Expert: Spirit Sword - 6/6/2007

Question
I recently had a family member that committed suicide. I would like to know what scriptures refer to suicide in the bible. I have heard from various pastors over the years that suicide is a one way trip to hell but I don't recall hearing or reading any bible verses that have this statement. I also heard that this statement was introduced by the catholic church during the time of the plague in an attempt reduce the amount deaths resulting from the plague. Any references/ verses would be very helpful.

Answer
Hello Dave,

Thank you for your question.
First off I want to send my condolences to you and your family.  I'm very sorry to hear about your loss and it's a terrible tragedy to have something like this happen. I pray that the Holy Spirit will give you and your family peace.  

I would have to disagree with those that say that suicide is a one way ticket to hell. Suicide is a sin since it is self murder but Mark 3:28-29 tells us that *all* sins can be forgiven with the exception of one and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  God is very merciful and loving and I suppose that it is possible for a born again Christian to commit suicide in an uncontrollable emotional moment or mental disorder but I would have to say these incidences are probably rare.  However, I would not go so far as to say that all suicides lead to eternal damnation.  

Some clues that can give us a better understanding of their eternal destination is to take a look at how the person lived their life.   What was the defining characteristic of their life?  Did they believe in God and Jesus?  Did they love God and try to be obedient to His Word?   Was repentence something that was evident in their life?  Did they at one point demonstrate the fruits of the spirit in their lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, goodness?  These are questions we can ask ourself in figuring out the possibility of where they are spending eternity.    

Spirit Sword