Many theologians and religions adamantly have long dismissed any suggestion that the resurrection of the unrighteous may include those who commit suicide. As far as the ones who took their own lives, we humans cannot judge as to whether he will get a resurrection or not. I am only aware of four instances-in the Bible-where suicide is mentioned: 1 Samuel 31:17; 2 Samuel 17:23; 1 Kings 16:8-20; Matthew 27:5. As for Judas, we can discern that there will be no resurrection hope. See Mark 14:21; John 17:12; Hebrews 10:26.
Life is a gift from God, not something to be abused or to end at one’s own hand. (James 1:17) Hence, the Scriptures encourage us to see ourselves, not as immortal souls, but as valuable creations of the God who loves us, who treasures our being alive, and who looks forward with joy to the time of the resurrection. (Job 14:14, 15) Jehovah, having paid “a ransom in exchange for many,” is within his right to extend mercy, even to some self-murderers, by resurrecting them and giving them the precious opportunity to “repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance.”-Acts 26:20.
Granted, one who takes his own life deprives themselves of the opportunity to repent of their self-murder. But who can say whether one driven to suicide might have had a change of heart had his fatal attempt failed? Some notorious murderers have, in fact, changed and earned God’s forgiveness during their lifetimes. (2 Kings 21:16; 2 Chronicles 33:12, 13) They, like us, will still need the “ransom” to lift ourselves to perfection; and, judgment will be determined by what we do after the resurrection is complete.-1 John 4:8-10.
While suicide is never righteous and cannot be justified, it is comforting to remember that the future prospects of our loved ones rest with a God who fully understands that weaknesses and frailties such as mental illness, extreme stress, depression, and genetic defects could push one to such desperate action. He “well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:11-14) God alone searches “all hearts and every inclination of the thoughts.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) But we may be confident that “the Judge of all the earth is going to do what is loving, just, and right!”-Genesis 18:25.
The apostle Paul did hold out a beautiful hope for even some unrighteous ones. As he told a Roman court of law: “I have hope toward God…that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.”-Acts 24:15.
