Why should a christian NOT commit suicide?

[Sapiens]

If a christian kills himself, he still goes to heaven, right? If God truly forgave him and accepted him in his kingdom, he won't change his mind later. Even if a sin like self-murder is commited.

So, other than perhaps not being a usable tool in God's earthly projects (such as bringing others to christ), and perhaps bearing a bad testimony to those left behind, why shouldn't a child of God prematurely die (that is, not by a "natural" cause, but by a willful choice)? I understand the motives may be selfish, but still.

If we will die anyways, and if we'll go to heaven anyways, then what's wrong with hastening it? Selfishly speaking, it only seems advantageous. Are there only altruistic reasons for not doing it?

Thoughts?

 

[Radrook]

Because as Christians we are expected to appreciate the life we were given here on Earth and use it in the service of spreading the Gospel to others as Jesus commanded all Christians to do in Mathew chapter 28.

Matthew 28:19 NIV
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 

[Anguspure]

If a christian kills himself, he still goes to heaven, right? If God truly forgave him and accepted him in his kingdom, he won't change his mind later. Even if a sin like self-murder is commited.

So, other than perhaps not being a usable tool in God's earthly projects (such as bringing others to christ), and perhaps bearing a bad testimony to those left behind, why shouldn't a child of God prematurely die (that is, not by a "natural" cause, but by a willful choice)? I understand the motives may be selfish, but still.

If we will die anyways, and if we'll go to heaven anyways, then what's wrong with hastening it? Selfishly speaking, it only seems advantageous. Are there only altruistic reasons for not doing it?

Thoughts?

This verse from Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians is in the context of sexual immorality but I think the idea has relevance here: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6)

It was on this basis alone that I discarded the idea of suicide.

 

[Rescued One]

Why kill yourself, if you trust God?

Isaiah 26
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Philippians 4
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

God is with Christians. We don't kill ourselves.

 

[ImAllLikeOkWaitWat]

Unless you have some horrible illness like alzheimers I don't see why you are saying why don't christians just kill themselves since they already have it made. If there was a legit reason for the suicide then I might understand your question but it seems like you are suggesting christians to kill themselves for the sake of doing it since they will have eternal life. We also must remember getting into heaven is one thing but getting the maximum reward is another. There will be rewards given out and why not try to get the best reward you can instead of wasting your life to kill yourself for no apparent good reason.

 

[Radrook]

Unless you have some horrible illness like alzheimers I don't see why you are saying why don't christians just kill themselves since they already have it made. If there was a legit reason for the suicide then I might understand your question but it seems like you are suggesting christians to kill themselves for the sake of doing it since they will have eternal life. We also must remember getting into heaven is one thing but getting the maximum reward is another. There will be rewards given out and why not try to get the best reward you can instead of wasting your life to kill yourself for no apparent good reason.

Can you please provide scriptural support for the varying rewards in heaven concept. Thanks.

 

[Soyeong]

If a christian kills himself, he still goes to heaven, right? If God truly forgave him and accepted him in his kingdom, he won't change his mind later. Even if a sin like self-murder is commited.

So, other than perhaps not being a usable tool in God's earthly projects (such as bringing others to christ), and perhaps bearing a bad testimony to those left behind, why shouldn't a child of God prematurely die (that is, not by a "natural" cause, but by a willful choice)? I understand the motives may be selfish, but still.

If we will die anyways, and if we'll go to heaven anyways, then what's wrong with hastening it? Selfishly speaking, it only seems advantageous. Are there only altruistic reasons for not doing it?

Thoughts?

Christianity is as much about getting heaven into us as it is about getting us into heaven. We are made new creations in Christ and set apart for the purpose and the divine privilege of doing good works and reflecting God's holiness, righteousness, goodness, and love to the world, so committing suicide would run counter to that purpose.

 

[Sapiens]

Because as Christians we are expected to appreciate the life we were given here on Earth and use it in the service of spreading the Gospel to others as Jesus commanded all Christians to do in Mathew chapter 28.

Matthew 28:19 NIV
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Ok. But what about those who don't like their life? What about someone who suffers physically? Or someone who's just sick of life (maybe they got hurt, or whatever reason they may hold for it)?

Does God really need us to share the gospel anyways? I understand that's the mean he wants to use though. But he doesn't need us.

I suppose one more reason could be offered. Maybe we won't be able to grow spiritually and get closer to him, but I also suppose we'll have plenty of that in heaven.

 

[Sapiens]

Why kill yourself, if you trust God?

Isaiah 26
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Philippians 4
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

God is with Christians. We don't kill ourselves.

If I may politely say, you're wrong. Christians do commit suicide. Unless you want to argue that anyone ending their own life isn't really a christian? Maybe they did lack trust in God, or maybe they just didn't want to go on with this earthly life? Or maybe both.

 

[Sapiens]

Unless you have some horrible illness like alzheimers I don't see why you are saying why don't christians just kill themselves since they already have it made. If there was a legit reason for the suicide then I might understand your question but it seems like you are suggesting christians to kill themselves for the sake of doing it since they will have eternal life. We also must remember getting into heaven is one thing but getting the maximum reward is another. There will be rewards given out and why not try to get the best reward you can instead of wasting your life to kill yourself for no apparent good reason.

Well, I implicitly meant that in light of life's challenges, sometimes very tough, why not give up? You offered an interesting reason though.

 

[Greg J.]

If a christian kills himself, he still goes to heaven, right?

Those who have believed in Christ also believe the words of the Holy Spirit through Paul who was specifically talking about Christians who were saved:

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1984 NIV)

If Jesus isn't your Lord, he isn't your Savior. It's a component of saving faith. (James 2:19).

Can you please provide scriptural support for the varying rewards in heaven concept. Thanks.

Every verse that talks about rewards for actions indicates that rewards will be different. Some will have done what is necessary for the reward and some will not. One example:

The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:8, 1984 NIV)

Regarding various degrees of torment in the lake of fire:

“That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:47-48, 1984 NIV)

(That the lake of fire is real: Revelation 20:10, 12, 15.)

 

[ImAllLikeOkWaitWat]

Can you please provide scriptural support for the varying rewards in heaven concept. Thanks.

Google the bema seat. Greg J gave a good verse hes another

1 Corinthians 3:12-15, "If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."

 

[ImAllLikeOkWaitWat]

Well, I implicitly meant that in light of life's challenges, sometimes very tough, why not give up? You offered an interesting reason though.

We have more to fight for than unbelievers. Unbelievers just perish, we however may all have salvation but our works along with our motives and heart will determine our rewards and standing in the next life. Some will have high standing others low. Of course if you are doing good works just for high standing God will see through that. So its not just about works but its about works with the right motives to please God not for selfish gain. Suicide doesn't please God, loving your neighbor etc..pleases God. We should aim to please God not ourselves.

 

[S.O.J.I.A.]

If a christian kills himself, he still goes to heaven, right?

huh?

a true born again follower of Christ indwelled by the Holy Spirit is not going to be in an emotional position to take his own life because he has hope and trust in the LORD that is supernaturally given to them by the LORD.

 

[ImAllLikeOkWaitWat]

matthew 20:21“What do you want?” He asked. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine will sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” 22“You do not know what you are asking, Jesus replied. “Are you able to drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We are able,” the brothers answered. 23“You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.

I don't know who will sit at jesus right or left but whoever does clearly will have more power and authority than someone not at that position.

 

[Stillicidia]

If a christian kills himself, he still goes to heaven, right? If God truly forgave him and accepted him in his kingdom, he won't change his mind later. Even if a sin like self-murder is commited.

So, other than perhaps not being a usable tool in God's earthly projects (such as bringing others to christ), and perhaps bearing a bad testimony to those left behind, why shouldn't a child of God prematurely die (that is, not by a "natural" cause, but by a willful choice)? I understand the motives may be selfish, but still.

If we will die anyways, and if we'll go to heaven anyways, then what's wrong with hastening it? Selfishly speaking, it only seems advantageous. Are there only altruistic reasons for not doing it?

Thoughts?

I know suicide is not really okay
People do say committing suicide is like theft from The Lord.

The Lord knows the hearts and minds,

If you're not in your right mind,
and you tried your best, or have something heavy going for you with God,
things will work out with you going to Heaven.

The Lord does weigh in the balances, and He has compassion and mercy.

As for talk of The Kingdom, people don't like to realize salvation can be lost.
I do not trust He would put up with greedily hastening your demise for the Heavenly.
I suspect He would burn the treasures you laid up for yourself in Heaven from your efforts on the Earth.

 

[teresa]

Thank you to the above posters who quoted scripture.

Truly some beautiful and well thought out responses

Ask a Chaplain - Private Area

 

[timewerx]

If we will die anyways, and if we'll go to heaven anyways, then what's wrong with hastening it? Selfishly speaking, it only seems advantageous. Are there only altruistic reasons for not doing it?

Thoughts?

Many of the disciples of Christ and Christ Himself hastened their deaths by preaching the Gospel to the point that it endangered their lives.

Frankly, don't suicide because I don't have any answer for such situation. The Bible is vague about it.

However, I won't stop you if you decide to do something crazy for the Gospel like going to Syria to do some missions.

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[FireDragon76]

It's not a matter of God changing his mind but potentially there is the question of why a person is rejecting the gift they have been given in salvation. Salvation is not just "fire insurance".