Hello Family of God,
There are many well-meaning bible teachers, evangelists, and Pastors who wrongly teach that a Christian can commit suicide and still enter into the Kingdom of God (e.g., Charles Stanley). Is this true? And if not, then what are the dangers and ramifications of teaching or accepting this false teaching? Those who shepherd the flock of God will be held to a greater responsibility and accountability for how they feed the sheep.
"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive [the greater condemnation]." (James 3:1)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; [I have OVERCOME the world]." (John 16:33)
Does Christ dwell in you? And if so, is it possible for you to fail overcoming the World if Christ does indeed dwell in you? You are to *take courage* that it is a guarantee from Jesus Christ Himself that all True Believers will also overcome the World system if He has His abode in your heart, mind, and soul. I am stunned at the amount of professing Christians who doubt the power of God (cf. Eph. 3:20; 2 Tim. 3:5). This demonstrates a lack of Trust in the Living God in which NOTHING is too hard for Him. (Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:17, 27; Job 42:2; Matt. 19:26; Jn. 16:33; Eph. 1:19; 3:20; Phil. 4:13, 19; Heb. 1:3; et al.).
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 3:5)
The word "overcometh" (Grk. "nikao" νικάω; i.e., to conquer) is in the present tense, and this is indicative of someone who continually conquers the Word system and the trials and privations they experience in their lives. The act of suicide is in complete opposition to what the Bible says about the power of God and of Christ within them. Will Christ find faith when He returns?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also [justified]: and whom he justified, them he also [glorified]. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:28-31)
There are Three tenses of Salvation in the lives of every Christian: Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. We are saved from the Wrath of God and made righteous in the sight of God through the atoning death of Christ on the Cross. We are being saved through the process of Sanctification; and we will be saved (i.e., sin is completely done away with; and we are perfected at the glorification of our bodies). God promises that once He has justified us, He will ultimately bring it to completion without a doubt at the time when Christians are glorified. This is also in opposition to the false teaching that Christians can commit suicide and still enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath [begun a good work] in you will PERFORM IT [until the day of Jesus Christ]:" (Philippians 1:6)
"Nay, in all these things we are [MORE THAN CONQUERORS] through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)
Again, this speaks of a power that exceeds the limitations of the unconverted man or woman. Genuine believers have access to this power at all times in their lives. And again, this is in complete opposition to the idea the Christians can commit suicide; let alone, to commit suicide as a "Christian" and still enter into the Kingdom of God.
"For a just man [falleth] seven times, and [riseth] up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." (Proverbs 24:16)
Most Pastors who teach that a Christian can commit suicide and still remain saved will tell their listeners that suicide is just like any other sin; and that Christians are forgiven for sins in their past, present, and future. The problem with this is that it is NOT like any other sin. If a person has [made up their mind] that they are going to commit suicide; then this is telling us that they do NOT plan on repenting of such a sin, because it ends in a state where repentance from such an egregious sin cannot be repented of after death. The dangers of such false teachings is that it can lead many false converts to a Christless Hell and the Lake of Fire. And the one who teaches such falsity will be held responsible for sending many people to an Eternal Hell and the Lake of Fire. Their lost souls and blood will be on the hands of these false teachers; and they WILL ANSWER to the LORD for this.
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and [IT FELL NOT]: for it was founded upon a rock." (Matthew 7:24-27)
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
In Closing:
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: [I WILL STRENGTHEN THEE]; yea, [I will help thee]; yea, [I will uphold thee] with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)
God Bless!