Scripture doesn’t actually say that suicide separates us from God for eternity.
The unforgivable sin is never equated with suicide in Scripture. Somebody like Samson died at his own hand, but he’s still included in Hebrews 11 among the Hall of the Faithful. And there’s the promise in Romans 8 that “neither life nor death,” not even death by suicide, could “separate us from the love of God in Christ.”
There are seven suicides in Scripture from King Saul to Judas, and they’re always depicted negatively. They are never God’s plan for anybody’s life. But it’s also not the unforgivable sin that automatically condemns somebody for eternity.”
Karen Mason’s book Preventing Suicide argues that people who are thinking about suicide want to be rescued. They may not always articulate it, but the people experiencing suicidal ideation are often torn between the desire to die and the desire to live. When the desire to die outweighs the desire to live or exceeds their capacity for coping mechanisms to handle their pain, that’s when suicide takes place.
But suicide can be prevented with resources, communities, support, and counseling.
Therapists and counselors say you can either reduce the pain or increase the capacity to cope with pain. This can be done through counseling, therapy, medicine, or antidepressants.
The church should not be afraid of psychology or medicine. Sometimes Christians think, Oh, that’s unspiritual. If we just believe or pray more, then we’d be able to heal this. But, no, these are ways that the church can minister to one another. God gave us people who are researchers and understand medicine, brain chemistry, and neuroscience. The better we understand these things, the better we can help one another. Just as we would not think it unspiritual to medically heal somebody for cancer or leukemia, it’s okay to provide treatment for depression and mental illness.
The body is not our own (1 Cor. 6:19–20).
Suicide in the Bible; General Scripture references; Satan tempted Jesus to commit suicide (cf. Matt. 4:5–6; Luke 4:9–11). The Philippian jailor purposed to commit suicide (cf. Acts 16:27–28). Some of God’s ministers, especially his prophets, became so frustrated with their ministry that they asked God to kill them, including Moses (cf. Num. 11:12–15), Elijah (cf. 1 Ki. 19:4), and Jonah (cf. Jonah 4:1–11). During the Great Tribulation, many will attempt to commit suicide but will be unable to find death (cf. Rev. 9:6).
Examples of suicide in the Bible;
Saul (cf. 1 Sam. 31:1–6; 1 Chron. 10:4–5) was The first king of Israel.
Suicide by falling on his sword once wounded. 1 Chron. 10:14 says that the Lord killed Saul. 2 Sam. 1:10 says an Amalekite killed Saul. 2 Sam. 21:12 says the Philistines killed Saul.
Saul’s armor-bearer (cf. 1 Sam. 31:1–6; 1 Chron. 10:4–5)
Suicide by falling on his sword.
Ahithophel (cf. 2 Sam. 17:23) A counselor to David and Absalom.
Suicide by hanging when his advice was spurned.
Zimri (cf. 1 Ki. 16:15–19) The fifth king of Israel.
Suicide when deposed, after a week, by structural fire.
Judas Iscariot (cf. Matt. 27:3–5; Acts 1:15–19) is One of the twelve apostles. Suicide by hanging after the betrayal of Jesus.
Disputed examples; Abimelech (Judg. 9:52–54) The son of Gideon and sixth judge of Israel. Killed by armor-bearer at his request once wounded. Perhaps an example of assisted suicide
Samson (cf. Judg. 16:23–31) The thirteenth and final judge of Israel. Suicide by building collapse. Cited as a hero of faith in Heb. 11:32. An example of divinely-enabled self-sacrifice after repentance.
Observations; All of the biblical examples of successful suicide are men.
All of the biblical examples are dubious characters and none are personally praised for their actions.
All were spiritually bankrupt or went through a period of spiritual collapse before their suicide.
Many of the biblical examples were in pain and/or afraid before the suicide.
Scripture generally presents these examples of suicide as a fitting end to a wicked and unrepentant life (cf. Judg. 9:56; 1 Ki. 16:19).
Toward a Christian Perspective;
Suicide is not the unpardonable sin, however, suicide is sinful (cf. Matt. 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–29).
Reasons why suicide is wrong;
Suicide is a sin against God as the creator and sustainer of life. It rejects God’s sovereignty and usurps his prerogative in regard to life and death (cf. Job 12:10).
Suicide is a violation of the sixth commandment (cf. Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17).
Suicide disregards the image of God and the sanctity of human life (cf. Gen. 1:26–27; 9:5–6).
Suicide is poor stewardship of one’s body (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19–20).
Suicide demonstrates misdirected love and is injurious to others (cf. Matt. 22:36–39; Eph. 5:29).
Suicide overlooks the value of human suffering (cf. Rom. 5:3–5; 8:28; 2 Cor. 4:17–18; 12:10).
Believers are called to suffer with Christ (cf. Rom. 8:17).
The present life is not one of earthly glory and conquest. Believers are called to have joy and hope in the midst of current trials, looking forward to the age to come.
Suicide fails to recognize the unnatural nature of death (cf. Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:26; 1 Thess. 4:13–18).
Jesus refused to commit suicide and Paul prevented it (cf. Matt. 4:5–6; Luke 4:9–11; Acts 16:27–28).
Ministry To those contemplating suicide; Recognize signs of suicide, which include: talking about suicide; statements about hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness; preoccupation with death; sudden happiness and calm; loss of interest in material things; disposal of material things; visiting loved ones; setting one’s affairs in order.
Practical response; Ask pointed questions if you suspect someone is suicidal.
Persuade them—even take them—to get help (e.g., crisis hotline, emergency room, family, counseling, etc.).
Refer them to available resources and stay involved in their life (e.g., support group, church, etc.).
Gospel The gospel itself is a response to the conditions that lead many people to consider or to attempt suicide.
Christianity acknowledges the emptiness and brokenness of the world and offers hope, newness, and abundant life. Jesus shared in man’s pain and suffering and provides redemption and restoration.
To those who have been affected by suicide; Treat as normal death. Grieve Listen Pray Meet material needs.
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