Imagine receiving a desperate message late at night: “My life is meaningless, and I see no reason to continue. Unless you can give me a reason to live, I plan to end it all within the hour.” This is a chilling scenario, and one that highlights the urgent need for clear guidance on the topic of suicide. When faced with such a situation, or when grappling with these thoughts ourselves, where can we turn for answers, and crucially, Where In Scripture Does It Say what we need to know?
Thankfully, in the instance described, a prompt response offering hope and reasons to live resulted in the person choosing not to take their own life. However, the stark reality is that suicide is a global crisis. Statistics reveal over a million lives lost each year to suicide, and countless more who contemplate this irreversible act. Even in moments of despair, it’s crucial to remember that feelings of hopelessness, while intense, can be temporary. As teenagers, many face moments of considering suicide, yet often find their way back from the brink, even without religious belief, recognizing that life, in its essence, is worth preserving. Suicide, from a Christian perspective, stands in stark contrast to the abundant life promised through faith in Christ (John 10:10). It’s an ultimate declaration of defeat, a surrender to the false belief that life is beyond redemption.
Suicide is often described as a permanent solution to what are frequently temporary problems. Tragically, news reports often detail young lives lost to suicide following events like relationship breakups, bullying, or other challenges that, while deeply painful at the time, are often viewed differently with the passage of time. In the broader perspective of life, and especially with an eternal perspective as Christians, no earthly problem justifies ending one’s own life.
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state the phrase, “where in scripture does it say, ‘thou shalt not commit suicide,'” it unequivocally condemns murder in the Ten Commandments: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Suicide, being the act of “self-murder,” falls under this divine prohibition. Therefore, based on this commandment, we can infer that suicide is indeed a sin. Beyond this direct connection to the commandment against murder, there are further theological and practical reasons why suicide is considered a sin:
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God’s Sovereignty over Life and Death: The Bible consistently emphasizes that life is a gift from God, and He alone has the authority to determine the beginning and end of life. Taking one’s own life usurps this divine authority, acting as if we have the right to decide when our life should end, a right that belongs solely to God. Where in scripture does it say about God’s sovereignty? Job 1:21 states, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” This verse highlights God’s ultimate control over life and death.
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Lack of Faith in God’s Power: Suicide can also reflect a deep-seated lack of faith in God’s ability to intervene and resolve life’s challenges. It suggests a belief that problems are insurmountable and that God is either unwilling or unable to provide solutions or comfort. This perspective contradicts the numerous promises in the Bible about God’s unwavering support and power to help us through any situation. Where in scripture does it say about God’s power and help? Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This verse assures believers of God’s constant availability and power in times of distress.
The general consensus, even outside of religious contexts, is that suicide is a tragic act. However, a critical question often arises within a Christian framework: is suicide a forgivable sin? This question frequently stems from the understanding that forgiveness requires repentance and confession of sins. If suicide is committed, there is no opportunity for repentance after the act. This leads to the fear that suicide is an unforgivable sin, condemning the person to hell.
However, this line of reasoning overlooks a fundamental aspect of Christian theology: the all-encompassing nature of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus died for all sins – past, present, and future – of those who believe in Him. The Bible states that we are redeemed and forgiven through the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19). If a person has genuinely accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, demonstrating faith and redemption in their life, and then tragically commits suicide, even this sin is covered by Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
While the question of whether a true Christian could commit suicide is a complex theological discussion, the assurance remains that if a believer were to commit suicide, it would not be beyond God’s forgiveness. Verses like 1 John 1:9, which speaks of confession and forgiveness, refer to the ongoing relational forgiveness between a believer and God in daily life. They do not negate the judicial forgiveness that was completely secured by Jesus’ sacrifice for all sins. Suicide, therefore, is not an unforgivable sin, and it is certainly not greater than the redemptive power of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
A related question often asked is whether Jesus’ death itself could be considered suicide. After all, Jesus knew His fate and willingly walked towards it. However, there is a profound difference between sacrifice and suicide. Sacrificing one’s life for others is not suicide. Suicide is the act of intentionally ending one’s own life for personal reasons of despair or hopelessness. Jesus willingly sacrificed His life, but He did not kill Himself out of despair. His was an act of ultimate love and obedience to God’s plan for salvation.
Similarly, examples like a firefighter dying while saving others, or the biblical figure Samson (Judges 16:26-31) who sacrificed himself to destroy the Philistines, are acts of self-sacrifice, not suicide. Samson’s primary goal was to defeat God’s enemies; his own death was a consequence of achieving that goal. These acts highlight the principle that sacrificing oneself for a greater purpose, especially in service to God and others, is fundamentally different from suicide. It is an affirmation that “you are not your own…you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), acknowledging that God’s purposes for our lives are far greater than our own desires or preferences.
In conclusion, where in scripture does it say about suicide? While the Bible may not explicitly use the word “suicide” and say “it is a sin,” its teachings clearly indicate that suicide is indeed a sin. It is never the right response to life’s challenges. If you are not a believer, God offers redemption and a true purpose for living through Jesus Christ. If you are a believer facing overwhelming difficulties, remember that God has already redeemed your life, and regardless of your circumstances, He can work powerfully through you. Do not give in to despair. Choose life, choose hope, and seek God’s strength and guidance.
S. Michael Houdmann
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