06/23/2020
Is Su***de a Sin?
To parse out if su***de is a sin, and if it is, can the sinner have a hope for eternal salvation, one must first understand what sin is: an act that offends the holy and sinless God. It can be an act of evil against another person or against God. These can be an unacted upon desire to do evil against another, or which violates the command to love and obey God. If a thought, feeling, or action violates the following basic principle from the Gospel in Mark 12:29-31, it is sin: “Jesus answered, ‘The most important [law] is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
Nowhere in the Bible is su***de explicitly outlined as a sin, as opposed to adultery, theft, and idolatry. It does- however - fall into some categories of sinful behavior.
In the Ten Commandments, God commands in Exodus 20:17 that no one has a right to take another man’s life. There are many who argue this includes the murdering of the self. One of the early thinkers of the church, Augustine of Hippo wrote, “... for he who kills himself kills nothing less than man.” (Augustine of Hippo 31-21). Ending one’s existence is ending a human existence, and therefore a sin. The Bible also shows that everything belongs to God, because He created all things. That includes the human soul, as stated in the first part of Ezekial 18:4 “Behold, all souls are mine.” If all souls belong to God, then it is not the right of the individual to end his own life, because that life belongs to His Creator.
When looking at the motivations of the characters in the Bible who either committed su***de or were suicidal, their reasons are also sinful. Whether it be fear, pride, anger, or simply refusing to hope God will make the future better than the present, the reasons for su***de are based on feelings, rather than God’s promises, even though, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Believing the lies of the heart rather than God’s truth does turn some toward su***de.
One of the most controversial elements of Christianity’s perspectives on su***de is whether or not a professing Christian can go to heaven if they take their own lives.
The Bible does not say that someone who commits su***de cannot go to heaven. From a Biblical standpoint, there is only one “unpardonable” sin: “‘Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’—for they were saying, ‘He has an unclean spirit’” (Mark 3:28-30). In context, Jesus makes this statement after the scribes accuse him of being able to exorcise demons because they thought He was demon-possessed. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is denying the testimony of the Holy Spirit about who Jesus is by attributing God’s work to the devil.
As for all other sin, the Bible says, “...And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2). Therefore, upon acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior, and repenting of sins, all sins are forgiven, including those committed after salvation. This would include su***de.
Standing in contrast to the Protestant teaching, in the Catholic church, sins must be absolved by a priest, and most Catholics receive Last Rites to receive absolution before they die, so they can go to heaven. Under these conditions, su***de would prevent an individual from confession, repentance, and absolution, and would preclude the individual from going to heaven.
Biblical Encouragement for Those Struggling with Su***de
The Word of God has promises of hope and healing for those who are struggling with suicidal tendencies. It reminds us of the source of the things which are creating depression within us, which is evil. The believer can read daily reminders of God’s call to strive in faith, and hope in Him.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
This verse reminds the believer that depression, despair, and self-loathing is as much of a consequence of sin entering the world as any other evil. When it begins to take over the heart, it is important to remember that is the result of living in a fallen world. The thief - the devil - seeks to steal joy, kill hope, and destroy the believer. In Christ, we have the hope of a better future, that He will care for the faithful in this life, and eternal joy forever in Heaven.
1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
There is a fight in everyone’s life, including against feelings of sorrow and helplessness. In this verse, Paul encourages his friend Timothy to keep pressing for a better life, and for God’s glory. It is easy to enter into despair. Trials surround us, and some people even have physical issues that can lead to depression. God will fight for those who love Him. Life is full of battles that humans in their frailty cannot win on their own, but with God’s strength, the fight can be won.
Psalm 34:17-18 “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
No matter how dark the situation, no matter how hurt the heart, the Lord is always nearby to support, uplift, and love that believer! Call out to the Lord, and ask for Him to draw closer. God wants to redeem His people for a glorious eternity with Him, and that begins by redeeming the worst moments of someone’s life for good. Lean on the Lord, and He will redeem.
