Abstract
Modern medical technology has transformed the way people live and the way they die. Today, in some instances the process of dying takes longer, due to more advanced medical treatment and therefore requires more sophisticated care than before. This contributes to the fact that terminally ill people are wrestling with the reality of death. This article endeavours to investigate the phenomenon of death from a biblical perspective and specifically attempts to answer questions such as ‘What is death?’, ‘Is there an intermediate state?’, and ‘What is “heaven” like?’ The article is written in such a way that it equips therapists with biblical information which can clearly be communicated to terminally ill Christian believers to assist them in coping with their trauma and uncertainties; it also intends to remove the sting of death and obtain more clarity on an existence beyond death.
Highlights
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is certainly traumatic
Terminally ill people have multiple needs, this article will primarily focus on only one aspect: the need to know more about the spirituality of life beyond death
Uncertainties about the mystery of death and what lies beyond death are catalytic for such experiences
Summary
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is certainly traumatic. What does one say to a person who is facing mortality? The following clichés or platitudes should be avoided: ‘Everything happens for a good reason’, or ‘It is probably God’s will’. When Paul was in prison and faced death, he referred to his longing to be with Christ (Phlp 1:21, 23; cf 2 Cor 5:8). In 2 Corinthians 4:12 Paul refers to his suffering (persecution) which will lead to his death (θάνατος) due to his obedience of following Jesus.
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