I have heard of Christians who have committed suicide. In fact, I personally knew one who was a co-worker and a friend of mine. Some at the funeral said that they are now in hell…others believed that once a person is saved they will be in heaven no matter what they do here on earth. If a believe commits suicide, can they be saved? Is killing yourself the unpardonable sin? Does a believer go to hell if the end their own life? What principles can we learn about this question from the Bible?
One Second After Death
Like Lazarus and the rich man, immediately after death a person is in a conscious state. They understand at the moment after they die whether they are going to be judged and condemned to hell or they will know Jesus and be in His presence immediately.
The apostle Paul understood that to be absent from the body was to be present with the Lord as he wrote in II Corinthians 5:6-8: “ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” In verse one of this same chapter he says, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
The understanding is that the moment one dies in the faith, they are absent from earth but immediately present with the Lord. Paul doesn’t qualify this with “but if we kill ourselves then we will not be present with the Lord.” In fact in verse 5 he says, “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” Thus, God is guaranteeing our delivery into the Lord’s presence. But if you are not born-again, then your fate, immediately after death is where the rich man was. He was in eternal torment being tortured by fire and was unable to cross over to the other side where God was (Luke 16:19-31). If you die without Christ, your fate is sealed. This is why it is so important that today you come to saving faith in Christ while it is still called today for no one has any guarantee that tomorrow will ever come (Heb. 4:7).
No Guarantees Apart from Christ
If you find yourself in a serious, extended state of depression, seek professional help immediately.
The rich man that died could never have any hope of going to heaven. When a person dies without Christ, they can not choose to accept to believe in Him then. It is too late. Those who think that they might commit suicide take a great risk; that is a risk of spending eternity apart from God.
If a person is not saved they will have to give an account for everything that they have ever done or said in their entire life (Rev. 20). They will stand guilty and be judged for eternity by God Almighty. Jesus can not help them then. If they commit suicide, they will also have to pay the penalty for murder; that is murdering their own selves. That will be a burden and everyone’s suffering in eternal torment is according to what they have done while alive on earth. After a person dies without Christ they know that they are going to be separated from God for all eternity; they will know this a split second after they die. Then of course, it is too late to repent and be saved.
A God-Given Guarantee
Once a person is saved, that is born-again, there is no way that they will ever be lost again. Not only that, they will not lose the reward of heaven and being in the presence of Jesus Christ. Here are biblical guarantees:
I Peter 1:3-5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. “
Romans 8:38 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers…”
Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. “
II Corinthians 5:5 “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
Reflect on these words straight from the mouth of God since all scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God Himself (II Tim 3:16). God says about those who are saved that they are: sealed for the day of redemption, guaranteed for what is to come, promised that you are His possession, have a deposit for an eternal inheritance, an inheritance that can never perish! Wow…yes, believe it. God would not have you born-again only to abort you at the last moment. We are saved, as Paul says, that not even the demons, or an angel, anything in the future, past, or present, or even death itself could rob.
In Philippians 1:6 God says through Paul that “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God will complete what He has started. No matter what happens. And yes, this includes someone who takes their own life. Many biblical heroes have contemplated suicide: Job, Jeremiah, Jonah, and even mighty Samson.
A Loss of Rewards
In I Corinthians 3: 12-15, Paul relates that we can lose rewards but not our eternal life, as he writes, “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their 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 person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” Read any Bible commentary on these verses and it clearly shows that a Christian will receive rewards at the Bema Judgment Seat of Christ. This is not to be confused with the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20 where those who died without Christ are thrown into the lake of fire.
In I Corinthians chapter three, Paul speaks about some losing rewards due to carnal works that will be burned up. Each Christian will be rewarded by what they have done while on this earth; did they help the poor, witness to the lost about the gospel, visit someone in the hospital or prison, and so on. So even though a Christian can take their own life, they will not lose their eternal life. They will lose rewards yes, but not their eternal inheritance. Remember that if you were born-again, you are sealed with a promise, guaranteed an inheritance and God will complete in you what He has begun; even despite our own selves.
A Christian’s Suicide
I had a co-worker a few years ago who was a Christian. I did not know this when I first witnessed about the gospel of Jesus Christ to her. She had been demoted, was going through a divorce, had a debilitating disease and she finally was in so much emotional and physical pain that she ended her own life. After I witnessed to her she told me that yes, she was a Christian. She believed in Jesus Christ, that He was born of a virgin and was both God and man, that He died for her sins, and that she was born-again. She understood that she had eternal life and that she accepted in faith God’s free gift of grace. I believe with my whole heart, and from scriptural evidence of a saved person, that today she is in heaven and with Jesus Christ. I also believe that she likely lost some rewards in heaven. But she did not and in fact could not lose her salvation. That is good news.
Of course suicide is not a good way to end our earthly suffering. If you are in an extended state of depression, please seek immediate help. Anyone who is not saved and commits suicide is in serious trouble for they will have the wrath of God upon them at the Great White Throne Judgment Seat. If you find yourself in a serious, extended state of depression, seek professional help immediately. Please read this websites article called “Christian Depression Help – Biblical Encouragement and Advice” for more help. Go to the search column and type in “Depression” and it will bring up the article “Christian Depression Help – Biblical Encouragement and Advice”. Please read it. Don’t put this off. I pray that if you are not saved, you will know Jesus Christ today. Accept the free gift of eternal life. All you have to do is believe and acknowledge your sins before God. He will freely give you grace. It is just that simple. Do this right now and nothing can ever separate you from God…for all eternity.
Conclusion
Immediately after you die you will either be in Hell or Heaven. Believers, when they die, are absent from the body and present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:6-8). Eternal life is a guarantee and when a believer takes his own life he will lose rewards in Heaven, but he will not lose his place in Heaven. An unbeliever, when he dies, knows a split second after death that they are eternally separated from God (just like in the account of Lazarus and the rich man). After death it is too late to be saved. There is help for those who are contemplating suicide. Please seek help rather than death.
Are you interested in other similar questions & answer articles? Take a look at these:
Can A Christian Lose Their Salvation?
What Do Christians Believe About Dinosaurs?
Does The Bible say What the Devil Looks Like?
Sources
The Holy Bible, New International Version
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Hi Tara! Good point. I know why I have been quiet and it’s the same old story. Struggling with not wanting to live in such an awful world and wondering if as bad as this sounds – if it is ok and how I would be punished. I continue to think and hope that God wouldn’t punish those who do when they did nothing wrong other than not being able to cope. If someone loves God that is all that matters. Not if they love this world IMO. I am still lost and searching though for truth. I think the other talk was just people wanting to understand the how’s and whys. People do get frightened and scared when you bring up the subject. Even suicide. If we could talk about it openly and not have to hide in shame or on the Internet the world would be a better place.
Obamathetyrant, you are absolutely right. There are so many subjects that a lot of people consider to be taboo, but yes, if they were discussed openly, the world would be more alert as to Satan’s schemes, the way he operates, and would be familiar with his tactics. I just came upon this page last night, because I was so depressed, and I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what might have been wrong with me. However, I woke up this morning, in a great mood. I have loved reading this page, and there are so many uplifting and inspiring stories. I mean, these people could be role models, you included, Cat, and anybody else who has given amazing advice on here. I will most certainly continue to read. Thank you all!
I need help before i do something crazy thinking about giving mom a heart attack
@Kendall What do you mean? If you are thinking of hurting your mother for real you need to call someone. Why would you give her a heart attack and how could you? If you are serious and you aren’t joking I would suggest calling 911 or the police and telling them. If you just need to vent and for someone to listen we are all here.
Kendall, don’t give up, and please do not do that to your mother. Vengeance is the LORD’S. Don’t do that please.
Kendall…please don’t consider giving your mother a heart attack. What do you mean by this? You need to seek help immediately that is what I recommend. Call your pastor right away. Sometimes medical attention can mean all the difference as a former Mental Health Case Mgr, a simple brain chemistry imbalance (not a moral or character weakness by the way but a real, physical cause) and this can be fixed. Have you spoken with your pastor? A Christian counselor? A doctor. Seek help now. We are praying, I am sure, for you. You don’t want your mother’s blood on your hands my friend.
i called upon the lord to save me and i fully beleave in my heart that jesus died on the cross and three days later he rose from the dead and no matter what i do or sin i will spend eternity with him read matthew 7:23 he will never say that to me because he died for my sins and your right 1conrinthians 3:15 says a man will lose his rewards but his soul will be saved! The reason i say and know this is because im on the verge of suicide and im readdy to meet my wonderful savior and i cant wait to hug and kiss jesus and to thank him for making it possible for me to spend eternity with and loving him. “I LOVE JESUS CHRIST”
Anthbony, Obamathetyrant is spot on the mark of truthfuless (Thank you Obamathetyrant). When we end our life prematurely, we put a period where God has a comma. Look at it this way. We have disappointments but these are actually “His-appointments” and you will lose your rewards for all eternity big time because God is not done with us as long as we are drawing a breath. Obamathetyrant is so right. Use this suffering and emptiness to God’s glory and take as many to heaven with you while you are still alive.
Anthony I hope you don’t. I think we’re meant to die “naturally.” When God is ready for us. Suicide is unnatural. Many unnatural things we know are against the Bible. I don’t believe it’s enough to just call upon The Lord to save your soul and he will do it WITHOUT helping you with your suicidal thoughts. Maybe I am wrong, but I’ve thought about this a lot as someone who has struggled with thoughts of suicide for years unfortunately. Sometimes are better than others. The point is it still doesn’t “feel” in my heart like the right thing to do and I think Anthony if you really dig deep down into your soul you’ll realize this as well. Ultimately I do believe whatever happens in this world is ultimately part of God’s plan. Nothing can happen he doesn’t allow to happen and all things happen for a reason. However Anthony I doubt it is very much your time. Maybe pray and go out and spread the gospel. Help others. Why selfishly take your own life when you clearly still have an ability to spread the word and the passion for it.
I agree Jesus is the one who gave an take .To take your life is gamble
My beautiful wife of 45 years passed away in January, 2013. I have never felt so much depression, anxiety, loneliness and unable to process this event. She was the kindest, most generous person I ever met. She was emotionally strong and was my rock throughtout my careers. I am alone, crying most of the time, and am attending counseling on a weekly basis. I still don’t have answers to my questions, mainly why take this wonderful person and leave the scum running the streets. And, if we commit suicide that is considered self murder so why isn’t it God committing murder when he/she takes a life? Points to ponder.
Hello Mr. Nathe. Wouldn’t God want to populate heaven with such saints? She is secure and more happy today and you can join her someday, right? Anyway, God will judge everyone and no one gets away with anything at all…ever! Read Rev 20:12-15 “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Knowing where you beloved and dearly departed wife is today would you really want her to come back to this wicked world? She is more joyful now than ever before and think of the day you will be reunited with her for eternity if you have put your trust in Christ that is. God doesn’t murder anyone my friend, He has an appointed day for all and then the judgment. He offers eternal life to all who would believe in Christ.
First im soo sorry what happen to your wife. I lost my dad when I was young an every day I needed him just to talk to him just tell him how my days were. It is hard but remember Tom Jesus did give these beautiful people life so if he take it , it’s not murder because we are rightfully his from the beginning.
Thanks for the article. I’M done being everyones punching bag, this has been my life literally and figuratively. My only reason for not having left this earth yet is the fear of going to hell. I want nothing more than to spend eternity with my children in a great place. When there’s no other way to get home with the lord any quicker we are left with few choices, and in a life like this one even fewer choices than that. I could continue being abused and hated by my husband or leave and see God. But I wish I could get a personal verification from the lord himself saying “its okay to choose when to come home, I wont punish you for it “
Dear Confusednfrustrated…yes, what Obamathetyrant said is correct. This man needs to go to jail. A simple reading of Romans 13 shows that all lawbreakers, Christian or not (which he doesn’t appear to be one…pleae read 1 John chapter 3 to see why I say that). There is no excuse for such criminal behavior. If you do nothing, you are enabling this man’s criminal activity and perhaps in jail he might see his sin and his need to repent. Do it today. Don’t wait…please…and don’t end your life. God wants us to live thru ups and downs and take disappointments and make then “His-appointments.”
Confusednfrustrated I am sorry you are in pain and have had to go through everything you have, but suicide is not the answer. Why not since you want to leave this earth anyway try a few things first? Don’t give up. There are always choices. I am going to tell it like it is – if your husband abuses you it is because you allow him to. He can be arrested, you could leave. There are people and groups who can help. Call the police right now and I promise in an hour you will be in a safer place and starting a new life. Don’t take that from him or anyone! It is your life and the time you have on earth is a gift from God. And only God can decide how much time you get. I wish sometimes I could get permission and knew for sure it was ok to come home as you say, but I also deep down know that’s not how it’s supposed to work. Nobody said life would be easy and you really should let it play out as God intended. You are here on this earth for a reason. It is God’s plan. You are important, needed and loved!
My heart is broken by things that don’t make sense. I don’t care to go into detail. Like another poster mentioned above, I once wanted to die, or commit suicide, but hell as a final destination was what stopped me completely in my tracks. Once I crossed over into hell, my pain would only be beginning. Hell is the most physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual (as eternal separation from God) pain a soul can experience. I still get terribly depressed and feel as if I’m losing my mind, and that death would solve it all, but I have become more of the mindset that I’m not going anywhere; not until God is ready for me, and it’s even gotten to the point where I’m scared to death of, well, death. I don’t know how much weight my words would carry, but to those who have managed to make it all the way to my post, there are so many uplifting posts on here, and it’s never a good idea to end your own life. After awhile I began to see it like it should be seen, that suicide is a way of a person internally thinking, “God, I tried to give my problems to handle, but you took too long, you weren’t listening, I’m tired, etc., so I am going to kill myself. I have never attempted suicide ever. It’s always been a cry for help with me, and only when I first had gotten diagnosed with PTSD and chronic depression at 17. No condolences needed; 1 out of 3 people in the USA experience some type of mental disorder, so it’s widespread. It’s terrible to get to the point to where you spend most of every day trying to figure out which method would be the fastest, the least painful, or worse yet, the most shocking, the most vengeful. People, before you end your life, think about how that would break the hearts of people who love you. I have depression and paranoid issues; I know what it’s like to feel as if my whole family is out to get me, or that they hate me. It’s been posted tons of times on this post, but God won’t be ready for you to die until he’s ready to take you himself. Don’t play God with your own soul. Hell will be waiting is my fear. I can give myself a splitting headache trying to figure out what got into Lucifer, why he was able to generate self-pride, when it was God who created him; he was an angel, as hard as that is to believe. This topic, Satan, is avoided way too many times. Doesn’t it make sense that an army wants to be able to foresee and understand its enemy’s tactics? Paul mentions (I’m not sure where, but in the NT) to put on the armor of God, and the next thing I remember in the Bible as I read that part is that we people are not actually fighting with other living beings. We are fighting against the powers of the air and darkness (demons; evil spirits) that threaten to tempt us and make us do things we should not do. I won’t ramble on and on, but God is not finished with you; he’s only gotten started using you as his vessel. It’s refreshing to see people on this thread having first posted fearful, suicidal, angry and depressed, and to read later posts from them in which they are telling other people not to even consider it; that God has a plan for each and every one of them. Today has been another one of those painful days where I cannot find out what on earth is wrong with me, I am so depressed and everything is bleak, but even now, the last thing on my mind is suicide. I want to live! My life will only be beginning once i cross over into those heavenly gates. 80 more years of hell on earth to be rewarded with eternity in heaven? Now that sounds like a deal I’ll agree to!
I am not pro suicide, but what I am anti is anti you wil go to hell if you do. I can’t believe God would punish an otherwise decent God loving soul who couldn’t take it on earth. If would be like a soldier who was killed on the battlefield. He died fighting for that cause, that side. He isn’t then off the team for lack of a better term. Does this make sense to anyone else? I think if you are on God’s team and die on the battlefield that is earth you can still go to heaven. God knows what is in our hearts and that is what matters.
Just a thought I had. Again not justifying suicide! I just don’t believe that good people who do go to hell for not being basically stronger.
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