Will Suicide Send You to Hell?
Often after the tragedy of a friend or loved one committing suicide I get the question, if someone commits suicide does that condemn him or her to hell? It is amazing to me how widespread this belief is. What distresses me greatly is the pain this question causes for grieving family members. The belief that suicide will automatically send one to hell is an indication of our lack of biblical knowledge and how we base much of our belief system on folk tales rather than the truth of scripture. It is essential that everyone who calls themselves a Christian learn to think in a Christian and biblical manner and not just hold to folk religion. To truly understand the answer to this question one must ask a broader question; what would send anyone to heaven or hell? Of all the questions people ask the one about how one is saved and what could negate that salvation is one of the most important. The Bible clearly teaches that human life is sacred and murder is sin. ³You shall not murder² (Exodus 20:13). We must not murder someone else, or our self. Human beings are created in the image of God and are precious to him. Every person has the potential to know God, and to be used by God to do good and combat evil. For Christ to be Lord of our lives means we no longer own our own bodies or ourselves but we belong to God. This is why intentionally harming our bodies is a sin, whether through neglect, drugs, alcohol, cutting or the most extreme harm, suicide. Suicide is a dreadful sin that causes great pain to the heart of God and all those who loved the deceased. It is one of the most selfish acts anyone can take. You leave all the pain and problems on those you love the most. If you, or anyone you know, is thinking about suicide please stop and realize that no matter how bad your circumstances seem God loves you and there is hope and life in Christ. He wants to use your pain and mistakes to help others, so never buy the lie that everyone would be better off without you. There is help available, please ask. The Bible never teaches that suicide is the unpardonable sin or that suicide will automatically send you to hell. Unfortunately many have a false view of salvation. They believe that salvation comes from living a good life and being acceptable to God, but the Bible is clear that there are none who are righteous. ³God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can¹t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it (Ephesians 2:8-9). You will go to heaven or hell because of your faith, or lack thereof, in Christ. I am no more deserving of heaven than the person who commits suicide, or any other sin. I have found those who commit suicide, including Christians, are normally dealing with great depression and pain, and their families have been trying to help them for years. The last thing they need is more guilt or condemnation that they did not do enough or that their loved one is now in hell because of their sin. If someone is a true Christian all their sins, past, present and future, including suicide, were paid for by Christ on the cross. Never give up hope.
