Question:Does the Bible say anything about suicide? Is it true that a person who takes his own life has no chance for going to heaven?
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Answer: The Bible contains six accounts of people who took their own lives. There’s no Biblical basis, however, to believe that a person who commits suicide goes to hell for that mistake. Suicide is not an “unforgiveable sin”. The Holy Scriptures repeatedly promise that anyone who accepts Jesus as his or her Savior is “born again” or saved from death into eternal life in heaven. People who go to hell do so because they would not accept Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for their sins. It’s important to understand that a person cannot lose His salvation once he has accepted Jesus as his Master and Savior! It is a gift from God that He never withdraws, no matter what sins we commit in the future. When we belong to Him, nothing we do – even suicide – can separate us from Him!
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul in Romans 8:38-39
Many religions, even some Christian denominations, teach that people will inherit a place in heaven because they have believed, behaved well, and accumulated good works into their heavenly accounts. This is not Jesus’ message! His salvation is a free gift that He gives to those who accept Him and follow Him. There’s no way to earn our way into heaven by being “good” and working for it. Salvation is never based on anything we achieved; it’s a gift that God never takes back – even for those who are suffering from a mental or physical illness which leaves them feeling hopeless, distraught, and not able to make sound decisions. Jesus said, “For God loved the world so much that He sent His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“For by grace you have been saved though your faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Do you know someone who seems despondent and depressed? Help him or her not to isolate himself from others, and make sure you share the hope, comfort, and peace that this person can have through a relationship with Jesus and with others who are headed for the kingdom of heaven. The Bible is such a rich spring of hope, especially for those who are sad, sick, or grieving a loss. Ask Jesus to give you the right words for others to help them know the peace that we have as followers of Jesus, now, and in the eternal life to come! You can pray for God’s Holy Spirit to guide you in this:
Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, guide me to reach anyone to whom you would have me to show your love by listening to their concerns and sharing the happy plans you have for us as your followers. Place me exactly where you want to use me to comfort others, and put your words in my mouth that you mean for me to say. I believe you, I trust you, and I thank you! Amen.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the thoughts of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
