What does the Bible say about someone who commits suicide?

Will people who commit suicide have a chance at salvation?


Answer:

The Bible records some examples of people committing suicide. While we find no commentary with these incidences, it’s covered in principle in the Sixth Commandment . Suicide is an act of murder. (We recommend that you read the section on this commandment in our booklet The Ten Commandments .)

While there can be no doubt that taking one’s life is wrong, suicide is often a complex matter. Perhaps others are quick to judge and condemn people who take their own lives. But we should avoid the tendency to oversimplify this tragic type of death. Individuals who commit suicide often have been struggling with serious problems, such as depression, alcoholism or other forms of drug abuse. Taking one’s life isn’t the right way to deal with any trial, but the people who do are likely not thinking clearly.

Is there hope for them to live again? God says He will resurrect all the dead (John 5:28-29), and we know that God wants everyone to have a full chance to repent and be forgiven and to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4). The Bible shows that those who did not understand God’s spiritual truth during their lifetimes will have another chance at life, a chance to deal with their problems better. By resurrecting them, God isn’t giving them a second chance at salvation, but rather their only chance. See our Frequently Asked Question, “Will everyone have a chance for salvation? ” for more information about this needful and little understood truth—the second resurrection.

We know that the families and friends of people who “succeed” in committing suicide often suffer terribly, as they struggle to understand why their loved one died in this way. The survivors need a great deal of understanding and comfort.

If we can be of further help, please let us know .

9 comments
Submitted on Jul 14, 2011, 6:52 am

kathysanny

kathysanny's picture

When I was a teenager I asked in a Bible study if suicide was the unpardonable sin. I understood that it was murder, and how could you repent of it once you were dead? He was unable to answer the question.



Submitted on Jul 18, 2011, 9:10 am

Cindy Phelps

Cindy Phelps's picture

Here are the scriptures associated with my comments above (sorry it took me awhile to pull them together!):

Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

1Th 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Act 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Heb 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Heb 10:30 For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE."
Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.



Submitted on Jul 18, 2011, 9:24 am

Cindy Phelps

Cindy Phelps's picture

Hi, Kathy. I have heard your question before and also understood suicide to be the unpardonable sin. However, when we look at the scriptures that talk about this dreaded sin we will see that it is not just one transgression that God chose out of the many sins that man commits, but actually it is the choice to sin as a way of life. We are told not to grieve the Spirit and warned against "quenching" or effectively dissolving the Spirit that God has gifted to us. It is that decision or series of decisions which are unpardonable because there is no other sacrifice but Christ through which a man can be saved. Once that sacrifice has been applied to you it cannot be applied again. We are not permitted by His Father to trample on that sacrifice and then once again be renewed to Them. So, in light of that thinking, is suicide THE unpardonable sin? The simple answer would be "no" in and of itself. However, it begs the question, is the choice to commit suicide the final decision ending a series of choices leading a person away from God? If so, they have chosen to depart from Him and THAT is unpardonable. In the end, God is the only one who knows the heart and has the ability to judge. We have not been given that authority or even the basis for completely understanding how those judgments are made. What we can take comfort in knowing is that God is good and just and He wills that none should perish. He does all that is in His power to help us get to the Kingdom...but the choice is ours.



Submitted on Dec 13, 2011, 4:16 pm

WildFlower

WildFlower's picture

My late husband decided to hang himself n i found him,this happned a year ago july 23,2011.I have asked everyone for the answer if he was unforgivn!Nobody would really answer me this like you have n I thank u.I'm still in agony daily n taking meds to help but the Lord n I are workn on strenth to over come this horrible thing.It's a struggle n the hardest thing i had too go through,He was 46 n was not a drug or alcohol person,however we had issues i thought we had got past but It eats me like cancer.I had never experieced death or someone that close doing such a selfish thing.God bless.



Submitted on Dec 14, 2011, 10:31 am

Cindy Phelps

Cindy Phelps's picture

Wildflower, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and the suffering that you feel because of it. That is a terrible reality to face and my heart goes out to you. I just finished watching this program of Beyond Today called "Moving Beyond Tragedy" http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-program/christian-living/moving-beyond-tragedy

I hope you will take the time to watch it too. I think you will find the words of this family who has suffered loss to be a great encouragement.

Here is another short clip about suicide specifically that you will find helpful http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/death/fathers-question-about-suicide

God has a future planned for all people both dead and alive to know Him and to have the potential to be in His eternal family. This includes your late husband. God speed that day.



Submitted on Dec 14, 2011, 11:32 am

Scott Hoefker

Scott Hoefker's picture

Hi Wildflower.

I'm comforted to see that this answer was helpful to you. However, the fact that you continue to struggle as you state "in agony daily", permits me to offer prayer for you, and if you would like I am more than willing to talk with you at any time if I may be of help.

Finding a loved one, after they have taken their own life leaves a indelible mark and memory that takes a long time to work through.

Our loving God knows all, and sees all, and know that your husband will have the opportunity to clearly understand that relationship again in the future...that he can have with God, and with you.

God promises strength and help to those who suffer, and He will provide those to you as you seek Him.



Submitted on Dec 14, 2011, 6:02 pm

WildFlower

WildFlower's picture

Thanks for the responces,I will look up the websites and thanks for the prayers.I do know things will take time n our father makes things easier,all Praises to him with Thanksgiving.I'll go back too my email for info on the call Mr.Scott Hoefker.I just had an opperation 6 days ago n moving slowly.I have church here shortly n so I'll probably do so tomorrow.My heart goes out too all that is or has been dealing with this terrible thing"suicide"along with all the other devistating issues many of us face & pray daily for all that the Holy Spirit innercedes.



Submitted on Nov 27, 2012, 9:09 am

Swanepoel

Swanepoel's picture

Sorry for commenting a year later...

God judges our life and works, not just one single action. Let me compare life to a book. If a book is well written but has a bad ending, it does not make the whole book bad.

My friend commited suicide. He had a good heart and changed a lot of people's lifes. I do not believe that, after all the good, he will be judged for one "mistake".



Submitted on Dec 1, 2012, 1:32 am

Ivan Veller

Ivan Veller's picture

Swanepoel,

My heart goes out to you.

May I offer the following articles in the hope that they may provide some support, comfort, and solace: http://breakingfree.ucg.org/category/topics/emotional-stresses

Ivan



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