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I believe suicide is the following...
1. Sin
2. Selfish
3. A permanent solution to a temporary problem...
Having said that I know that there are religions that teach you will go to hell if you kill yourself and I for one do not believe that. Sin is sin and if your son knew Jesus Christ in truth and was a truly born again believer then I believe that sin was covered under the blood just like any other sin would be. I will also say that this comes from a man that has preached the funeral of my best friend who in a drunken stupor over his on and off again wicked wife shot himself with a shotgun in the head.
I have had three personal friends do this ALL OVER WOMEN and it is always tragic and such a waste!
1. Sin
2. Selfish
3. A permanent solution to a temporary problem...
Having said that I know that there are religions that teach you will go to hell if you kill yourself and I for one do not believe that. Sin is sin and if your son knew Jesus Christ in truth and was a truly born again believer then I believe that sin was covered under the blood just like any other sin would be. I will also say that this comes from a man that has preached the funeral of my best friend who in a drunken stupor over his on and off again wicked wife shot himself with a shotgun in the head.
I have had three personal friends do this ALL OVER WOMEN and it is always tragic and such a waste!
If a person is truly saved he/she won't do it. That said, there may be a person with severe mental problems which causes them to spiral out of control. I'm not talking about alcoholism or drug abuse, but a condition a person was born with, or caused by an accident to where their mental capacity was damaged. I believe God is merciful to those with such conditions beyond their control.
I believe that the soul never dies, but goes on living, but dwell in a different dimension like a dream world until that day of judgment.
Daniel 12:2
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
1 Samuel 28:13 The king said to her, “Don’t be afraid. What do you see?”
The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.”
14 “What does he look like?” he asked.
“An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said.
Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.
15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”
Matthew 27:52
and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
John 3:15
that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
Matthew 15:27
“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Daniel 12:2
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
1 Samuel 28:13 The king said to her, “Don’t be afraid. What do you see?”
The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.”
14 “What does he look like?” he asked.
“An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said.
Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.
15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”
Matthew 27:52
and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
John 3:15
that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
Matthew 15:27
“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Really...Well I don't believe that as even God's children have moments of depression, difficulty and anxiety EVEN JESUS...FATHER IF IT BE POSSIBLE LET THIS CUP PASS FROM ME! And to say that in a low moment a saved child of God is past the ability to make a mistake and take their own life is a little to legalistic...No Offence meant!
So I guess the Jews at Masada (spelling) all went to hell when they committed mass suicide to keep the Romans from raping the women, enslaving the children and crucifying the men?
So I guess the Jews at Masada (spelling) all went to hell when they committed mass suicide to keep the Romans from raping the women, enslaving the children and crucifying the men?
My friend killed himself just over a year ago. I found no mention of suicide as being a sin. In fact, as I recall, several prominent people in the bible killed themselves.
Abimilech, Samson, Saul, Saul's Armour bearer, Ahitophel and Zimri all committed suicide, and they aren't condemned for it.
The Catechism states that God can provide the means for eternal rest and peace for those who commit suicide, but this is of course, not considered a canonical script and so many people don't heed it as the truth, per se.
If a person is in intolerable phsyical, emotional or mental pain, sometimes they don't see any other way out. I don't particularly view this as shameful or against the laws of the world.
It would be better to commit suicide than undergo torture, for instance. If I had the option of taking a cyanide pill or having my toes cut off, my fingernails ripped out and then killed, I know which one I'd choose.
Samson killed himself to avoid the shame of being killed by a woman, and so that those who imrpisoned him wouldn't 'defeat him'. saul did so to avoid dishonour of capture and torture. saul's armour bearer did it to atone for a killing of his own. Aphitophel did it because he couldn't bear the deception and manipulation all around him. Zimri to avoid capture by the army.
So, really, Judaism and christianity, in their basic scripts don't condemn suicide as a punishable offence. In fact, some of the people who committed it are considered heroes in some way.
Hinduism accepts the right to fast until death, and maintains that a person's actions are their own. However, their understanding of oneness and non-duality then equates that suicide with a 'killing'. It's interesting that this argument is most often given my christians, that suicide is murder, and yet the bible doesn't teach it, and it actually comes from hinduism.
Jainism doesn't permit suicide, per se. But again, fasting until death is considered acceptable.
Buddhism takes the view of the world in general nowadays. That a person's past experiences shape them, and pave the way for their future decisions, thus a person who commits suicide does do because they have been led to whatever they are led to. The Buddhist mantra doesn't actually condemn or condone suicide, it simply accepts the fact that suicide is something that happens when a person is led to a road or a moment where their experiences and sufferings outweigh their ability to cope with them. The act is, however, seen as non-benificial to walking the path of enlightenment, since self-harm isn't a 'compassionate' way to think of oneself. On the other hand, they recognize compassion themselves for those who are in such a turmoil and state of suffering.
Judaism in itself without christianity, doesn't actually have a definitive view of the afterlife, a concrete concept of heaven and hell, and thus there is very little on the afterlife and suicide. While it's not benificial to 'life', since it institutes 'death', there's no soolid condemnation in the abrahamic texts. I'm sure that the priests and rabbis would comment on the practice, but there's no absolute evidence in the Mosaic texts or other bases for the religion.
The Islamic texts refer sparsely to suicide, with one particular instance being 'do not kill yourselves, for surely God will be merciful to you'. Kind of a reverse-psychological thing I thought. 'God's gonna have mercy on you anyway, there isn't much point in suicide, is there?' Interesting to note this given the widely held view that suicide bombers are led by religious texts. There is another mention to suicide in Islam that those who commit such an act will be always in the perspective of such an act. In otherwords, suicidal thought is an entrapping way to think.
Wiccan religions generally find suicide as a contrary statement to the sanctity of all life.
And lastly, the Bahai's believe that a person's purpose is to contribute to the advancement of the spiritual family of the world into true spiritual unity and understanding, and that suicide takes away a person's capacity to do this. However, they don't condemn suicide. Like buddhism, they simply see it as not beneficial towards the realization of the ultimate reality.
I've included all these religious beliefs because it gives some perspective on the world's religions as a whole. Also removes some widely held myths about christianity and suicide, I think.
People are very quick to condemn other religions, till they realize a lot of their beliefs don't come from the one they label themselves with!
At any rate, I personally don't view suicide as something punishable in an afterlife.
Abimilech, Samson, Saul, Saul's Armour bearer, Ahitophel and Zimri all committed suicide, and they aren't condemned for it.
The Catechism states that God can provide the means for eternal rest and peace for those who commit suicide, but this is of course, not considered a canonical script and so many people don't heed it as the truth, per se.
If a person is in intolerable phsyical, emotional or mental pain, sometimes they don't see any other way out. I don't particularly view this as shameful or against the laws of the world.
It would be better to commit suicide than undergo torture, for instance. If I had the option of taking a cyanide pill or having my toes cut off, my fingernails ripped out and then killed, I know which one I'd choose.
Samson killed himself to avoid the shame of being killed by a woman, and so that those who imrpisoned him wouldn't 'defeat him'. saul did so to avoid dishonour of capture and torture. saul's armour bearer did it to atone for a killing of his own. Aphitophel did it because he couldn't bear the deception and manipulation all around him. Zimri to avoid capture by the army.
So, really, Judaism and christianity, in their basic scripts don't condemn suicide as a punishable offence. In fact, some of the people who committed it are considered heroes in some way.
Hinduism accepts the right to fast until death, and maintains that a person's actions are their own. However, their understanding of oneness and non-duality then equates that suicide with a 'killing'. It's interesting that this argument is most often given my christians, that suicide is murder, and yet the bible doesn't teach it, and it actually comes from hinduism.
Jainism doesn't permit suicide, per se. But again, fasting until death is considered acceptable.
Buddhism takes the view of the world in general nowadays. That a person's past experiences shape them, and pave the way for their future decisions, thus a person who commits suicide does do because they have been led to whatever they are led to. The Buddhist mantra doesn't actually condemn or condone suicide, it simply accepts the fact that suicide is something that happens when a person is led to a road or a moment where their experiences and sufferings outweigh their ability to cope with them. The act is, however, seen as non-benificial to walking the path of enlightenment, since self-harm isn't a 'compassionate' way to think of oneself. On the other hand, they recognize compassion themselves for those who are in such a turmoil and state of suffering.
Judaism in itself without christianity, doesn't actually have a definitive view of the afterlife, a concrete concept of heaven and hell, and thus there is very little on the afterlife and suicide. While it's not benificial to 'life', since it institutes 'death', there's no soolid condemnation in the abrahamic texts. I'm sure that the priests and rabbis would comment on the practice, but there's no absolute evidence in the Mosaic texts or other bases for the religion.
The Islamic texts refer sparsely to suicide, with one particular instance being 'do not kill yourselves, for surely God will be merciful to you'. Kind of a reverse-psychological thing I thought. 'God's gonna have mercy on you anyway, there isn't much point in suicide, is there?' Interesting to note this given the widely held view that suicide bombers are led by religious texts. There is another mention to suicide in Islam that those who commit such an act will be always in the perspective of such an act. In otherwords, suicidal thought is an entrapping way to think.
Wiccan religions generally find suicide as a contrary statement to the sanctity of all life.
And lastly, the Bahai's believe that a person's purpose is to contribute to the advancement of the spiritual family of the world into true spiritual unity and understanding, and that suicide takes away a person's capacity to do this. However, they don't condemn suicide. Like buddhism, they simply see it as not beneficial towards the realization of the ultimate reality.
I've included all these religious beliefs because it gives some perspective on the world's religions as a whole. Also removes some widely held myths about christianity and suicide, I think.
People are very quick to condemn other religions, till they realize a lot of their beliefs don't come from the one they label themselves with!
At any rate, I personally don't view suicide as something punishable in an afterlife.
W
A week ago, I attempted to do what your son did.
On September 14th 2013, my 17 year old cousin was successful in doing what your son did.
I believe that no matter what, God forgives. I believe that he has forgiven your son and my cousin because at the end of the day they are his children and he loves them unconditionally. One has to be in such tremendous pain to resort to suicide as a way out. And since we are in so much pain, God understands and forgives.
On September 14th 2013, my 17 year old cousin was successful in doing what your son did.
I believe that no matter what, God forgives. I believe that he has forgiven your son and my cousin because at the end of the day they are his children and he loves them unconditionally. One has to be in such tremendous pain to resort to suicide as a way out. And since we are in so much pain, God understands and forgives.
As others have said, the true hinging point is the salvation before the act. Was he living for Christ? Suicide is a tragedy, regardless. I am sorry for your loss. What must be remembered is that God is merciful. So, I personally believe that if someone has given their life to Christ, have been living for Him, and has a moment of despair and takes their own life, that God is forever merciful. It would be the same if I told a lie or stole a piece of gum and died in a car accident without repenting. God is merciful.
The danger is that this view frees up people to take their own lives. I think that one must consider that tomorrow is a new day. No matter the despair and woe of today, there is always tomorrow. We must teach each other this and encourage one another and truly be a family.
Though I believe if the person was truly saved they are spared judgment after suicide, I am not God and I cannot tell you 100% where your son is, and for that I am sorry. It is ultimately up to the Lord and His just sovereignty to decide these things. God bless.
The danger is that this view frees up people to take their own lives. I think that one must consider that tomorrow is a new day. No matter the despair and woe of today, there is always tomorrow. We must teach each other this and encourage one another and truly be a family.
Though I believe if the person was truly saved they are spared judgment after suicide, I am not God and I cannot tell you 100% where your son is, and for that I am sorry. It is ultimately up to the Lord and His just sovereignty to decide these things. God bless.
Perhaps I'm being obtuse, or playing devil's advocate here slightly, but how do you say 'if he believed he's saved', and then say 'don't take your own lives?' Surely if you believe that you're going to heaven and your beliefs pivot around getting to heaven and being with God, then to take your own life for the promise of eternal bliss would be a no-brainer? Unless there's something else in it.
That's why i want to ask, what's the difference between a person who has actually been led to a road of christianity in their life, who professes to have received all these great insights and gifts, and then who kills themselves, against a person who's born in the jungles of the deep Amazon with no contact with the outside world, and kills themselves not knowing all these fantastic gifts that make life so vibrant and abundant?
Why do you say one is tortured and the other not? Do you bear a child, blind them to all around them, and then say 'if you don't stop being blind to what's around you, I'm gonna torture you for ever?'
Seems a bit Machiavellian.
That's why i want to ask, what's the difference between a person who has actually been led to a road of christianity in their life, who professes to have received all these great insights and gifts, and then who kills themselves, against a person who's born in the jungles of the deep Amazon with no contact with the outside world, and kills themselves not knowing all these fantastic gifts that make life so vibrant and abundant?
Why do you say one is tortured and the other not? Do you bear a child, blind them to all around them, and then say 'if you don't stop being blind to what's around you, I'm gonna torture you for ever?'
Seems a bit Machiavellian.
B
[h=1]What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?[/h][HR][/HR][TABLE="align: center"]
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Question: "What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?"
Answer: The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.
The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).
God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.
Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).
However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).
So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine whether or not a person goes to hell. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Recommended Resources: Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Anderson & Goyer and Logos Bible Software.
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Question: "What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?"
Answer: The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.
The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).
God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.
Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).
However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).
So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine whether or not a person goes to hell. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Recommended Resources: Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Anderson & Goyer and Logos Bible Software.
While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.
B
[h=1]If a Christian commits suicide, is he/she still saved?[/h][HR][/HR][TABLE="align: center"]
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Question: "If a Christian commits suicide, is he/she still saved?"
Answer: It is a sad fact that some Christians have committed suicide. Adding to the tragedy is the false teaching that committing suicide automatically consigns one to hell. Many believe that a Christian who commits suicide will not be saved. This teaching is not supported in the Bible.
Scripture teaches that, from the moment we truly believe in Christ, we are guaranteed eternal life (John 3:16). According to the Bible, Christians can know beyond any doubt that they possess eternal life (1 John 5:13). Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39). No “created thing” can separate a Christian from God’s love, and even a Christian who commits suicide is a “created thing”; therefore, not even suicide can separate a Christian from God’s love. Jesus died for all of our sins, and if a true Christian, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commits suicide, his sin is still covered by the blood of Christ.
According to the Bible, suicide is not what determines whether a person gains entrance into heaven. If an unsaved person commits suicide, he has done nothing but “expedite” his journey to hell. However, that person who committed suicide will ultimately be in hell for rejecting salvation through Christ, not because he committed suicide (see John 3:18). We should also point out, however, that no one truly knows what was happening in a person’s heart the moment he or she died. Some people have “deathbed conversions” and accept Christ in the moments before death. It is possible that a suicide could have a last-second change of heart and cry out for God’s mercy. We leave such judgments to God (1 Samuel 16:7).
The suicide of a believer is evidence that anyone can struggle with despair and that our enemy, Satan, is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Suicide is still a serious sin against God. According to the Bible, suicide is murder; it is always wrong. Christians are called to live their lives for God, and the decision of when to die is God’s and God’s alone.
May God grant grace and the psalmist’s perspective to each one who is facing trials today: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5).
Recommended Resources: Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Anderson & Goyer and Logos Bible Software.
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Question: "If a Christian commits suicide, is he/she still saved?"
Answer: It is a sad fact that some Christians have committed suicide. Adding to the tragedy is the false teaching that committing suicide automatically consigns one to hell. Many believe that a Christian who commits suicide will not be saved. This teaching is not supported in the Bible.
Scripture teaches that, from the moment we truly believe in Christ, we are guaranteed eternal life (John 3:16). According to the Bible, Christians can know beyond any doubt that they possess eternal life (1 John 5:13). Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39). No “created thing” can separate a Christian from God’s love, and even a Christian who commits suicide is a “created thing”; therefore, not even suicide can separate a Christian from God’s love. Jesus died for all of our sins, and if a true Christian, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commits suicide, his sin is still covered by the blood of Christ.
According to the Bible, suicide is not what determines whether a person gains entrance into heaven. If an unsaved person commits suicide, he has done nothing but “expedite” his journey to hell. However, that person who committed suicide will ultimately be in hell for rejecting salvation through Christ, not because he committed suicide (see John 3:18). We should also point out, however, that no one truly knows what was happening in a person’s heart the moment he or she died. Some people have “deathbed conversions” and accept Christ in the moments before death. It is possible that a suicide could have a last-second change of heart and cry out for God’s mercy. We leave such judgments to God (1 Samuel 16:7).
The suicide of a believer is evidence that anyone can struggle with despair and that our enemy, Satan, is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Suicide is still a serious sin against God. According to the Bible, suicide is murder; it is always wrong. Christians are called to live their lives for God, and the decision of when to die is God’s and God’s alone.
May God grant grace and the psalmist’s perspective to each one who is facing trials today: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5).
Recommended Resources: Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Anderson & Goyer and Logos Bible Software.
While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes,
J
Your wronge in every word. Samson never killed himself, he prayed to destroy his enemies, and was in the rubble when the house fell. Saul was an evil wicked man who wanted to kill KIng David, because he was jealous of him, and though God anointed Saul once he took that anointing back, and gave it to David, David hide from Saul in a cave as Saul chased after to kill him, and God protected David, and with those evil thoughts of murder still seeded in Sauls mind, and Heart, he killed himself. OUr Spirit belongs to God, therefore you murder something that belongs to another, as the bible declares man's spirit goes back to God he is the Judge of all men's deeds. Jesus came to give hope to us, not to take our lives, he is the giver of life, satan is the thief of life who will talk you into believing a filty lie that there is no hope Satan is a LIAR, a MURDERER and a DESTROYER, IF YOU listen to his words, you will kill yourself. Those without Christ has no hope, ARe you a born again believer, no one saved would promote this on a Christian Chat. It is not scripturally sound. May Jesus Christ rebuke such evil words what you said, and by his blood I bind all seeds sown from your post powerless in Jesus name. Luke 10:19
Then why do christians kill themselves? Why do I get messages from christians a few times a year in absolute despair talking about taking their own lives?
'I can't go on. I feel so worthless. I feel like God doesn't love me. I've tried so hard to please him. I'm scared I'll go to hell, but I can't take this any more. I'm sorry for my sins, but my guilt keeps coming back. Is God punishing me?'
You've no idea how many times I've heard those words or words like it.
You want to attack me, and yet my search on this topic was instigated by a tragedy of my own, a friend who committed suicide. I posted the post because it's what I found. I gave it to the OP because I understand how he feels. You don't seem to do that very well.
'I can't go on. I feel so worthless. I feel like God doesn't love me. I've tried so hard to please him. I'm scared I'll go to hell, but I can't take this any more. I'm sorry for my sins, but my guilt keeps coming back. Is God punishing me?'
You've no idea how many times I've heard those words or words like it.
You want to attack me, and yet my search on this topic was instigated by a tragedy of my own, a friend who committed suicide. I posted the post because it's what I found. I gave it to the OP because I understand how he feels. You don't seem to do that very well.
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J
What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?
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Question: "What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?"
Answer: The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.
The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).
God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.
Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).
However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).
So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine whether or not a person goes to hell. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Recommended Resources: Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Anderson & Goyer and Logos Bible Software.
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Question: "What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?"
Answer: The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.
The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).
God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.
Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).
However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).
So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine whether or not a person goes to hell. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Recommended Resources: Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Anderson & Goyer and Logos Bible Software.
While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.
J
then your not a born again believer, because the enemey which is satan comes to rob steal and destroy, all men's lives, not only believers. Satan comes to rob steal and destroy, if you have not read this, then your not reading the word of God. End of Story, father convict her to recieve your love, life and eternal life, to dwell upon the words of Christs, and listen to his calling in Jesus name. amen