What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?
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Asked July 01 2013
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Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
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...
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Danny Glymph
Supporter
I am afraid that too often we are too hasty to judge those who have taken this unfortunate route. Certainly there are no "blanket" or "one size fits all" answers to this question and we must be careful to not become sinfully judgmental ourselves in our efforts to make theological sense out of this complicated question. Those left behind are certainly scarred deeply and will live with the painful legacy forever. I know this because one of my family members made this unfortunate choice 14 years ago. He was a Christian, however, he was also very deeply depressed and was being treated as such. He had been diagnosed with cancer, recovered, and then relapsed. The weight of this disease and the emotional depression that he experienced led him to do what he did. As an ordained minister who has seen this up close and personally, I can tell you that this matter can be far more complicated than you can ever imagine from a psychological point of view. My point is this...if you are one who legalistically chooses to judge those who have taken this route, then perhaps you should rethink your position. What kind of God would God be if He did not embrace, love and save those who have struggled with mental illness most of their lives? What about those born with mental illness who will never have the capacity to make an informed decision for Christ? What about those who (like my family member), served The Lord, faithfully, for decades and then, because of mental illness, chose a path he would never have walked when in his previous and proper state of mind? Will God condemn him to eternal punishment? I think not. The only "unpardonable sin" is the ultimate rejection of the Holy Spirit. That will definitely lead to eternal punishment and this is what Jesus meant. To conclude otherwise is to wrench this statement out of context and to impose restrictions on God's abundant and inclusive grace...which covers all sins...those confessed and repented of...as well as those of omission...whether realized and confessed or simply not realized, but covered by His grace just the same. The KEY for each of us is to "walk in the light" as I John 1:7 tells us. The Greek there implies "continuous" action and informs us that, if we do walk in the light, then our sins will be forgiven...all sins. Hope this helps those who are struggling with this question.
Pastor Paz
Supporter
If a person makes a decision to act, knowing that it may result in their own death, it could be said that the person made a suicidal decision. But their death was one of a selfless act, that regarded another's life above that of their own, such as pushing someone out of the way of a car, or stepping in front of a bullet. While both cause death, in neither case did the person pull the trigger ON themselves. In fact, "it shows a greater love in laying down ones life on behalf of another". We need to be careful not to stretch the tarp of grace and mercy beyond it's intended meaning and purpose. While some will cite the "once saved, always saved" doctrine, it is not a biblical doctrine, and as such, it CAN NOT be used to excuse, nor condone, the murderous act of suicidal cowardice. Lets look at suicide. First of all, it is THE SINGLE LARGEST act of FAITHLESSNESS. Period! "without faith, it is impossible to please God", To commit suicide screams in the face of God, that He is not in control, and declares that YOU are God, and the giver and taker of life. You are in complete control of actions and choices. Fundamentally, we are saved and told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We are told that we are to continue in repentance for forgiveness of our sinfulness (the Lords prayer, for starters..), and there is NO repentance after you are dead. So, a total lack of faith, a TOTAL act of SELFISHNESS, and no repentance or forgiveness after you are dead... So, the debate is quashed. If suicide was acceptable, then the Lord would have told us it was ok to be born again, and then to kill yourself, because that was the fast track to heaven. WRONG. "HE that endures to the end shall be saved". Suicide is a cowards way, and the epitome of APASTACY. This is NOT the way of a believer, nor are they the characteristics of one who is walking by faith, or in the hope and strength of CHRIST. By its very action, it is work of darkness, and one who has succumbed to the darkness. The devils tacticts are to isolate, discourage, oppress and depress, and then, to terminate. (lie, steal, kill and destroy). Whos mouthpiece are you? Do you preach deliverance to the captives, or say it is ok to kill yourself...? Better check yourself, and your theology, and cease preaching the doctrines of devils.... The Lord is sooo much more smarter than people. He knows man. He knows mans inclination to fall short, to lose heart, to lose faith, to disobey. Nowhere in scripture does is state that one who makes a start with Christ is saved for ever and ever, and can never lose salvation. Salvation was purchased by the blood of Christ. The covenant, requires that it be upheld, and those seeking provisions under the tenants of the contract, be in "right standing". " examine themselves to prove if they are worthy to partake...". Scriptures describe many who fell away, some who made shipwreck of their faith, some who were saved, but never surrendered....and were lost. Paul warns of being "cut off" the vine... When we read the scriptures, we need to read al of them, not just the ones that tell us what we want to see. Our relationship is a daily decision to follow and obey, and to love. Yes, there is mercy, and grace, and forgiveness, but the time to seek help, and deliverance from oppression and depression, is while we are among the living. Even Jesus questions and hopes for an alternative ending, but resolves that there is no other way. He LAYS HIS life down, not nails HIMSELF to the cross... we all have our race, and we must run it. We can not circumvent God's plan, thinking we are (know) better than He. ADDITIONALLY, when we support, endorse, and encourage others to commit suicide, we are acting in concert with the devil, the adversary of our souls, and working with satan to "steal, to kill and to destroy" another. This shows both a total ignorance of spiritual matters, and drenches your hands with the blood of men of which you will give an account.
Noel Paschke
Supporter
I believe God is the final judge of all things. Rejecting the Holy Spirit is the only unforgivable sin. Yes, one should at all times trust in God no matter what the circumstances at the moment the decision is made to commit suicide. Suicide is a sin but so is gluttony and pornography, as is a bad attitude. Suicide like all sin says," I want to be in control and determine the outcome of my decision and will not wait on God's leading." It's selfishness but then who are we to judge.
Angela Crain
Supporter
Why is it that this particular subject is not clearly addressed in God's Word? "Murder" and suicide are never talked about as being the same thing. Yes, suicide is selfish and self-centered, but the person experiencing these thoughts may see it as a selfless act to set those they love free from the burden that they convince themselves they are, especially if they are chronically ill. Chronic illness and pain distort our thinking, and I believe that God, in His infinite love, grace, and wisdom, understands this, and covers this with the same blood of His Son that cover sins that we clearly know are sins. Pornography is a blatant sin, and really cannot be seen any other way, but what if the individual engaging in this sin, was a victim of sexual abuse as a child...is that person not given more compassion than the one who engages in porn for their own gratification (without any history)? I guess what I am saying is that we do not always know what leads a person to engage in sin, but it is not our job to know. Our job is to "love our neighbor" as Christ loves us. If this person is not saved, it is our responsibility to share salvation with that person, and to show Christ's love and grace and forgiveness with that person in the same way Christ has shown us. If the individual is saved, it is our responsibility to lovingly and personally and privately point out to our fellow believer, the error of their ways-it is not for us to discuss with others when we are using "concern" to cover gossip. Point that fellow brother in the direction of help, and pray for them. Whether it is suicide or pornography or gossip-all sin separates us from God, and that is the truly sad consequence of sin. A broken relationship with Christ is a very lonely and dark place to be. Our own walk with Christ will have more influence than anything with the person who is thinking of ending their life...if our walk is one of joy, peace, and, above all, HOPE, the person without these things will be drawn to that. Hopelessness is the #1 feeling behind suicide. Rather than judgment, show the person the hope that can be found in Christ! Keeping the suicidal person from acting on their thoughts is so much more important than debating over whether it is sin, is it forgivable, will they go to hell, yada, yada, yada...it is so much easier to sit and talk about why another is doing or thinking what they are, and where that rates in the degree of sin table, than to get up and reach out to the one who is hurting and share the love of Christ with them...I have been on both ends of this. I do not speak about this because I think I know all the answers. I speak from my own experience, and from what the Word of God says about loving and helping your brother. The Word is filled with wisdom and guidance about that. About suicide, very little. I would rather know what the Word says, rather than why it doesn't say much about a certain subject. God has given us what He wants us to know right now. One day, we will have answers to all of our questions, in the meantime, Love God and Love others. Biblical References: Ephesians 3:14-21-A prayer for your hurting brother/sister. Ephesians 4:31-32-A reminder of how to "walk your talk". Make sure your own house is in order. Isaiah 61-HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS!
Del Trusdell
Supporter
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says that we are not our own, so we cannot do whatever we feel like doing! We are to be submitted to God's plans, not our own. He's God, not us! He gives and takes life, not us!
Brian Nelson
Supporter
This is based on the 6th commandment, Thou shall not kill. In essence, many believe it is "self murder". You will not find, that I know of, a verse that specifically calls out suicide. I think it's clear that we don't have the right to take any life, even our own, that is up to God. Is it a matter of salvation? That is a can of worms that will split a room full of Christians. It depends on whether or not you are in the camp of "You must repent of your sins as well as trust in Jesus" OR you believe that "Salvation comes from trusting in Jesus alone and repenting of your sins is not needed".
Jay Saunders
Supporter
The bible clearly says murderers will not inherit the kingdom of God. If you commit suicide, is it not murdering yourself? Yes or No? 1st Corinthians 6: 9 and10. Grace can cover all confessed sins repented of, correct. But how can you repent your own murder when you kill yourself? The word suicide kinda shades the fact that you're murdering yourself. I am a three part being, so if my flesh takes my own life am I dooming my soul and spirit to damnation? Something most people don't consider. They may deceive themselves in to thinking they're going to heaven. But does a righteous person take their own life? What about the people that jumped from the world trade center, desiring to escape the torment of the flames? Jumping rather than burning to death? God may allow a sinner to suffer in order to save his soul. I am not saying God allows the suffering. The Lord himself said his followers would suffer and that we would hate this world and this life, meaning that this life is not to be a life of pleasure, but one serving his purpose. The fall of man and the curse are still active everywhere in this world. Greed causes taxes to increase, bad health can bankrupt, and wealth can vanish in a blink of an eye. We see that happen in natural disasters all the time. We see Hollywood riches vanish and the famous become destitute or addicted. Suicide is taking a risk of damnation. It is too risky when the stakes are eternal life in heaven and eventually on earth or hell fire and damnation. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 Only he can destroy both body, soul and spirit, but it is not his desire to do so to anyone. But our God is a supreme judge and judge he will those not covered by the blood that bought their grace.
Dorcas Sitali
Supporter
It is sin against God of the highest order because its like you are telling God you know better. The bible says there is nothing impossible with God not a person not a situation nothing. It is devil who lies to us by making people think they are no good, nobody likes them, the thing they have done is unforgivable by God etc. The bible in psalms 139: 16 says God knew us before ism in us were formed, He knew us before the worlds were formed before our parents met before there parents met before anything was made. He is the God who formed or manufactured everything by the Word of His Mouth Jesus Christ. If devil has issues with anyone let it take it up with God for we belong to God, it is He who formed us, we are his and not ourselves. We were on the mind of God when Jesus died for us we were in Him. If there be anyone contemplating suicide please forget it devil is liar don't give up on God because He won't give up on you, His able. Romans 8;37 nothing can separate us from the Love God has for us in Christ Jesus not life, not death not devil nor his demons nothing. Devil is loser let it kill itself in stead.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
How disconcerting I feel when someone commits suicide or even contemplates it! One young woman with whom I went to Arizona Bible College did it. How sad and shocking it was to me, especially for a Christian worker! Another coworker because of the "poor" (?) quality of his life hinted that his life is not worth living anymore. I keep praying for him and ask others to do so, too. Will you join me in prayer for him? I noticed that 3 of the above teachers who answered this question, Michael, Danny, and Pastor Paz spoke of depression as a factor or cause of suicide. I note that Judas, whatever his motive in betraying Christ, plunged himself immediately into depression and killed himself. Matthew says he hung himself (Mt. 27:5). Michael mentioned these men in the Bible who took their own lives: 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). But Acts says he fell and his intestines splattered out (Acts 1:18). Maybe both occurred if the rope or a tree branch broke. My mentor says this about suicide: "To be human is to ask, 'Where have we come from?' 'Where are we going?' 'What is the meaning of history?' "The answers are shaped by one’s worldview. "Animism answers both questions with a resounding 'Nowhere!' To the animist, life is an endless wheel. There is no messianic hope, no concept of progress, no place for flourishing. "Secularism says we are going to the grave! Today’s secular society has embraced nihilism. We have exchanged a culture of life for a culture of death: infanticide, euthanasia, genocide, gendercide, hedonism, unrestrained abortion, and fascination with suicide. "Only biblical theism reveals that time is linear and history is going somewhere. God is reconciling the world to himself through Christ (Col. 1:20). Life is to be lived. Time is God’s gift to man. Man is thus a creator of history, not its slave." --Darrow Miller (my mentor) Here is a modern-day example of a would-be suicide: https://vom.com.au/iran-more-restrictions-more-growth/ Suicide according to the Nave’s Topical Bible was the suggestion the Devil made in his temptation of Jesus, Matt. 4:5, 6; Luke 4:9, 10, 11. It was the original intention of the Philippian jailer when he thought his prisoners had escaped, following the prison earthquake, Acts 16:27. Instances of suicide were: Samson, Judg. 16:29-30. Saul and his armor-bearer, 1 Sam. 31:4-5; 1 Chr. 10:4-5. Ahithophel, 2 Sam. 17:23. Zimri, 1 Kings 16:18. Judas, Matt. 27:5; Acts 1:18.
Vincent Mercado
Supporter
"You shall not kill." (Exodus 20:13) "Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. "Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, pp 2281, 2325)
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