QUESTION: My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a number of years ago and is now inactive. He always said he was ready to die and go to heaven, but I wonder if I am prolonging his life and keeping him from his goal.
问题：我父亲多年前被诊断出患有阿尔茨海默氏病，现在已不活动。他总是说他已经准备好去死去天堂，但我想知道我是否在延长他的生命而阻止他实现自己的目标。
ANSWER: As Christians, all of us desire the joys of eternal life in heaven. The Apostle Paul wrote, I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body (Philippians 1:23,24). The Bible also tells us, The LORD brings death and make alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up (1 Samuel 2:6).
回答：作为基督徒，我们所有人都渴望在天堂享受永生的快乐。使徒保罗写道，我情愿离世与基督同在，因为这是好得无比的；然而，我在肉身活着，为你们更是要紧的（腓立比书 1:23,24）。圣经也告诉我们，耶和华使人死，也使人活，使人下阴间，也使人往上升。（撒母耳记上 2:6）。
These passages, and many others, remind us that life in heaven is certainly more desirable, but God alone has the right to determine the timing. You should certainly rejoice in the faith of your father, but also realize that our eagerness to reach heaven does not allow anyone to assume authority from God.
这些经文和许多其他经文提醒我们，天堂的生活当然更令人向往，但只有上帝才有权决定着一切的时间。你当然应该为你父亲的信仰而高兴，但也要意识到我们对天堂的渴望，并不能使我们按照自己的意思而去僭越上帝的权柄。
Your first concern should be your father’s spiritual needs. Even if he cannot respond to you at times, never assume he can’t hear or understand you. Read the Bible to him, sing hymns and say prayers. These activities also strengthen your faith during these difficult times.
你首先要关心的应该是你父亲的属灵需要。即使他有时无法回应您，也不要假设他听不到或听不懂您的话。读圣经给他听，唱赞美诗，祈祷。在困难时期，这些活动也会增强您的信心。
Regarding medical decisions, remember that God will take him at the right time. Your role is to provide care that has a reasonable expectation to accomplish its purpose and is meant to keep him comfortable. If a treatment becomes futile, you need not provide it any longer. When death is expected within a day or two, you can rejoice that his earthly life is ending and his eternal life is about to begin.
关于治疗等方面的和医疗有关的决定，请记住上帝会在正确的时间带走他。您的职责是提供有合理期望的护理以实现其目的，并让他感到舒适。如果治疗变得无效，则您无需再提供治疗。当预计在一两天内死亡时，你可以为他尘世的生命即将结束而他的永恒生命即将开始而欢欣鼓舞。