What does the bible say about suicide? Unpardonable Sin?

My youngest brother took his own life several years ago. I paused just now, trying to remember the exact date. I couldn’t. A sharp pang of guilt hit me.

But then, almost instantly, I felt a quiet reassurance, like a whisper from God’s spirit: “It’s okay. The date isn’t the most important thing. It’s not even in the top ten.”

As a pastor, I’ve seen the effects of far more suicides than I ever wanted to see. I’ve prayed with broken families, offered what little comfort I could in those raw, early days. I’ve simply sat with people who needed someone to be there, letting them ask the impossible questions, knowing that compassion was far more vital than any answers. But none of those experiences prepared me for the phone call from my mom.

That call, the one no parent or sibling ever wants to receive, came with her voice choked with sobs. I knew something awful had happened, but I couldn’t imagine what. After what felt like an eternity, she finally managed to say, “Tomas committed suicide… he shot himself.” My heart froze. My stomach churned, and a physical pain, almost like a blow, doubled me over.

I found myself asking the same questions I’d heard countless times: Why? Where? How? When? As if knowing more details could somehow dull the pain. It didn’t. And then came the questions about faith, about the Bible. What did I really know about this? Explaining these things to others was one thing; understanding them in the context of my own pain was entirely different. It forced me to re-examine what the Bible says about suicide from a deeply personal and painfully real perspective.

Let me just pause here before we go further into it to say that if you’re contemplating suicide, please don’t.

No matter how hopeless you feel, how bad you’ve messed up, how truly crappy things are right now, don’t take your own life. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 right now to reach out for help 24/7.

And beyond the emergency resources, I would also point you to a truly loving God who does care about you, does love you, and does want you to call out to him for help and rescue. Depending on your family life or previous church experiences, calling out to God in your darkest hour may be very hard to do.

All I can tell you is what I believe in all my heart is true: God loves you and wants you to turn to Him and ask for His help. If you’ve done that and you’re ready to start learning how to let God help you and guide you, we would love to come alongside you as you start your journey with Jesus. You can learn more about us and our out-of-the-box ministry at www.YourJesusJourney.com.

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And you can contact us directly via email at yourjesusjourney@gmail.com.

Let me share some things with you regarding what the Bible says about suicide.

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What do the Scriptures say about suicide? A Pastor's Heart Searching

After my brother's death, the questions weren’t just theological; they were raw, visceral.  And I wasn't answering them for strangers, my mom was asking.  I needed to know, not just as a pastor, but as a brother and a son. What did God’s Word really say about this?

The word "suicide" itself is relatively modern, appearing in the 17th century. Before then, people spoke of "self-murder" or "self-killing." But the act, tragically, is as old as humanity. In ancient times, cultures viewed suicide differently. Some saw it as a form of honor, a way to control one’s fate. Others, even then, recognized it as a profound tragedy.

When we turn to the Bible, we find accounts of suicide, not to glorify them, but to record the reality of human choices. Here are some accounts of suicide we find in the Scriptures:

• Abimelech (Judges 9:54): Pride and fear of humiliation drove him.

• King Saul (1 Samuel 31:1-6): Desperation and defeat.

• Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23): Betrayal and despair.

• Zimri (1 Kings 16:18): Rebellion and ruin.

• Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5): Remorse and rejection of grace.

However, it's crucial to understand that these accounts are descriptive, not prescriptive. The Bible records these events without explicitly endorsing them. The focus is on the individuals' circumstances and choices, not on glorifying suicide.

In other words, these stories aren’t meant to be examples to follow. They are stark reminders of the human capacity for brokenness. Each one is a story of a person at their end.

The Weight of "You Shall Not Murder"

Throughout history, well-intentioned but misguided interpretations of Scripture have caused immense pain. Some have wrongly condemned suicide as an unforgivable sin, leading to unnecessary suffering for grieving families.

The idea that suicide automatically condemns someone to hell is a harmful misconception. While suicide is a grave sin, it doesn't necessarily determine a person's eternal salvation. God's grace and mercy are far greater than our understanding, and He looks at the heart.

The case of Judas Iscariot is often misused. While the Bible does indicate he went "where he belongs" (Acts 1:25), suggesting eternal separation from God, this was not a result of his suicide. His rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior was the root of his condemnation.

What happens to someone who commits suicide?

This is the most asked question, and the hardest to answer. God is the only judge. We can know that all serious sin separates us from God, and that Jesus' sacrifice is the only way to bridge that gap.

For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, the promise of Romans 8:38-39 holds true: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."   

This means that even in the midst of deep despair, God's love remains. We cannot fully comprehend His mercy, but we can trust in His character.

For those who follow the teachings of the Bible and believe it as God's word, we believe:

• Life is a sacred gift from God.

• Suicide is a serious sin, but not an unforgivable one.

• God's grace and mercy are available to all who turn to Him.

• Our eternal salvation is determined by our faith in Jesus Christ, not solely by the circumstances of our death.

• God is compassionate and understands the pain that leads to such desperation.

God's Heart in Our Brokenness

In the aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide, it's easy to find ourselves wrestling with a question that's as old as humanity: Where is God in all this pain? It's easy to feel abandoned, like God has turned His back. But we can come to understand that God's heart breaks with ours.

Think about it. We serve a God who isn't distant or detached. He doesn't just watch from afar. He enters into our suffering. He knows what it feels like to lose someone you love.

When we experience those darkest moments, we can cling to the Book of Psalms, chapter 23, verse 4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." That verse isn't just words on a page; it's a promise. God walks with us through those valleys. He doesn't leave us to face the darkness alone.

And then there's John 3:16, a verse we've all heard countless times: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It's easy to focus on the "eternal life" part, but let's look at the beginning: "God so loved the world."   That love wasn't some abstract concept. It was a love so deep that God gave His own Son. He knows what it's like to lose a child. He understands the agony of grief. He feels our pain because He's experienced it Himself.

In those moments of overwhelming sadness, when I felt like I couldn't breathe, I found comfort in knowing that God was right there with me. He was weeping with me. He was holding me together when I felt like I was falling apart.  Sometimes, when we're in the midst of pain, it's hard to see God's presence. We might feel angry, confused, or abandoned. But I've learned that even when we can't feel Him, He's still there. He's still working, even in the midst of our brokenness.  God's heart is a heart of compassion. He understands our pain, our struggles, our deepest fears. He doesn't offer easy answers, but He does offer His presence. And that, in the end, is what truly matters. He is with us, always.

Practical Steps: Finding Hope and Healing

If you're struggling right now, please, from the bottom of my heart, know that you're not alone. I know how isolating it can feel, how it can seem like no one understands the weight you're carrying. But there are people who care, people who want to help.

First, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They're trained to help you navigate these difficult emotions, to give you tools and strategies for coping. It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help; it's a sign of strength.

Second, don't underestimate the power of human connection. Talk to a trusted friend, a family member, someone you feel safe with. Sometimes, just voicing your pain can lighten the burden. Let them be there for you, let them offer comfort.

And third, even when it feels like God is a million miles away, turn to Him. He understands your pain more than you know. Pour out your heart to Him in prayer, even if you don't have the words. He hears you. He sees you. Cling to the promises in Scripture, even when you can barely believe them. He is faithful.

If you're grieving the loss of someone who died by suicide, please, please be gentle with yourself. There's no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come up – sadness, anger, confusion, guilt. Don't let anyone tell you how long you should grieve, or how you should grieve.

Seek support from others who have walked a similar path. There are support groups, online communities, and compassionate individuals who understand what you're going through. Let them share their stories, let them offer you comfort.

And through it all, trust that God's love is greater than any pain you're experiencing. Even in the darkest moments, His light can break through. He is the God of comfort, the God of hope, the God who heals broken hearts. He will walk with you through this, and He will bring you to a place of healing.

Looking for more insights? You might enjoy these other posts in our 'What Does the Bible Say?' series.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide and the Bible:

• How can I help someone who is suicidal? If you suspect someone is considering suicide, your immediate action can save a life. Encourage them to seek professional help, and offer your unwavering support and compassion. Critically, ask them directly if they have formulated a plan. If they have, or if you have any doubt about the seriousness of their situation, you must call 911 immediately. Do not hesitate. Do not wait. Engage the help of trained professionals.I understand the fear of overreacting, the worry about how they might perceive you. But let me be clear: a temporary strain on your relationship is infinitely preferable to the permanent loss of a life. A friend or family member's anger can be repaired; a suicide is irreversible. Err on the side of caution. Act decisively. Call 911.

• Is suicide an unforgivable sin? No, all sins are forgivable through Jesus Christ.

• Does the bible say that all people who commit suicide go to hell? No. The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is what determines eternal salvation.

• If someone I love committed suicide, will I see them in heaven? If they had placed their faith in Jesus, yes.

• Where can someone find help if they are considering suicide? Call or text 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

• How does God view mental illness? God is compassionate toward those who suffer from mental illness. He wants them to seek help and find healing, especially those suffering from clinical depression.

• What is the best way to support a family who has lost someone to suicide? Offer your presence, compassion, and understanding. Avoid judgment and allow them to grieve.

• Does God understand my pain? Yes, God is close to the brokenhearted. He understands our pain and offers comfort, especially in deep despair.

• What does the Bible say about suicide in biblical times? The Old Testament records several instances of suicide, including King Saul, and Judas Iscariot in the New Testament. These accounts highlight the tragic consequences of deep despair and the importance of seeking God's help in times of trouble.

• Does the Bible offer any hope for those struggling with suicide ideation? Yes, the Bible offers hope and comfort to those struggling with suicide ideation and thoughts of suicide. It reminds us that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments, and that He offers a way of escape from the lies of the enemy.

• What does it mean to be a true Christian? A true Christian is someone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ and is committed to following Him. The Apostle Paul wrote that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that when we become Christians, we are given a new life and a new purpose, and are a child of God.

• What is the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is the realm where God's will is done. It is a place of peace, joy, and love. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21). This means that we can experience the Kingdom of God now, even while we are still on earth.

• What is God's plan for my life? God's plan for your life is to know Him and to make Him known. He wants you to experience His love and to share it with others. The Bible says that God has a plan for each of us, and that His plan is good (Jeremiah 29:11).

• What is the name of the Lord? The name of the Lord is Jesus Christ. The Bible says that "there is no other name under heaven given to human beings by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

• Why did Judas Iscariot betray Jesus? Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The Bible doesn't give a clear reason why Judas did this, but it suggests that he was motivated by greed and the father of lies.

• What is the Word of God? The Word of God is the Bible. It is the inspired word of God, and it is our authority for faith and life. The Bible is a source of truth, comfort, and hope.

• What does the Bible say about human beings? The Bible says that human beings are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). This means that we are special to God and that He has a plan for each of us.

• What is much faith? Much faith is a strong belief in God and His promises. The Bible says that "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).

• What are some Bible verses about suicide? While there are no bible verses that directly address suicide, the Book of Psalms and other scriptures remind us about the gift of life from God and that we should not take any life by our own hand.

• What is God's image? We are created in God's image. This means that we have the potential to reflect His character and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

• What is a true believer? A true believer is someone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ and is committed to following Him. True believers are children of God and have eternal life.

• What are suicide rates? Suicide rates are the number of suicides per 100,000 people in a population. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of suicide and that the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available by calling or texting 988 on any phone.

• How does the old testament relate to suicide? The old testament contains stories of people who took their own lives, such as King David's advisor, Ahithophel.