or she will realize the complete victory in Jesus.
Although Jesus is triumphant, this final engagement of life will still be difficult. We were not created to die. We were created to live on in eternal bliss with our bodies and souls forever. Death is the result of our sin, and at the time of death the soul is unnaturally ripped apart from the body. Death is always the culmination of sin and misery, for the “wages of sin is death,” and that is why the dying process is characterized by pain, discomfort, misery, and suffering.
The dying process can be divided roughly into four time periods: (1) months to two weeks, (2) two weeks to one week, (3) six days to one hour, and (4) minutes. In each time period, there are identifiable signs and symptoms that are observable as a person nears death. Please remember, however, that not all signs and symptoms will be present at each state.
Months to Two Weeks before Death
During this time a person may desire to isolate himself or herself. An individual may talk less, ignore those around him or her, and lose interest in favorite activities. Weariness, fatigue, exhaustion, and a feeling of heaviness follows. Naps are more frequent, and a person may desire to stay in bed most, if not all, of the day. It is important that you continue to stay with the person, even though it seems like he or she does not acknowledge your presence. Holding hands, light massage, and touching are effective ways to communicate during this time.
You also will notice a decrease in appetite. Food provides nutrients and energy for the body. The dying person is winding down, so eating will decrease and eventually will stop. The body no longer requires food to sustain itself because it is dying. So do not be alarmed when a person stops eating.
It is important that you do not force-feed the person, as you may cause food or fluid to go into the lungs. This is the time to offer favorite foods for pleasure, not nutritional value. If the person wants to, he or she will eat it. Let the dying person decide how much and what to eat.
Two Weeks to One Week before Death
During this time period, significant changes will occur. The person will be in bed and asleep most of the time. He or she may be aroused but will return to sleep almost immediately. The person may be restless, have twitching, talk to unseen people, awake and stare off, grab at unseen objects, and attempt to remove blankets and clothing. These changes are most likely due to the body’s inability to remove toxins because the organs are shutting down.
You may notice increased sweating, but the body may be cold or hot to touch. The skin may change color. If a person is feverish, he or she may appear red. The person also may appear bluish, pale, grayish, or discolored. These changes are due to a decrease in blood flow and hormonal abnormalities.
Breathing changes may occur. The person may take short, rapid breaths or stop breathing momentarily and then resume breathing again. You may notice an increase in mouth breathing and a rattling sound. The rattling is due to uncleared secretions in the lower airway and back of the throat. Breathing difficulties are caused by a number of factors, but the main problem is respiratory congestion.
Morphine is the most effective medication to relieve suffering from respiratory congestion. The morphine is used to help the person breath more easily and more deeply. It is not used to hasten death.
Now is not the time to focus on the person’s blood pressure and pulse. It is not necessary to take a temperature either. If a person appears rosy and is sweating, he or she probably has a fever. Giving a Tylenol suppository for a suspected fever will lessen symptoms and will provide comfort.
It will be necessary to count a person’s respirations, however, because this is one of the ways the dosage of morphine is adjusted. The normal respiratory range is twelve to twenty breaths per minute, above twenty indicates respiratory discomfort.
It is also important to monitor the person for moaning, facial grimacing, and agitation, as this may indicate pain. Just because a person is sleeping or does not verbalize pain does not mean that he or she is not experiencing pain. Morphine is effective in controlling pain as well air hunger.
Six Days to One Hour before Death
As a person nears death, a sudden surge of energy may occur. He or she may be alert and appear to be doing better. The person may ask to eat a favorite meal during this time and desire company. Enjoy this grace, but please do not get your hopes up. This is a common phenomenon that indicates the end is near. This surge of energy will usually leave as quickly as it arrived, and the person will resume the one-to-two-week signs with a heightened level of intensity.
Minutes before Death
Eventually the person will slip into a coma and become totally unresponsive. Increased restlessness may be observed, and breathing may become more irregular, more shallow, and slower. Respiratory congestion may become very loud. The eyes may appear cloudy, glassy, and fixed. The hands and feet may become purplish, cold or warm, and the body sweaty, ashen, and waxy. Finally, death arrives, and the final battle is over.
The Christian will open his or her eyes and see the victor, Jesus, in all his glory sitting on his throne! Jesus will be absolutely radiant, and he will welcome the Christian to heaven. He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; now enter into your rest,” and with a tender hand he will wipe away every tear of suffering, pain, and misery. The physical body of the Christian will be left behind to decompose. But one day, Jesus will return and miraculously resurrect the decayed body, make it a glorified body, and reunite it to his or her glorified soul. Then the Christian will live on in the Celestial City with recreated body and soul forever in his sight.
This is meant to be a guide to help with the recognition of physical and mental changes that may occur as a person approaches death. These changes are not definitive, and this is not meant to be a comprehensive guide. It is intended to help you understand what is happening to the person who is dying and to alleviate stress.
It is also important that you do not become preoccupied in looking for these changes. These are the final days of the dying person’s life, so cherish your final days and hours together, and do not cease to meditate on the sure hope of eternal life with Christ.
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