suicide?

[ChristsArmorBearer]

While I respect the opinions of others concerning this issue, I think everyone will agree that this issue is a serious one and one that requires deep study and understanding of scripture as a whole. Let's put popular theology aside, and really think about this for a moment. We owe it to those whose lives may hang in the balance.

The bible says that's it's impossible to please God without faith. Scripture also tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. While both grace and faith are gifts given freely by God, scripturally a person can both grow and lose faith. For a christian to commit suicide would mean that a person has lost all faith in God has decided to take matters into their own hands. Essentially they have elevated their circumstances to an "idol-like" status giving it power over God's ability to act on their behalf. In other words, their circumstances (most likely fuled by demonic influence) become their "God" thus not only would a christian who commits suicide be guilty of murder but idolatry also.

I wish this issue were as cut and dry as once saved always saved, it would definitely make matters so much easier however, the more familiar you are with scripture as a whole the more you will realize that there are far more implications that need to addressed.

Please don't think I'm trying to be self righteous with my answer, that is not intent at all. This is a very serious and real issue that I feel deserves a very serious and real answer.

 

[Maddog]

I think it was when you said something about me going to hell.

Ahh I was talking about the fate of those banned from ChristianChat. I was joking.

By the way, is it you who's added me on Facebook? Is your name Casey?

 

[Kathleen]

There's no way anyone in their right mind can think killing themselves will get them into heaven. If I rob a bank, so I get to be corporate executive? Lol that is an insane way of thinking!!

actually - i am in my right mind - thanks, im sane enough hehe!

i am saying there is thousands of sins you wont repent for this is one of them

it is called a SIN UNTO DEATH

if you are saved you could - but obviously if ou arnt saved - and u kill urslef - of course ull go to hell! obvioulsy

suicide isnt a ticket to heven that is just comman sense!

.. ...

 

[Kathleen]

They go to hell. You can lose your salvation

he is called the Good Shepard

and a Good Shepard dosnet loose his sheep

thats why he is called the Good Shepard!

.. ..

 

[living4Him93]

Ahh I was talking about the fate of those banned from ChristianChat. I was joking.

By the way, is it you who's added me on Facebook? Is your name Casey?

can we try to keep it on topic guys? this is a pretty serious topic. thanks

 

[Maddog]

You Evangs are funny, with your all or nothing approach.

I said before, I believe it depends on the individual's circumstances. Suicide may permanently sever him from God - or it may not. I don't believe we should despair of those who have topped themselves.

 

[ChristsArmorBearer]

.

While both grace and faith are gifts given freely by God, scripturally a person can both grow and lose faith. For a christian to commit suicide would mean that a person has lost all faith in God has decided to take matters into their own hands.

Just a quick word swap to give the reader a better idea of the point I'm trying to make:

"For a christian to commit suicide would mean that a person has ABANDONED all faith in God has decided to take matters into their own hands."

 

[Maddog]

Just a quick word swap to give the reader a better idea of the point I'm trying to make:

"For a christian to commit suicide would mean that a person has ABANDONED all faith in God has decided to take matters into their own hands."

Do you not think there can be any 'mitigating circumstances' that lessen his culpability for his actions?

 

[ChristsArmorBearer]

You Evangs are funny, with your all or nothing approach.

I said before, I believe it depends on the individual's circumstances. Suicide may permanently sever him from God - or it may not. I don't believe we should despair of those who have topped themselves.

*lol* you make a good point. The circumstances involving Sampson's death being a prime example of such.

As for the "all or nothing approach", my personal study has lead me to believe that Yahweh / Jesus is an "all or nothing" kind of God.

 

[EnochxGenesis]

Suicide is a sin sure, but it is forgiveable. (If I were to commit suicide, I'd repent beforehand. (IE "forgive me lord, for what I am about to do.")

 

[ChristsArmorBearer]

Do you not think there can be any 'mitigating circumstances' that lessen his culpability for his actions?

there's always a possibility - a bad reaction to perscription drugs, some sort of mental disability, several possibilities does come to mind (I'm not a legalist) however, why would you want to take that risk? Suicide is never the answer.

God is soveriegn and He will intervine on our behalf despite the severity / desperation of our circumstances if we simply abide in the Spirit inwhich He has given us.

 

[Charlotte91]

okmy friend commited suicide during the summer she was a christian( and brought many of her Friends to have a personal relationship with Jesus) and had depression and an eating disorder ,so techincally she wasnt in the right state of mind, but God forgives sins so why wouldnt he and doesnt God say i will never leave u r forsake u and to add ppl in the bible like jonah tried to commit suicide, and he still went to heaven .

 

[Maddog]

there's always a possibility - a bad reaction to perscription drugs, some sort of mental disability, several possibilities does come to mind (I'm not a legalist) however, why would you want to take that risk? Suicide is never the answer.

I don't think most people who kill themselves do so wanting to 'take that risk'. Generally speaking, someone of sound mind would simply never take their own life.

 

[Maddog]

okmy friend commited suicide during the summer she was a christian( and brought many of her Friends to have a personal relationship with Jesus) and had depression and an eating disorder ,so techincally she wasnt in the right state of mind, but God forgives sins so why wouldnt he and doesnt God say i will never leave u r forsake u and to add ppl in the bible like jonah tried to commit suicide, and he still went to heaven .

Yes, God is more than able to forgive suicide.

 

[Charlotte91]

yes he is

 

[MisaMisa]

Ahh I was talking about the fate of those banned from ChristianChat. I was joking.

By the way, is it you who's added me on Facebook? Is your name Casey?

Yeah... I'm Casey....

I added you because I thought you were pretty cool. I like your sense of humor =]

 

[ChristsArmorBearer]

okmy friend commited suicide during the summer she was a christian( and brought many of her Friends to have a personal relationship with Jesus) and had depression and an eating disorder ,so techincally she wasnt in the right state of mind, but God forgives sins so why wouldnt he and doesnt God say i will never leave u r forsake u and to add ppl in the bible like jonah tried to commit suicide, and he still went to heaven .

Sorry to hear about your friend, it is my sincere hope and prayer that one day you will be reunited with your friend in there here after. *hugs*

Jonah is acrually one of my favorite books of the bible seeing as there was a time in my past when I could relate to his story so I know it well. While Jonah did run away from God, I don't recall Jonah ever attempting sucide. He was actually tossed overboard by the crew of the boat once they learned that Jonah was acting in defiance to His God.

 

[ChristsArmorBearer]

I don't think most people who kill themselves do so wanting to 'take that risk'. Generally speaking, someone of sound mind would simply never take their own life.

I would agree with you however, there have been several incidents throughout church history where "christians" turned to suicide as an easy way out. Before England's great awakening, the nation was plagued with such behavior which was one major motivation behind the ministry of the Wesley brothers.

 

[Charlotte91]

Jonah 4v3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."
and he sat under a tree but it didnt cover his head ( so like he would have got sun stroke etc) but God cause the tree to work to protect from the hot sun

 

[MisaMisa]

can we try to keep it on topic guys? this is a pretty serious topic. thanks

I'm sorry.

As for the suicide issue....

I believe that being suicidal is generally accompanied by a mental disorder. It's our natural instinct to survival.. the survival instinct. This is the #1 most important, and THE STRONGEST (big emphasis) thing that we have. When that goes, you know there's something wrong.

People with mental disorders are not in a sound state of mind when they are contemplating suicide. It's just as hard to treat as diseases affecting other organs of the body. People with clinical depression are robbed of the perspective, confidence, optimism, desire and will to live. It's not their fault. I've been severely depressed before and I've contemplated suicide, but never close to the extent of actually doing it... Now I can't even imagine what kind of hell the people who actually do kill themselves had to go through to get that desperate for relief.

That being said, I can't imagine God sending someone to hell for committing suicide. I would think God would have some compassion.