There is a long-held belief in Christian circles that a person who commits suicide will not be saved. This belief is false—the Bible does not support the idea that suicide leads directly to damnation. Whether or not a person is a Christian or a non-Christian, the act of suicide does not determine their position before God. Murder is a sin (Exodus 20:13) and that includes self-murder. Sin is what separates us from God, but we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:10). "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
The Bible teaches that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38–39) and that there is "now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Some may argue that a person who is truly saved would never commit suicide—that the act of suicide is a proof that the person was never saved to begin with. But the Word does not say "Christians will never sin;" it says "Blessed are they whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered" (Romans 4:7). Suicide happens because a person's mind and emotions are overwhelmed with sorrow, distress, and fear, and in the weakness of their despair they have chosen to end their lives. Peter warned the believers to "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This should tell us that Christians are susceptible to being "devoured" by the Devil. There is no better picture of this than a suicide. Satan is "a murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). But Satan's power is in this world alone (1 John 5:19). Those who belong to Christ will join Him after death—even if that death was a suicide brought on by the temptations, confusing lies, and cruelty of our enemy (Luke 23:43). Suicide is a serious sin and it is always wrong, but it is not unforgiveable.
For those who are facing trials that seem insurmountable, you are not alone. Every Christian faces times of despair and difficulty (Psalm 69:20). This is normal—it is the result of living in a fallen world. Trials and temptations do not mean God has abandoned you, or that you are weaker or more sinful than others. The Lord has promised "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5) and that promise, from an eternal God, carries eternal weight.
May God give each of those facing trials today His grace and the psalmist's perspective: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God" (Psalm 43:5).
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE
Crisis Text Line: Text "GO" to 741741
To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help
Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
Need Him Global: https://needhim.org
Suicide hotlines available in most countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
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