Heed The Watchmen

Thoughts on Suicide

            Many people have been affected by a family member or friend who has deliberately ended their own life. Depression is fast on the rise as well, which often leads to suicide. It is a circumstance that we, the true followers of Christ, should pray for wisdom about so that we may faithfully minister to those in need due to these circumstances.

            Suicide causes deep and indescribable heartache to those loved ones living. But for the believer in Christ, it is more important to know what will happen to that person’s soul in eternity. Some claim that committing suicide is an automatic damnation into Hell. Others say the opposite, thinking that a “once saved” experience would naturally be the presiding factor in terms of eternal destiny. Both sides arguing their positions, attempt to back them with scripture! Obviously, both cannot be correct. Please see our section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.

            It is my intent to bring forth the light of God’s Word (Jesus) on this subject, not favoring individual arguments. The Lord gives further leading to us by interpreting our experiences through the Holy Spirit; this naturally will fall in line with God’s written Word, or it is not of Him.

Please Note:  Though we speak now primarily on the eternal aspects of suicide, remember that sensitive souls are affected. Compassion should be shown by a friend (Job 6:14) at all times.

            Death is a natural time to think about one’s own eternal fate. Through prayer, let the Lord lead you into bringing up this topic as He directs. The purpose of this article is to shed light from the Word regarding God’s Will in the matter; for your own consideration. Those suffering through this tragedy urgently need our love and tenderness, so please keep this in mind.

            The Bible never directly uses the term suicide, nor does it address the consequences for a person who takes their own life specifically. Therefore we must carefully read and pray, that the Lord direct us through the light which His Word has provided.

            Experience is a great teacher; and I, too, have seriously thought about suicide. It was at a very depressed time in my life (over 15 years ago), and I was hurting deeply over circumstances affecting me. As I was starting to plan out the event, my mind started turning over all the times I had testified of the Lord. What would the people think, whom I had witnessed to? I did not want to shame my creator and savior—so I thought about what to say to each of them, in “notes” left behind…

            These imaginary notes plainly showed me a profound truth—that I still had faith in my Lord! I truly believed that He was still faithful, true to His Word, and would cause all things to work for the good. Killing myself was only an attempt to escape the great emotional pain and stress of those immediate days. When God showed me that I still had faith, I knew that I must keep on going.

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:24,25

            Never again did I want to seriously think about killing myself. I was driving home from work at night, so any real research into God’s Word could not come right then. But I asked the Lord for a scripture by which I could lean upon Him, and know that suicide is wrong. I didn’t really know much; but the one verse God brought to me was Hebrews 9:27.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Hebrews 9:27

            Here is how the Lord caused me to understand and apply this verse:  it says that it is appointed unto men once to die. Who else could make this appointment, but God? Therefore if I took my own life, I would be putting myself in God’s place! It should be quite clear, that if I were to do this, I would not be in right relationship with God at the time of my death. That is not a good way in which to enter eternity!

            Yet this is but one person’s experience in directly confronting suicide, and there are numerous others. And of course the question remains; if I had ended my own life, would I have been eternally damned? If those who commit suicide are not in right relationship with God, is there any chance that they might be saved eternally? It is time to look more closely at suicide and its “causes” overall, and then see how the Bible weighs in on the matter. These are not listed in order of frequency or importance—depression itself is a complex topic.

A) Suicide for reward:  We have seen Muslims (Islamic faith) take their own lives for the cause of Allah; whom they worship as God. It is believed by many Muslims that to die in jihad; that is, a “holy war” to spread Islam, is the only sure way to enter eternal paradise. Most who practice this are impoverished Muslims, for whom life itself is a burden. The promise of earthly reward may also be given for surviving family members. I am of course referencing the “suicide” bombers of the Muslim faith. Muslims would not consider this suicide; if they are killing infidels in the cause of their “faith”.

            There are also those who embrace the idea of Hell, but are deceived into thinking it will be an eternal “party” with fellow sinners. They are tricked into thinking that existence will be better in eternity, though without receiving Christ.

B) Avoidance of Consequence:  at times we see those who are about to be indicted end their own lives. They may be guilty of financial fraud or mismanagement, marital infidelity, or even mass murder. Rather than “face the music,” they take their own life to “escape” the punishment!

C) Punishing the Living:  we have all been treated unfairly by others. For some, it is believed that by committing suicide they will bring great hurt (revenge) to those who have wronged them. This could involve a desire to produce emotional guilt, or financial stress for those still alive.

D) Fed up with Life:  the individual simply gets tired of trying. Usually at a weak moment, though unplanned, they end their own life. Frankly, I don’t see how anyone can really handle all the stresses of living with Jesus Christ! We need the Lord to shoulder our loads.

NOTE:  underlying most of these “reasons” is the belief that this physical life on earth is all there is to existence! They may believe in evolution, or think all religions to be the same. In other words, whatever they choose to believe will be true. It is also called pantheism; it is a belief that we are all part of God.

E) Depression:  this topic is huge, and quite multi-faceted. In my own example, depression was my motivator toward suicide.

            It is quite natural (thought unpleasant) to become depressed. Severe injuries, job loss, divorce, or death of a loved one are all viable reasons to feel depressed. Yes, there could be many other causes!

            What distresses me greatly is how depression is portrayed by the media. It is called a “medical condition” that should not exist. If you visit a doctor, he can prescribe a medication that will ease your depression! Are they serious? People have been using drugs to combat depression for thousands of years!

            Medication will not restore your job or marriage, or raise a loved one from the dead. The depression came from a real circumstance, one for which restoring a “chemical balance” could never cure. Jesus Christ is called the counselor in Isaiah 9:6, and it is to Him we must turn.

            True followers of Christ experience depression like any human being will, but where we go from that point on is a reflection of our relationship with Jesus. What does scripture say about a believer’s feelings? Remember that the Word never directly uses the term depression.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; II Corinthians 4:7-9

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:8-10

            Depressed Christians need to turn to the Lord—our God wants to comfort us and help us to grow. Don’t let the devil convince you that it is something “medical.” Remember Ephesians 6:12.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

            There are few examples of suicide in the Bible. Judas Iscariot would be the number one example that we think of. His death came about from Satan’s influence; his actions then bringing about great shame and depression within himself. We read about Judas’ end of life in the following passages;

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. Luke 22:3,4

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; John 13:1,2

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. John 17:11,12

            Another example is found in that of Ahithophel, who was the advisor to David’s son Absalom. Apparently from shame and dishonor at the rejection of his counsel to Absalom, he took his own life. Please read;

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom…And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. II Samuel 17:14,23

            In I Samuel 31:5, the armorbearer fell on his sword after King Saul fell on his. Apparently the king did not want to fall into the enemy’s hands, to avoid shame and torture. It seems it was customary for the “armorbearers” to live and die with whom they served—a point of honor for a soldier.

            Though the Lord used these “suicides” to fulfill His own kingdom, none of these men were in right relationship with God. Our God will work all things to His purpose; but He did not prompt them to be disobedient, or even to kill themselves. These things came about by sin and Satan.

            In my lifetime, I may have been to about 10 funerals. Also, the funerals of many famous people are seen on television. You also can hear the reflections of people concerning deceased loved ones. Every single one who died, without exception, is reported to now be in heaven. It brings the living great comfort to think that their loved ones are in a better place, free of pain, and happy. What it is not, is honest.

            Of the funerals that I have seen or attended, I am only certain of one who was truly saved. I was also uncertain about only two others, and the rest were almost certainly eternally lost. God’s Word supports this.

            The Lord tells us that very few will be saved, and a great many will be lost (Matthew 7:13,14). What He does not tell us is the ratio of saved vs. lost. He does give us some numbers in scripture, however, to reflect upon. Elijah was alone, opposing 850 prophets of Baal/Groves (I Kings 18). God had preserved a faithful remnant in Israel of 7,000 (I Kings 19:18); the population of Israel was surely close to 10 million (estimate). Even if the population were only 7 million, it would only be one-tenth of one percent! Micaiah was also the lone true prophet, opposing 400 lying prophets (I Kings 22).

            These numbers should be sobering. The Lord never tells us what the overall “saved” percentage of mankind will be; understand that I do not speak as the mouth of God, when estimating that number to be well under 5 percent—likely no more than 3 percent!

            My point in all this is that no matter how one dies, suicidal or not, heaven is not the likely destination! People allow close emotional ties to blind them as to the spiritual condition of a loved one. Sometimes respect of persons will be blinding. Brethren, even though a person may be loved by millions, and is known to have done much “good,” it does not indicate a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We must learn what God’s Word says, and discern accordingly.

            The Lord does give us more in regard to the issue of suicide. For those who believe that all suicides go to Hell, their reasoning usually depends on the 6th commandment, “thou shalt not kill.” This is found in both Exodus 20:13, and Deuteronomy 5:17. If one takes their own life, they have broken a commandment for which they can no longer repent; death brings an end to the opportunity for forgiveness.

            If these Old Testament instructions aren’t enough, we find more reasons in the New Testament, directly for believers!

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Corinthians 3:16,17

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. I Corinthians 6:19,20

             We can at least proceed from knowing with certainty that our God is against suicide. But what else does the Bible say about it? Is there any more beside the black-and-white command “thou shalt not kill”?

            God is compassionate toward us in all our circumstances, and our Lord is incredibly pro-life. That is, He wants us to live and bring honor to His name. The great “I am” even raised the dead through Elijah and Elisha, multiple times through Jesus, and also via Peter and Paul. Just read the following words from Christ Himself, as a reflection on God’s feelings on the matter;

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

            Our God is so pro-life, that He does not even advocate mercy killings in His Word. A mercy killing would be when someone is terminally injured or ill, and death is expected soon anyway.

            In II Kings 20:1-6 is the account of Hezekiah, when he became sick and was about to die. He cried out to the Lord and was healed; His life was extended by 15 years.

            King Saul was wounded in battle and in the definite process of dying. He asked an Amalekite passing by to finish off the job and slay him, so he wouldn’t keep suffering—the Amalekite did so. He then recounted the story to David concerning the fate of Saul—and David had the Amalekite slain. Some would say David did it because Saul was the Lord’s anointed. Yet even with that consideration, wouldn’t it seem sensible to quickly terminate a dying, suffering human being? David was “the man after God’s own heart” , and was not held to blame for his actions here (I Kings 15:5). Instead, we may take this example and give it careful consideration in regard to mercy killing. This whole account is found in II Samuel 1:1-14, for the benefit of your own study.

            Self-esteem psychology is everywhere today, and it has greatly infected the organized church. It has been said by some that if a person’s self-esteem is built up, they will be less likely to kill themselves. Don’t some people hate themselves so much, that this leads them to suicide? The Bible seems to disagree with that thinking. Check out Ephesians 5:29;

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Ephesians 5:29

            We could probably argue about that point for awhile, and still not agree. I always lean toward what God’s Word has to say on a subject. Consider this reasoning, however; isn’t suicide a selfish act? The person who “hates themselves” may be in depressed agony, and they are trying to feel better. In fact, doing whatever it takes to achieve that feeling, regardless of the law, and regardless of the consequences (both physical and emotional) that they will be inflicting on those remaining alive who will be affected. I do not wish to diminish a person’s emotional state of mind and be insensitive. Yes, we need to pray for those we meet who are so deeply troubled, and ask the Lord to show us ways in which we may help. But I believe God’s Word is true; and when we look a little more closely at suicide, I can readily see how a person still may be looking out for their own best interest (as they perceive it at the time).

            The Bible is sensitive to the things affecting us in this critical area. As Jesus spoke of these last days to His disciples, He alluded to these circumstances.

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Luke 21:26

            This verse denotes not only weakened hearts physically, but also indicates a cause of anxiety (extreme worry) due to circumstances. In other words, this could be describing why many will take their own lives (suicide); being fearful of what they see lying ahead in the future, their hearts “fail them”; and they don’t have the courage to continue living.

            There are also many mind-related illnesses often said to be related to a person’s suicide. This really does not happen for a true follower of Christ. II Timothy 1:7 tells us that we believers are given a sound mind. The Bible also confirms that we have “the mind of Christ” in I Corinthians 2:16.

            Suicide, and suicidal thoughts, are the direct result of spiritual attacks from the devil(s). No physical infirmity exists that will cause us to end our lives—Christ gives us abundant life, the enemy wants to destroy it.

            Some claim that it isn’t normal to even be tempted with suicide, or depressed. They would be wrong.

            Without Jesus Christ, there is no genuine reason to live. He gives us power for today, and hope for our future. A non-believer will not have this—which is why we must share the good news with them.

            Yet true followers of Christ will also experience great hardships that will tempt them to end their lives. Satan wants this to happen! We must in faith set our eyes steadfastly on Christ, claiming His faithful promises to see us through. When you read the following passage written by Paul’s hand, you should be comforted well, just knowing that many of his trials were as bad or worse than anything we go through.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; II Corinthians 1:8-10

            As I conclude this article, please know that what follows is largely my own conclusion; albeit based upon God’s Word- which is set steadfastly against any taking of life; remember that Christ wants us to have abundant life!

            We find an excellent testimony regarding this topic in the book of Job. The horrific circumstances which he endured certainly would have led toward the temptation of taking your own life! Yet Job sought to obey the Lord in every aspect of his life, and he knew that God alone is the one that must appoint our time of physical death;

            O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy       wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die,      shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 14:13,14

            Suicide reflects the life of a person who has fallen out of right relationship with the Lord—even if that fall was brief. God has promised His children a “way of escape” in temptation (I Corinthians 10:13), therefore I think extremely few, if any true followers of Christ attempt and succeed at suicide (God prevents it and helps them).

            So while I think that most suicides are eternally lost, I believe it is because they were lost before taking their own lives. That last act of killing only reflected the true condition of the heart.

            It does seem possible to me that Satan could take the life of a true believer through suicide. An intense attack of some kind could perhaps break through and destroy them in a moment of fleshly weakness. Under this momentary lapse, that believer would still be provided for by the grace of Christ. Romans chapter 7 speaks extensively about the way true believers are sometimes brought back into sin, due to our carnal natures. But still, there is nothing within the Word that tells me that suicide is ever acceptable, or that those in right relationship with Christ will ever do it. I have presented what has been related to me through God’s Word, with the Holy Spirit leading. You will also, personally, need to be led in this way. It is the only way to be sure of truth.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31,32

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16,17

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. I John 2:27