What does the Bible say about terminal illness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that those facing terminal illness are not abandoned by God: in Christ, they may receive present comfort, sustaining grace, and certain hope beyond death. God promises His presence and strength to His people in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Isaiah 41:10, while 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 calls Him the Father of mercies who comforts sufferers. Believers may bring fear and grief to Him in prayer, as Psalm 18:6 shows, and wait upon Him for renewed strength according to Isaiah 40:31. Though healing is not promised in every earthly circumstance, Jesus assures eternal life to all who trust Him in John 5:24. Revelation 21:4 anchors Christian hope in the coming day when God will end death, mourning, pain, and tears.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; [4] who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
- Isaiah 41:10
Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
- Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."
- John 5:24
"Most assuredly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
- Psalms 18:6
In my distress I called on Yahweh, And cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple, My cry before him came into his ears.
- Isaiah 40:31
but those who wait for Yahweh shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
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