Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 36:2 (Winter 1974)
Article: Questions Concerning Pastoral Visitation Of The Dying
Author: Jay E. Adams

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WTJ 36:2 (Winter 1974) p. 209

Questions Concerning Pastoral Visitation Of The Dying

Jay E. Adams

When he stands by his bedside to minister to one of his parishioners who appears to have but a few hours to live, a pastor finally knows whether he has what it takes or not. What does one say and do? I did not ask, what does he feel? Even those who are most bold and most faithful find that their feelings betray them from time to time. The question is: how faithfully does he minister to such a person? And, behind that one, what constitutes faithfulness?

First, the faithful pastor seeks to speak to the sick member alone. Direct interference, tears, outbursts of weeping from others, and the like, can be very distracting. It may be wise, when necessary, to request the opportunity to visit alone. Secondly, he never says that he knows that another is dying; he does not know that. There are plenty of cases on record where the former “dying” patient attended the pastor’s funeral! Yet, he deals with the sick member as if death were a distinct possibility. It is. This means that he speaks directly about death and eternal life. If he does so frequently anyway from the pulpit and in ordinary pastoral conversations, it will not be so difficult to do so here. He rehearses the gospel message in simplicity and with clarity. He reminds the patient of the need for a Savior that was brought about by sin. He rehearses the wonderful message of the good news that God, out of pure grace, sent his own Son to die in the place of guilty sinners, taking the punishment that they deserved for their sins. He speaks of the resurrection as God’s stamp of approval upon the work of his son on the cross, and the certain assurance that our frail bodies shall be raised and together with our souls shall live forever. He clearly outlines the means by which the elect enter into the promises of eternal life: through simple faith in Christ. Then, he may ask, “George, you are trusting in Jesus Christ

WTJ 36:2 (Winter 1974) p. 210

as your Savior, aren’t you ?” or “Are you ready to meet Christ if God should call you to do so?” When a true believer triumphantly reaffirms his faith, the pastor comforts and reassures him of the great hope that is his by reference to any of God’s many marvelous promises to his children. Prominent at such times are such passages as John 3:16, 3:36, 5:24, 14:1–8, and Psalms 23 and 90.

If problems (doubts about salvation; the need for confession of some sin, e...

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