Suicide of a Christian

[Cat545]

A good friend of mine just informed me they lost their sister to suicide. I wasn’t too close to the sister but i am deeply heartbroken for my friend.

According to my friend, her sister was a devout believer in Christ but has suffered from extreme depression for years where no treatment or prayers have helped. I guess this made me have two questions.

1. Is suicide unforgivable?

I’ve always believed it is still forgivable, as it is not blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, but rather “self-murder”. However, others seem to see it as a final hardening of heart and rejection of God.

2. Why would God allow a Christian to reach that point?

It’s not God’s fault people choose to end their life, as we have free will, but from what my friend discussed her sister begged and prayed and sought treatment for a very long time. I guess it made me wonder why God doesn’t always lift burdens when people are on the edge.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

A good friend of mine just informed me they lost their sister to suicide. I wasn’t too close to the sister but i am deeply heartbroken for my friend.

According to my friend, her sister was a devout believer in Christ but has suffered from extreme depression for years where no treatment or prayers have helped. I guess this made me have two questions.

1. Is suicide unforgivable?

I’ve always believed it is still forgivable, as it is not blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, but rather “self-murder”. However, others seem to see it as a final hardening of heart and rejection of God.

Suicide is a very sad thing in any family. That is likely more traumatic to the living members of those families than death by natural causes. I know from personal experiences that this is true when crimes of murder occur in a family. However , Suicide is different in the motivation that ended ones own life.

I don't have time right now to go into detail, so I'll hit the bullet points off the top of my head.

A. Salvation is a gift given at the point at which one decides to quit trusting in good works, idols, or any other thing and instead trust the Savior Who gave His life on our behalf.

B. There's a heresy amongst certain protestants that people must have repented of and confessed all their sins before death in order to be saved.
This heresy is based upon woks, and the need for confession as well as the following.

C. They teach that salvation is not a gift, but rather a process we are graded on and that we can't be sure until we are judged after death. One sin that cannot be forgiven according to their mistaken beliefs is that of suicide; again because they did not confess it with remorse before death.

I've heard a number of different variations on this theme, but these points are common misconceptions.

There could have been a number of reasons why this person did this. Suicidal ideation is common in those who are chronically depressed. I've seen attempts by those who attempted it in multiple cases. In each case they were women.
In at least one of those, psychiatric drugs were prescribed and long term oversight by the Medical Dr.
He caused a lot of damage to the entire family for decades.
The drugs those bozos prescribe can and do actually cause their patients to commit suicide in many cases.

 

[Gideon300]

A good friend of mine just informed me they lost their sister to suicide. I wasn’t too close to the sister but i am deeply heartbroken for my friend.

According to my friend, her sister was a devout believer in Christ but has suffered from extreme depression for years where no treatment or prayers have helped. I guess this made me have two questions.

1. Is suicide unforgivable?

I’ve always believed it is still forgivable, as it is not blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, but rather “self-murder”. However, others seem to see it as a final hardening of heart and rejection of God.

2. Why would God allow a Christian to reach that point?

It’s not God’s fault people choose to end their life, as we have free will, but from what my friend discussed her sister begged and prayed and sought treatment for a very long time. I guess it made me wonder why God doesn’t always lift burdens when people are on the edge.

Suicide is not unforgivable. It is not necessarily hardness of heart. Reasons are not always straightforward, but they include a sense of hopelessness that life will get any better. For believers, the thought of death holds no fear. Sometimes, it's the thought of living that fills people with dread.

I've had suicidal thoughts from time to time. It was especially bad when my marriage failed, about 30 years ago. My ex moved house without telling me where. She took my kids and I had no way of knowing if I'd see them again. God got me through that terrible time. But I have a lot of sympathy for people who struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Part of the problem is that people do not understand how serious the problem is. I knew someone who talked often about suicide. We went to the same church. I did not take him seriously and neither did anyone else. He talked about it until he didn't. He was gone.​

 

[God-fearing]

I will not pretend to have any answers for you, I will pray over this heartbreaking event for comfort and strength for the family and friends.
This I know, this world this life can be overwhelming for some. Be it physical or mental or spiritual many struggle. Christian or not.
If your friends sister was a known believer then let your friend know this truth. That we have a just God, a compassionate God. One who came and experienced first hand the afflictions of us all.
We were never promised to win every battle we face but rest assured the war has been won.
May the Lord give you wisdom on these matters

 

[JamesTheLesserLesser]

If it comforts you (or your friend), please remember that our God is righteous, just, omniscient, merciful, and perfect in every way. The outcome of the departed is under the care of His perfect and all-knowing will. Regardless of what sort of Christian background you have, this is definitively true.

I'll pray for your friend's grief and the peace and healing of all involved with the loss. I am so terribly sorry that this happened.

 

[frederickdoc]

Prob the ones that didn't hear the cry for help end up on the left side

 

[timf]

The changes in society have had an impact on the rate of suicide.

The transition from rural to urban,
From being known from birth by your neighbors to being isolated in your apartment.
The deconstruction of the family both in breadth and depth.
The replacement of a culture of faith with a culture of indulgence.

These sort of stressors take a toll on the more vulnerable. To get a deeper picture of why suicide is increasing the following might help;

https://christianpioneer.com/ebooks/Understanding%20Suicide.pdf

 

[tourist]

Jesus understands the human condition full well and is full of mercy and compassion. Suicide is forgivable even though it is quite possible that there is no sin to forgive in this tragedy. I loss a family member to suicide in 2019 and was witness to the mental anguish and depression that led to this. I am sure that his sin, if any, was forgiven. I have prayed that this is so and will say a prayer the one that died that you mentioned and for God to give peace and comfort for the family members that remain.

 

[tourist]

Prob the ones that didn't hear the cry for help end up on the left side

...and did nothing to help alleviate the condition that led to suicide. I am including myself in this equation.

 

[Cat545]

Suicide is a very sad thing in any family. That is likely more traumatic to the living members of those families than death by natural causes. I know from personal experiences that this is true when crimes of murder occur in a family. However , Suicide is different in the motivation that ended ones own life.

I don't have time right now to go into detail, so I'll hit the bullet points off the top of my head.

A. Salvation is a gift given at the point at which one decides to quit trusting in good works, idols, or any other thing and instead trust the Savior Who gave His life on our behalf.

B. There's a heresy amongst certain protestants that people must have repented of and confessed all their sins before death in order to be saved.
This heresy is based upon woks, and the need for confession as well as the following.

C. They teach that salvation is not a gift, but rather a process we are graded on and that we can't be sure until we are judged after death. One sin that cannot be forgiven according to their mistaken beliefs is that of suicide; again because they did not confess it with remorse before death.

I've heard a number of different variations on this theme, but these points are common misconceptions.

There could have been a number of reasons why this person did this. Suicidal ideation is common in those who are chronically depressed. I've seen attempts by those who attempted it in multiple cases. In each case they were women.
In at least one of those, psychiatric drugs were prescribed and long term oversight by the Medical Dr.
He caused a lot of damage to the entire family for decades.
The drugs those bozos prescribe can and do actually cause their patients to commit suicide in many cases.

I appreciate your in-depth reply. I will consider this when I speak with them again today. I just wanted to ensure I come from a place of compassion but also am biblically sound. Thank you.

 

[Cat545]

Suicide is not unforgivable. It is not necessarily hardness of heart. Reasons are not always straightforward, but they include a sense of hopelessness that life will get any better. For believers, the thought of death holds no fear. Sometimes, it's the thought of living that fills people with dread.

I've had suicidal thoughts from time to time. It was especially bad when my marriage failed, about 30 years ago. My ex moved house without telling me where. She took my kids and I had no way of knowing if I'd see them again. God got me through that terrible time. But I have a lot of sympathy for people who struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Part of the problem is that people do not understand how serious the problem is. I knew someone who talked often about suicide. We went to the same church. I did not take him seriously and neither did anyone else. He talked about it until he didn't. He was gone.​

Thank you for sharing this, I know it’s not easy to talk about. I do hope you yourself are doing better. I hope I can be as empathetic when I speak with my friend later today .

I agree. God is understanding and nowhere in the Bible does it state it as unforgivable. I know many Christians are split, but most I see agree suicide comes from a place of hopelessness as part of being in a fallen world. Many die from mental illness just like many die from physically ailments.

 

[Cat545]

I will not pretend to have any answers for you, I will pray over this heartbreaking event for comfort and strength for the family and friends.
This I know, this world this life can be overwhelming for some. Be it physical or mental or spiritual many struggle. Christian or not.
If your friends sister was a known believer then let your friend know this truth. That we have a just God, a compassionate God. One who came and experienced first hand the afflictions of us all.
We were never promised to win every battle we face but rest assured the war has been won.
May the Lord give you wisdom on these matters

This is a really beautiful and compassionate answer. I will definitely use this when I speak with them again.

 

[Cat545]

Jesus understands the human condition full well and is full of mercy and compassion. Suicide is forgivable even though it is quite possible that there is no sin to forgive in this tragedy. I loss a family member to suicide in 2019 and was witness to the mental anguish and depression that led to this. I am sure that his sin, if any, was forgiven. I have prayed that this is so and will say a prayer the one that died that you mentioned and for God to give peace and comfort for the family members that remain.

I’m really sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving insight on this from a place of personal experience.

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

Is suicide unforgivable?

Precious friend, sorry to hear about this loss.

Since All sins were forgiven at our "New birth" God Justifying us Eternally,
Then "suicide is forgivable". However the sad part is, the saint will
"lose reward" at the Bema Judgment Seat of Christ, but "Shall Be Saved!"
(1 Corinthians 3:8-15 AV)

And, precious friend(s), Please Be Very Richly Encouraged and Edified
In The Lord Jesus Christ and In His Precious Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided:

The Bible: The BIG Picture

Amen.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I appreciate your in-depth reply. I will consider this when I speak with them again today. I just wanted to ensure I come from a place of compassion but also am biblically sound. Thank you.

Then I should add the following consideration since you will speak with them.
The Bible doesn't condone suicide, but to clear any confusion about the eternal destiny issue I'll explain further.

Q: Did Samson go to Heaven?

A: In spite of his failures, we know that he did. Hebrews chapter 11, The Hall of Faith, as many refer to it, prominently gives an honorable mention of Samson.

32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

My concern is with the grieving family members now, because their eternal destinies are what is most important since they still have opportunity to get saved. I wouldn't assume anything, but rather review this simple gospel presentation a few times, writing the references on a notecard.
This will be a most valuable step in consolation and imparting the most valuable thing they can receive. If you present a clear gospel presentation at this time when their hearts are tender, they can receive that free gift by faith. Then they will have the blessing of meeting their saved loved ones hereafter and forever.

First one is best because of the detailed description and the many references. I will gladly provide other examples of brief gospel presentations to help you if you wish. I'll just provide 3 good ones. The first addresses suicide directly.

Simple enough for a child to understand.

How to go to Heaven? by Pastor Steven Anderson - A Clear Gospel Presentation

You can be 100% sure you will be going to heaven after you die. And you need not do anything for it. Receive the gospel with a child's heart.

www.bitchute.com

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Then I should add the following consideration since you will speak with them.
The Bible doesn't condone suicide, but to clear any confusion about the eternal destiny issue I'll explain further.

Q: Did Samson go to Heaven?

A: In spite of his failures, we know that he did. Hebrews chapter 11, The Hall of Faith, as many refer to it, prominently gives an honorable mention of Samson.

32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

My concern is with the grieving family members now, because their eternal destinies are what is most important since they still have opportunity to get saved.

I don't mean that the one who passed was not saved. Their suicide was not the issue. Their faith in Christ is what matters regarding their standing with God.

I wouldn't assume anything about the family members salvation, but rather review these simple gospel presentations a few times, writing the references on a notecard. You will also want to bring a New Testament.
This will be a most valuable step in consolation and imparting the most valuable thing they can receive. When you present a clear gospel presentation at this time when their hearts are tender, they can receive that free gift by faith. Then they will have the blessing of meeting their saved loved ones hereafter and forever.

First one is best because of the detailed description and the many references. I will gladly provide other examples of brief gospel presentations to help you if you wish. I'll just provide 3 good ones. The first addresses suicide directly.

Simple enough for a child to understand.

How to go to Heaven? by Pastor Steven Anderson - A Clear Gospel Presentation

You can be 100% sure you will be going to heaven after you die. And you need not do anything for it. Receive the gospel with a child's heart.

www.bitchute.com

/\ Edits now since I posted and ran out of time.

 

[Gideon300]

Thank you for sharing this, I know it’s not easy to talk about. I do hope you yourself are doing better. I hope I can be as empathetic when I speak with my friend later today .

I agree. God is understanding and nowhere in the Bible does it state it as unforgivable. I know many Christians are split, but most I see agree suicide comes from a place of hopelessness as part of being in a fallen world. Many die from mental illness just like many die from physically ailments.

I've been fine for decades now. My marriage broke up in late 1995. I was depressed for a couple of years. It helps to remember that Satan is the murderer. There is a spirit of death and a spirit of suicide. Some people are ignorant and give into the whispers of those spirits. We must resist the devil when these thoughts come. Easy to say, hard to do when you are depressed.

 

[GWH]

A good friend of mine just informed me they lost their sister to suicide. I wasn’t too close to the sister but i am deeply heartbroken for my friend.

According to my friend, her sister was a devout believer in Christ but has suffered from extreme depression for years where no treatment or prayers have helped. I guess this made me have two questions.

1. Is suicide unforgivable?

I’ve always believed it is still forgivable, as it is not blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, but rather “self-murder”. However, others seem to see it as a final hardening of heart and rejection of God.

2. Why would God allow a Christian to reach that point?

It’s not God’s fault people choose to end their life, as we have free will, but from what my friend discussed her sister begged and prayed and sought treatment for a very long time. I guess it made me wonder why God doesn’t always lift burdens when people are on the edge.

Mental illness is a mystery. As a Christian counselor I like to believe the right therapy helps, but it is not always easy to find or affordable. Many souls are committing slow suicide, but the hope is that when they are lying in the gutter they will look up.
Here is a song about spiritual illness and sadness by way of expressing my sympathy:

https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/when-youre-alone