I cannot imagine a future essay dealing with a more difficult subject than the issue we have discussed today. I'll summarize my own position regarding Terri Schiavo's tragic situation with the following statements.

First, I believe that persons retain the "image of God" so long as we possess the ability or potential to relate to ourselves, others, our world, and God. When such identity is irreversibly gone, no heroic or ordinary medical means of prolonging our physical lives are necessary or even warranted.

Second, I view humans holistically, believing that body and soul are one. So long as physical life remains, the inherent value of persons to their Creator and to others requires that they be provided at least basic support (food and water).

Third, any action which is intended to produce death, whether active or passive euthanasia, would be wrong. "Letting die," making the patient as comfortable as possible even if such medical procedures might shorten life, would be permissible.

Fourth, we have the right to refuse medical support if in the future we experience the irreversible loss of the "image of God." Such a decision is not suicide, but the determination to place our lives in the hands of God and the natural processes he created. We can direct our families not to prolong our lives in such circumstances. However, we should not direct our families to take steps which are intended to lead directly to our death. We should make such a decision known and legally clear to our family now.

Fifth, it is permissible to end medical support for persons in conditions such as PVS, whether or not the patient has made clear his or her wishes, so long as this decision is not intended to cause death. Prolonging death is not required by such circumstances.

As a result, I would disagree with the decision to remove Mrs. Schiavo's nutrition, as it was clearly intended to bring about her physical death. Even though he and her doctors acted within the law, I do not believe they acted within biblical guidelines. We are not required scripturally to prolong death, but neither are we permitted to cause it.

However, I recognize clearly the fact that I am writing this essay in a context completely different from the emotional hell which Mrs. Schiavo's family has endured. I have no desire whatever to appear callous with regard to their unspeakable pain, and in fact have prayed consistently for them through the decision to end her life, and after her death. I am profoundly grateful not to have been placed in their position, and grieve for and with them. I cannot imagine a more difficult situation than they have faced.

One final word: whatever our views regarding this most difficult subject, we who follow Christ as Lord must be the presence of Jesus to those who face such tragedy. Our first responsibility is not to tell others how they should act in these circumstances, but to demonstrate God's love and compassion in ours. Praying for Mrs. Schiavo's family and friends is now our most appropriate response to her death. We are to seek ways to support those undergoing similar tragedies, all the while inviting those facing death to know the One who gives life

And we are to be sure that we are ready for our own death, whenever it comes. Tomorrow is promised to none. But for all of us who have asked Jesus Christ to forgive their sins and be their Lord, his promise is ours: "whoever lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:26).

Richard Baxter, the great Puritan pastor, lay on his deathbed. A visiting friend asked the theologian how he was doing. Baxter turned, smiled, and whispered, "Friend, I am nearly well." May we each say the same today.