Question

Answer

These practices are not directly addressed in the Bible, primarily because medical technology had not advanced to this point during the times Scripture was written. However, as Presbyterians, we believe the 6th Commandment ("Thou shalt not kill") commands us to do whatever is lawful and within our power to preserve the lives of others. You can read about this in our Larger Catechism #134-136. (You can find the Larger Catechism, with Scripture proofs, online here.)

Consider Matthew 25:35-36, where Jesus says, "... for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me." He will praise Christians who go out of their way to show mercy to others.

Accordingly, it seems to me donating organs and blood in order to save the lives of others is a good practice for Christians, and fitting with biblical commandments.