Suicide and the Bible

We'd be known as the Koolaid kids.
That's what keeps many people from doing it, across all faiths -- concern that other people in their lives will have to go through the shock.

Imaging having children that needed to be taken care of. There are few times in our lives when major decisions can be treated with the luxury of not factoring in others.
Suicide can include an error of neglecting those in our care. And not depending on God for help.

There was a near-death experience written about, where someone landed temporarily in a spot where suicide victims wandered in limbo. People who thought they'd be free from their troubles just cycled the same thoughts in their heads, year after year.

There was no way to document or verify this, of course. And it doesn't correspond with the belief that the decision for Heaven/Hell is immediate (which is debatable in scriptures).

But if you're worried about a friend who you lost, or a friend who is thinking about suicide, this can be very upsetting.

A lot of people are on medications these days, that have side effects of suicidal thoughts. The symptom is there in writing, on the label. If you have a friend feeling this, remind them that what seems like stark reality may just be the medication. Convince them to ask their doctor to try a new med.

And a lot of people are depressed, overwhelmed, despairing, feeling purposeless. When a generation or civilization gets too comfortable, there is a tendency for narcissism. Being too focused on our own interests can lead us to realize that we have no interests that hold us, or passions that drive us.

Much of life is driven by need for survival, and helping others survive... and that can be okay. Life can be more fulfilling when we're in trouble than when we're comfortable. God brings needs across our path, and makes life very exciting. Not because we have more stuff, but because we see that we are functioning and helpful.

You go to heaven because of who you are (God's son), and not because of what you've done. If a Christian commits suicide it doesn't change the fact that they are still God's son. Therefore, if a Christian kills himself, he should still go to heaven.

Blessings,

Alan

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Not all Chris-tians have the right to identify themselves as God's sons; only those who've undergone a second birth.

†. John 1:12-13 . .As many as acknowleged him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in his name; who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

The Bible's Jesus testified that second births aren't optional, no, they're a must.

†. John 3:7 . .You should not be surprised at my saying you must be born again.

Jesus also testified that second births are not obtained by means of a ritual; but rather, by means of a miraculous act of God performed by God's Spirit.

†. John 3:5-7 . . Jesus answered: I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but The Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Second births are entirely an act of God that no man can possibly duplicate since human beings don't have the power to create themselves.

†. 2Cor 5:17-18 . .Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God

Okay, we know who and what The Spirit is; but what's the water of John 3:5?

It's humorous to me that educated theologians with doctoral degrees from seminaries cannot agree on the nature of the water when Jesus revealed it, not to a rabbi, not to a pastor, not to an elder, not to a priest, not to a Pope, not to a deacon, nor to a deaconess; but to a no-account promiscuous woman in the 4th chapter of John's report.

The water of John 3:5 is not for bathing, nor for irrigation, nor for baptizing; no, rather, the water is for drinking; and it's not even natural H2O, no; it's supernatural.

†. John 4:13-14 . .Jesus answered: Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

The water of life is available for swigs entirely free of charge.

†.Rev 22:17 . . And the Spirit and the bride say: Come. And let the one who hears say: Come. And let the one who is thirsty come— let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

In case somebody hasn't already figured out that the water of John 3:5 is eternal life, then let me state clearly and without ambiguity, that people identifying themselves as Chris-tians, while not currently possessing eternal life; do not have Christ; viz: they are quite christless. That's not my own personal assessment, but rather, the sacred testimony of the Bible's God; whom I believe qualifies as an expert witness in all matters pertaining to His son.

†. 1John 5:11-12 . . And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His son. So whoever has God's son has the life; whoever does not have the life, does not have His son.

People who exist as christless Chris-tians are in a very, very serious condition. It means they're not one of Jesus' sheep.

†. Rom 8:9 . . If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

When christless Chris-tians commit suicide, they're toast; not because they committed suicide, but because they terminate their lives without first obtaining eternal life; which is a kind of life that's impervious to the wages of sin.

†. Rom 6:23 . . For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Some of the most outstanding Chris-tians the world has ever seen are going to Hell; if they aren't there already.

†. Mtt 7:22-23 . . Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Master, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you. Depart from me, you that work iniquity.

That passage doesn't target atheists, nor Hindus, nor Muslims. No, it targets people claiming to have done many wonderful works in Christ's name; viz: it targets people identifying themselves as Chris-tians— and not just your average rank and file pew warmers, no, but rather, it targets outstanding performers like Mother Teresa, Padre Pio, and Carlos Manuel Rodriguez: the cream of the crop; the celebrities of the Chris-tian world; renowned for their accomplishments, their piety, their charity, and their dedication.

It is to many of those cream-of-the-crop Chris-tians that Jesus will say "I never knew you." Why? Because they departed this life without first obtaining eternal life to protect themselves from the wages of sin. People like that deeply desire to impress Jesus with their dedication; but instead of getting an at-a-boy and a gold star for their efforts; they will be summarily damned.

ps: How can I possibly suggest those three people named above went to Hell? I didn't. Mtt 7:22-23 targets Chris-tians like those three rather than those three in particular.

C.L.I.F.F.
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That is a good reminder that we do value human life here on earth. And we want to prevent pain for others. Our life is time allotted by God to spend wisely. Cutting that short intentionally is a decision of despair, that God couldn't possibly do more through you, and that He can't turn failure into better situations, or pain into character.

Our responses to this discussion would be different, depending on the situation. If a person is considering suicide, it is only sensible to try to dissuade them. But if a friend has already died, then the surviving loved ones want to know if God has forgiven and still provided a hopeful future in the afterlife.

The answers can still be the same, but it is not only answers that we need. There is a process of healing that can be supported in how we answer.

When a woman is standing high on a skyscraper windowsill ready to jump, we don't shout, "you were never really a Christian if you leap."

If a friend shows an obsession for death, and starts talking as though they have control over where they'll end up, and talks their friends into taking the plunge too... they can be reminded that the afterlife is God's decision to make.

We would like to set our own policies for what is right and acceptable, but the truth is, God presented a covenant to us, that He will forgive, redeem and save if we repent and draw near to Him.

It is not always fair that the first will be last, but He is the one who established the terms. He is not willing that any should perish. We make our choices to turn the offer down. If we live according to His will, which includes accepting grace, then we are His children.


We can't know what is in each other's heart and mind when suicide is put into action.

Pharmaceuticals can sway thoughts toward suicide, in a person that would not otherwise consider it. Trauma shakes our brains and puts our thoughts into a different state of reality. Panic can lead us to do strange things. Despair can be so powerful that we imagine there is no way out. God knows that we undergo these unusual states of mind.

That does not mean suicide is an approved action. It means that grace covers many things we do. God continually works with us -- He knows our thoughts.

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What is hateful to you, don't do unto your neighbor. The rest is commentary. Now, go and study.
-Rabbi Hillel

There is a sin that leads to death, which is suicide, and there is a verse that teaches us that we shall pray for sins, but not this one. This is not referring to murder but to suicide. Because we are suppose to pray for murderers.

1 John 5:16-17

16If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. 17All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

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Oh Lord, my God. My life is in your hands. You placed me in your lap during my days of trial, calmed my soul when I was afraid. You showed me the power of the Word Lord, for I was too stubborn to believe. Even in my stubbornness you saved me. I was weak, but you cared for me...was lost, but you found me. You freed me from the devil's chains, and told me the Truth, much more than what that liar told me. Your presence makes me smile Holy Spirit, I love you...O, King of kings, and Lord of lords....

i think its very wrong my friend killed his self and the pain it caused to his family was unreal and myself god put us here 2 help 1another not hurt so the pain n suffering it causes makes it a sin

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†. 1John 5:16-17 . . If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

Listed below are a number of sins for which offenders merit the death penalty.

Murder (Gen 9:5-6, Ex 21:12-14, Lev 24:17, Lev 24:21, Num 35:31-34)
Assault and Battery upon parents (Ex 21:15)
Kidnapping (Ex 21:16)
Execrating parents (Ex 21:17)
Harboring a dangerous animal (Ex 21:28-29)
Adultery (Lev 20:10)
Marrying a mother and her daughter (Lev 20:14)
Sleeping with a daughter-in-law (Lev 20:12)
Homosexuality (Lev 20:13)
Sleeping with the wife of one's father (Lev 20:11)
Necromancy (Lev 20:27)
Contempt of court (Deut 17:8-13)
Perjury (Deut 19:16-21)
Breaking the Sabbath (Ex 31:12-17)
Propagating cults and isms (Deut 13:1-18)
Blaspheme (Lev 24:13-16)
Malicious miscarriage (Ex 21:22-24)
Bestiality (Ex 22:18, Lev 20:15-16)
Tainted Virgins (Deut 22:13-21)
Naughty Fiancée (Deut 22:23-27)
Sorcery (Ex 22:18)
Chronic juvenile delinquency (Deut 21:18-21)

In addition, there are a number of Federal, State, and military felonies that merit death such as treason and desertion.

Christians who commit capital crimes should be encouraged to man-up and face the consequences rather than expect sympathy from either their church or their Christian friends. Bleeding-heart Christians who pray for their release are not only attempting to obstruct justice, but also in shameful rebellion against the sovereign wishes of the very God whom they profess to worship and serve.

†. Rom 13:3-4 . . For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

But now, supposing you live in a despotic country like North Korea, China, or Zimbabwe and a believer is arrested and sentenced to death for nothing more serious than the political crime of dissent. Can you pray for that? Yes; because that's not one of the sins listed in the Bible worthy of capital punishment. But will your request be granted? Maybe and maybe not since successful prayer is dependent upon consistent obedience.

†. John 15:7 . . If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

†. 1John 3:22 . . And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

There's always somebody to come along and insist that suicide is murder; which is quite ludicrous as Gen 9:5-6, Ex 21:12-14, Lev 24:17, Lev 24:21, and Num 35:31-34 all indicate that murderers survive the incident— at least long enough to face criminal charges for taking a human life without just cause. The only way a suicider can survive to face trial is by botching the job; but a botched suicide can scarcely be construed as murder since nobody died in the attempt.

C.L.I.F.F.
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This is a very, very dangerous subject to give advice on and we all should be really careful in giving our opinion.

Almost everyone would agree that life is the most precious gift that human beings have been given. Just the chance to be alive on this earth and play a part in the grand scheme of God's eternal plan is a privilege indeed. Yet, despite this, there are times when life becomes so difficult or unbearable that many have, at one time or another, wished they were dead or had never been born. For some, these feelings linger--and if they linger long enough, suicide seems to be the only escape.

The word suicide is derived from the latin word suicidium which means the killing of oneself.

What does the bible say about suicide?

Even though we are not under the Law but under Grace suicide is a direct breaking of the Sixth Commandment which is, "Thou shalt not kill" We are not to kill each other or ourselves. God created human beings in His image and each of us carries within us the potential to overcome the evil in this world, and to rule and reign with Christ in heavenly places. If we are Christians, we no longer belong to ourselves, but to God.

Suicide is a grievous sin that seriously hurts both the heart of God, and those who loved the deceased. We must understand ourselves and let others know that when contemplating suicide, in God there is hope and life for you. He is the great Healer and Restorer of what has been lost or stolen.

Many of the greatest saints and heroes of the Bible faced overwhelming depression. One of the greatest examples was Job. Job says, "So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity" (Job 7:15-16).

Job was blessed of God, and persevered through his trials as an example for us. Though he faced great suffering he kept his faith in God and His goodness, and in so doing, was sustained and led an abundant life.

I believe the act of suicide never takes place apart from demonic influences driving one to take their own life and is directly contrary to the will of God, and originated in the realm of the demonic host, who come only to "steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). Though demons may try to tempt us to kill ourselves, as Christians we have power over the devil and he cannot push us to do this if we sincerely call on the name of the Lord! We are all in a spiritual battle. The problem is, many of us are not aware of it, and do not know how to protect ourselves against attack.

Do all those who kill themselves go to Hell?

Some people believe that all who commit suicide go immediately to Hell. However, the Bible never says if this is the case. The Bible is silent on this issue. God probably did not address it in black in white for a good reason. If we knew that we would still go to Heaven if we killed ourselves, there would probably be a lot more suicides taking place than there already are. However, if we knew that all who killed themselves were automatically banished to Hell, no matter what their situation, it may be too much for the grief-stricken family and friends to bear.

Besides the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and rejecting Christ, all other sins can be forgiven. However, anyone contemplating suicide may be in danger of going to Hell, as their relationship with the Lord is not intact at that point. Those who would consider suicide may have a severed relationship with Christ and therefore they would enter the real Hell--which is worse than the hellish feelings they are experiencing at the moment. It is so important to remember that God judges each of us individually, weighing all the factors of our lives, our beliefs and our motives. Each one of us is so intricate and complex, only God could really judge us in total truth, wisdom, and without favoritism. The most important truth of all, is that each one of us will stand before His throne and give account of our lives. If we lived intimately with this sobering truth, much of the sin in the church and the world, would immediately be stopped.

Anyone that contemplates suicide and are relying on God's grace to get you to heaven, PLEASE stop for a moment....God's grace never means that we have a free license to sin! Those who willfully sin after knowing God's grace, are in far greater danger than those who know less. Though they may feel that God is far from them right now, He is much nearer than they think.

Our ways are not God's ways and our thoughts are not God's thoughts. I would not spread any information that would make anyone feel better about taking their own life. Remember you are held accountable for what comes out of your mouth and since this is an area where we have no biblical references to I would be slow to speak on affirming that commiting suicide will still get you into heaven.

Yes God extends us His Gracy, Mercy and Love but it is to those who are living after we are dead our state in the time of judgement is what it is.

A christian still has the old nature, and will have til we're with Lord. And so a christian is capable of just about anything, including suicide. But if a person is truly born again, he or she cannot go to hell. But it is a sin to take a life, even your own. Think about this, who's the first one you,ll see if you take your life? The Lord. Not the way I would want to. BTW, I have stuggled with thoughts of suicide for years because I live with chronic pain. Thanks to the Lord and a loving wife I don't plan on following thru with it. Jimmy

Anyone that contemplates suicide and are relying on God's grace to get you to heaven, PLEASE stop for a moment....God's grace never means that we have a free license to sin!
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Amen! Please seek help if you ever think about suicide. Absolutely it's a sin equivalent to murder!

Jeff

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For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries. (Robert Jastrow, God and the Astronomers, W.W. Norton, New York, 1978, p. 116)