According to Christian beliefs, is suicide an unforgivable sin? Does it guarantee eternal separation from Jesus Christ?

That's what is believed. Think about it, by committing suicide you are taking away the life that God gave you.

Suicide is throwing the gift that God gave us of life back in his face and saying we do not want it.

Each day is a miracle and every creation is a miracle. It is up to God when it is our time to go.

So is it an unforgivable sin according to the teachings in Christianity the answer is yes.

What about choosing to discontinue your own life-support while in the hospital? Is that a form of suicide?

Medical technology and the gift of knowledge to doctors to help save our lives. Where do you think those gifts come from. From God, We all have that debate on where to draw the line and it is up to each individual to determine what the line is. Life is life, and if it can be maintained and saved through technology and we deny that gift. That is a tough call. I have often thought of not wanting to continue on life support if that ever happened, but as you state. It is a form of suicide?? Depending on your beliefs.

What about choosing to discontinue your own life-support while in the hospital? Is that a form of suicide?

Usually a person on life-support is not conscious, therefore they are not the ones that will request to discontinue life-support, that is up to the family.

When my mom was dying of cancer she signed a DNR (Do not resuscitate) she wanted to go when God chose, not when man chose.

Well the real problem is that you can't normally ask forgiveness from the sin. So if you live to ask forgiveness you did not do it.
I would have to assume, since we don't know Gods mind, that if a person is doing a long death and during that death they ask forgiveness they would be forgiven,

But for most people who kill thierself they are also not mentally sane, so I do believe God may also not hold a person responsible if they are at a poiont in their life where they are not sane, They could only be judged by their choices before that point.

Life support, pulling the plug , as they say is not, since you are actually giving the choice to God, While medical care is great and we should use it, when and if it comes to a point where the person is really not alive, merely keepoing a heart beating is not alive, it may be on the law books but it is not real living.

Is living with severe depression comparable to the descriptions of eternity in hell? What would you say to someone who has severe depression, is contemplating suicide, and all they can think about is how hell can't be this bad or is just as bad?

I would do my best to see that they get the help they need and deserve. There are lots of treatments for depression, tons of medications, therapies and other things that have been proven to work. Depression is a horrible thing, I know, I've been there, I'm on medication and trying to work through the things that I know are causing the depression, it's a long road, but one worth travelling.

We are all here for a reason, we all have a purpose, God has a plan for every one of us, who are we to mess with that plan?

1. All sin is forgivable.
We cannot know whether the person repented before s/he actually died.

2. Acts due to mental illness - and other circumstances - may indicate that the act is not "sin".

We cannot know the details so should not necessarily presume that one who commits suicide has died "in sin".

Fr Chuck and Rick J make great points and it is what I believe too for a couple of reasons.
I don't think I have ever seen or heard a case of suicide in which the person was in their "right" mind when they did it. They are depressed, which greatly alters our perception on things, especially life. They may be delusional from a mental illness. There are a multitude of mental illnesses, great and small, that has the capability to help someone along to commit suicide when they normally wouldn't in different circumstances.

I don't think it's the place of any of us to say someone who commits suicide is going to hell. God knows our hearts and minds. Because He is the only one with this knowledge and because He is just, He is the only one who has say on where He will place one who takes their life.

The other part of this is that for someone to say that a saved person who commits suicide will go to hell, is like saying Jesus' death isn't good enough.

I don't usually like to say onced saved always saved because people tend to jump the gun and ASSUME when that is said it means we can do what we wish. This is of course not so. Someone who truly wants, asks for and receives salvation is not doing it with the intentions of thinking they can do what they want and still go to heaven.

But even when we are saved our flesh is still weak, that is the whole reason for sinless Jesus' death. When we are first saved we are as infants in Christ. We must learn so as to grow and mature spiritually. With salvation it is the Holy Spirit which makes us righteous for heaven, not our being. It makes a whole lot of sense why it is this way. Because even the saved still sin, therefore it isn't us that is righteous, it is the washing by Jesus' blood which clenses our soul for the Holy Spirit to dwell FOREVER that makes us righteous.

This is what Paul says in Romans 8:10 & 11, "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

Once we are saved we are eternally secure. There are numerous passages in the Bible which tells us of our eternal life upon salvation but I have yet to see one which says God will take that eternal life away from you after you are saved.

Romans 8:35-39, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

And I believe in this whole heartedly. When someone kills themselves it is not for funsies. There is a reason, there is some type of tribulation or peril they are going through that brings them to this point. If that person is saved by God's grace I do not believe their sin of taking their own life will send them to hell. If it could then Jesus' death would not be good enough to overcome the person's moment of weakness and sin. That will never be the case... EVER!! This isn't simply for people who take their life. If you are truly saved, meaning the moment you asked for salvation it was honest and sincere, with every and all intentions of doing your best for God... then NEVER will your eternal life be taken from you. Even if you hit a rough patch in your life and backslide, even if you sinned before your death, be it by God or by your own hand. It is NOT you which is righteous by your actions... It is the Holy Spirit of God which dwells in you that makes you righteous! And because of that your salvation will NEVER be taken from you. No sin has the power to take the Salvation God gave you through Jesus Christ away from you! It is ridiculous to think otherwise!

I believe there is only one sin that unfogivable and that is refusing to believe in jesus criest. Ut suicide is not unforgivable sin, I believe it is a sin so we shouldn't do it, and like another persons said you are taking away the life that god gave you. So if you are considering please don't

It is foolish to take a chance on something so ultimately important as your eternal destiny. Depression is bad, but that too will pass. Someone correctly said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Hell is forever.

According to Christian beliefs, is suicide an unforgivable sin? Does it guarantee eternal separation from Jesus Christ?

That depends on whether the person was in his right mind when he did it:

2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.


But...

2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

2325 Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment.

Sincerely,

De Maria

My mother committed suicide. So I have always wondered. The bible actually doesn't say anything about going to hell if you kill yourself. Personally I think that you have to take into account the state of mind of the person who does it. If they are a christian and believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior I think that they will go to heaven. Their reward as its labeled will just not be as great. I hope that helps

If you are sane enough to ask the question then you are not mentally disturbed beyond reasonable thinking. If you commit suicide then you are choosing to separate yourself from God. Nothing can separate us from God meaning there is no power great enough to conquer God's love for us it does not mean you can do whatever you want and expect to not be separated from God. Only you can chose to separate yourself from God. If you kill yourself you are saying "God you are not strong enough to get me through whatever terrible situation I am in, therefor I will do it for you and take myself out of this situation". You are making that choice and choosing to do it on your own without God. You are also commanded not to commit murder, wouldn't that be murdering yourself? Be careful what you think is okay to interpret from the Word of God. Yes, God will always love you sinner or saint. No, nothing can stop that. But yes, God will allow us to chose our own paths and if we chose to live or die without Him, He will allow us to do that. He does not punish us by "sending us to Hell". We chose to send ourselves to hell. Hell was created for Satan and his fallen angels not us. We chose to live eternity with or without God He does not chose that for us. So if you say you are a Christian then how can you justify ending your life without Him? Suicide is not choosing to live in God's will it is choosing to live outside God's will. So, you will die without Him and live in eternity the same way.

As far as life support... if you have to remain on life support and machines are the only thing keeping you alive it is not necessarily God's hand that is continuing your life is it? It is man's. If you are removed from life support and die you will live eternity with or without God depending on how you chose to live your life before that happened, with God or without Him. And if you chose to remain on life support God will still decide if it is successful or not. We may use the assistance of technology given to us through God but not to play or be God. God does not punish us for using what He gave us, medical technology. He gave that knowledge to us, so we may use it. But ultimately it will be His choice if it is successful for us. If you are a Christian and die then He is calling you home. If you aren't and you die then God knew you would never chose to live in the truth and accept Christ and would allow you to chose to live in eternity without Him. God can use even the evil of satan through the people who even He knows will never chose Him to lead others to Him. So God even saves the lives of those He know will never chose Him.

What I mean by that is if a doctor tells you that you need surgery to live and whether you chose to have it or not to have the surgery God's Will will still be done. You may live you may not it is up to Him. If you died, that was God's will. If you lived, that was God's will.

God does not tell us anywhere in the Bible EVER to kill ourselves when life gets rough. He says He will never give us more than we can bare. He says that because He is always with us, if we chose Him then we can get through anything no matter how painful. No power, force or situation can separate us from Him only we can separate us from Him. Choosing to fix our situation for God is choosing to separate ourselves from God.

You know thanks for the greenie Jesushelper... however, I am going to have to admit I have come to the realization that I am incorrect. It was pointed out to me that there is only one "unforgivable sin" (and I knew this) and committing suicide isn't it. It is biblical and makes complete sense... this explains it better than I could... If a Christian Commits Suicide, Is He Still Forgiven (http://www.carm.org/questions/suicide.htm).

How good is our God! That He forgives us everything! I need to remember that more.

We all have things to learn. I am going to take a series look at what you posted. I gave you a greenie because I think your post was great. I just feel that certain things do separate ourselves from God. We all have our own thoughts but we are told not to kill. Should that not apply to ourselves as one of the commandments. Then again, we can still be forgiven for breaking the commandments, right?

I did too. :( But we have to go by what is biblical/scriptural. We are also told not to lie but no one really thinks that we will go to hell just because we lie right? Well a sin is a sin in God's eyes. So, if we fear hell for murder we should fear it for EVERY sin and we sin more than we can even keep track.

But that isn't what He said in His Word and God is true to His Word. :) He said ALL sins, those past and those to come are FORGIVEN upon salvation. He knew all the sins we would commit no matter how awful. He did not say salvation is yours and you are forgiven and washed clean by the Blood of The Lamb except if you commit murder, or homosexuality, or tell a lie, or commit suicide, etc. He only listed one exception, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

The question now becomes. What exactly is blasphemy of the Holy spirit? Is it denying Jesus or life or both? OR am I just confusing the issue?

Here you go... Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, What is it? (http://www.carm.org/questions/blasphemy.htm)

Scripture tells what blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is.. And it is the only unforgivable sin. Also to deny Jesus, and you will be denied before the angels of God. In the end God gives the angels instructions for the elements to burn (elements meaning anything evil) Facts on this found in Revelation. And when you are brought unto the synagogues would be when you are brought before anti-christ in the end times also found in Revelation. Revelation means: review.. This will be the only time I feel the unforgivable sin can be done which is another way of denying truth, by not speaking what the Holy Spirit in the same hour teaches you to say.

Luke 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say
Luke 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Is suicide an unforgivable sin?

We are called to be witnesses, not judges. God the Father will be the judge on the last day.

It really boils down to this: Our bodies are gifts from God. If we willfully destroy a gift from God, especially one that is so precious as our own lives, are we truly deserving to be with Him in Heaven? So only you (whether of sound mind or not) can make the decision. And only you will have to face that judgment. What do YOU believe??

As far as life support goes, shutting it off is NOT suicide. Go ahead. Shut it off. God will choose whether you live or die from that moment on. If you die, then God took you. If you don't, the God wasn't ready for you. It really is that simple.

Is suicide an unforgivable sin?

My opinion includes that we should at all times understand that walking in Christ is knowing Christ is within us, as the Holy Spirit is present. In thinking of suicide we our not only killing ourselve.

Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Colossians 2: 5-6 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him:

And we should trust God put us on this earth to do His Purpose, His Will, and for His pleasure. Refer:scripture

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

I do not think suicide is an unforgivable sin because I don't believe in any sin being unforgivable. God forgives all sin.
I have talked to two women who were very depressed and tried to end their life. Both were strong Christians and said that they were not thinking correctly. They said their thoughts were how much they just wanted the emotional pain to end and to be with God and now looking back, they both greatly regret it... I think that when people commit suicide they are definitely not thinking correctly and I truly don't believe God would send them to Hell for that when they loved and served Him.

If you are sane enough to ask the question then you are not mentally disturbed beyond reasonable thinking. If you commit suicide then you are choosing to separate yourself from God. Nothing can separate us from God meaning there is no power great enough to conquer God's love for us it does not mean you can do whatever you want and expect to not be separated from God. Only you can chose to separate yourself from God. If you kill yourself you are saying "God you are not strong enough to get me through whatever terrible situation I am in, therefor I will do it for you and take myself out of this situation". You are making that choice and choosing to do it on your own without God. You are also commanded not to commit murder, wouldn't that be murdering yourself? Be careful what you think is okay to interpret from the Word of God. Yes, God will always love you sinner or saint. No, nothing can stop that. But yes, God will allow us to chose our own paths and if we chose to live or die without Him, He will allow us to do that. He does not punish us by "sending us to Hell". We chose to send ourselves to hell. Hell was created for Satan and his fallen angels not us. We chose to live eternity with or without God He does not chose that for us. So if you say you are a Christian then how can you justify ending your life without Him? Suicide is not choosing to live in God's will it is choosing to live outside God's will. So, you will die without Him and live in eternity the same way.

As far as life support...if you have to remain on life support and machines are the only thing keeping you alive it is not necessarily God's hand that is continuing your life is it? It is man's. If you are removed from life support and die you will live eternity with or without God depending on how you chose to live your life before that happened, with God or without Him. And if you chose to remain on life support God will still decide if it is successful or not. We may use the assistance of technology given to us through God but not to play or be God. God does not punish us for using what He gave us, medical technology. He gave that knowledge to us, so we may use it. But ultimately it will be His choice if it is successful for us. If you are a Christian and die then He is calling you home. If you aren't and you die then God knew you would never chose to live in the truth and accept Christ and would allow you to chose to live in eternity without Him. God can use even the evil of satan through the people who even He knows will never chose Him to lead others to Him. So God even saves the lives of those He know will never chose Him.

What I mean by that is if a doctor tells you that you need surgery to live and whether you chose to have it or not to have the surgery God's Will will still be done. You may live you may not it is up to Him. If you died, that was God's will. If you lived, that was God's will.

God does not tell us anywhere in the Bible EVER to kill ourselves when life gets rough. He says He will never give us more than we can bare. He says that because He is always with us, if we chose Him then we can get through anything no matter how painful. No power, force or situation can separate us from Him only we can separate us from Him. Choosing to fix our situation for God is choosing to separate ourselves from God.

I think it is important to remember that people who commit suicide are not in their right mind, therefore, they are not really choosing to separate themselves from God. Like I said above, I know two very strong Christian ladies who love the Lord and in a time of extreme depression(because of being raped, cheated and left by her husband, mother dying, etc) thought her only hope was to kill herself so she can be with God.
... and while it might not be God's will for you to kill yourself, where does it say in the Bible that being outside God's will is an unforgivable sin that sends one to Hell? The only unforgivable sin is REFUSING God.
... Im sure you, and everyone else is not perfectly in Gods will... however ,that does not cause someone to live for eternity without Him!
... ALL men are sinners and make mistakes.

I think it is important to remember that people who commit suicide are not in their right mind, therefore, they are not really choosing to separate themselves from God. Like I said above, I know two very strong Christian ladies who love the Lord and in a time of extreme depression(because of being raped, cheated and left by her husband, mother dying, etc) thought her only hope was to kill herself so she can be with God.
...and while it might not be God's will for you to kill yourself, where does it say in the Bible that being outside God's will is an unforgivable sin that sends one to Hell? The only unforgivable sin is REFUSING God.
....Im sure you, and everyone else is not perfectly in Gods will...however ,that does not cause someone to live for eternity without Him!
...ALL men are sinners and make mistakes.

Hi there :) I think I already corrected myself in post #17, #19 and #21.

There is an unforgivable sin..

Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Suicide does not mean anyone will go to hell, nor can we judge..

The beginning of Widom is loving God. Lack of this knowledge can destroy people. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Hey Kick... don't sweat it. You were forgiven before you asked. :)

There is not a sin on this earth that isn't covered under the Blood of our Lord and Savior.. not one. ( I am talking about the redeemed) If you have accepted Christ as your savior, no one, nothing, nadda, zippo can stop you from Jesus Christ. Having said that, you could lose your reward in heaven. ( that is a BIG deal, might not mean much now, but I believe it will mean a lot in glory.)

I think plenty of people DO know what they are doing and in their "right" mind when they do it.. sad but true. Not all but some. Either way... there just AIN'T nothing that HIS blood doesn't cleanse. What a savior!

Hi,

I'm new here. But I am not new to the question of death and grief. Without reading all the posts you have already received, I see some widely different opinions.

I registered at this time specifically to respond to this question. Then I saw my interests pretty well expressed already. But I will just offer a short form.

I do have a question. I am not asking that you answer to any of us, but are you speaking in a personal manner? (1) Did someone you love take his/her life? (2) Do you find yourself considering the possibility of taking your life?

If number 2 is relevant, I hope you will get help for the depression or whatever has you "on the ropes." Let me tell you with some authority that there is hope and help for those who find themselves having to deal with depression.

If number 1 is the case, let me say that facing the loss, expressing your feelings about it, and finally accepting it and all the pain it brings will move you toward resolution and wellness.

Now, to the question you asked. I do not believe that a person who chooses and completes the ending of his/her earthly life is necessarily separated from God in eternity. I think God's grace (you may like to do a study of the word "grace" as used in the Bible) is more powerful than the forces that drive us to despair and to the choice to try to get out of it through drastic means.

There is, indeed, hope and help for dealing with the issues you raise. I hope you are okay and that you are aware of the resources in your location.

Blessings,

I M truly 4 U.

Hi,

I'm new here. But I am not new to the question of death and grief. Without reading all the posts you have already received, I see some widely different opinions.

I registered at this time specifically to respond to this question. Then I saw my interests pretty well expressed already. But I will go ahead and just offer a short form.

I do have a question. I am not asking that you answer to any of us, but are you speaking in a personal manner? (1) Did someone you love take his/her life? (2) Do you find yourself considering the possibility of taking your life?

If number 2 is relevant, I hope you will get help for the depression or whatever has you "on the ropes." Let me tell you with some authority that there is hope and help for those who find themselves having to deal with depression.

If number 1 is the case, let me say that facing the loss, expressing your feelings about it, and finally accepting it and all the pain it brings will move you toward resolution and wellness.

Now, to the question you asked. I do not believe that a person who chooses and completes the ending of his/her earthly life is necessarily separated from God in eternity. I think God's grace (you may like to do a study of the word "grace" as used in the Bible) is more powerful than the forces that drive us to despair and to the choice to try to get out of it through drastic means.

There is, indeed, hope and help for dealing with the issues you raise. I hope you are okay and that you are aware of the resources in your location.

Blessings,

I M truly 4 U.

I second the suggested info.

May love and kindness be with you my friend.

Suicide is throwing the gift that God gave us of life back in his face and saying we do not want it.

Each day is a miracle and every creation is a miracle. It is up to God when it is our time to go.

So is it an unforgivable sin according to the teachings in Christianity the answer is yes.

I disagree. There is no where in scripture where this is defined as an unforgivable sin. Also, we all sin. The moment I asked for forgiveness and accepted my Lord into my heart, I was forgiven. I sometimes forget to ask for forgiveness throughout the day... does this mean if I were to instantly die in a car accident or heart attack, I would not see the Kingdom... because I had not asked for forgiveness for some sinful thought or action I might have committed that day? If a saved person commits suicide, that person's sins have already been washed away previous to the sin that Jesus already saw at the cross. The only time that person would cease to be saved is if they deilberately walked away from the Holy Spirit and denied Him after already partaking in His fruits.

ketch22 -

I agree with you that there is no place in scripture where God or any inspired writer of scripture expressly states that suicide is an unforgivable sin.

Jesus said that all sins will be forgiven men except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. He said that in the context of the Pharisees accusing Him of casting out demons by Baalzebub. Jesus points out that the genuine activity of the Spirit of God is meant draw men to repentance. To accuse the Holy Spirit in the way Jesus describes is to be completely hostile towards what it is God is doing. This is a heart that is so unwilling to repent and see that he is guilty, that he will even go so far as to say that God is evil... which is what the Pharisees were in effect saying.

Now, I guess the question to ask is, what is the condition of the heart of a person who wants to commit suicide. In many examples in scripture, men of God wanted God to take their lives:

Jonah 4:1-11 - Jonah was so angry at God's display of mercy that he asked God to kill him, "for it is better for me to die than to live!" He repeated the same request to God on the next day.

I King 18:40 and 19:4- Elijah was in despair as he was being pursued by Jezebel, who was looking to kill him. Elijah fled for his life to Beersheba, went into the wilderness, and "prayed that he might die." He said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!"

Now, in these two examples, neither of them did commit suicide nor did God grant their wish in their moments of desire. So it is a given that godly people's grief can become so profound, that death is something they desire. But perhaps it is the work of the Spirit in the hearts of such people that allows them the strength to continue on and persevere even in the midst of hardship.

One might argue that someone who is genuinely born-again may at various times desire death but never take that so far as to commit suicide because it is something so profound and unconscienable. But God's people are capable of murder. David indirectly murdered Bathsheba's husband. Paul consented to the murder of Stephen and was on his way to Damascus to seal the fate of more Christians in the same manner. In the end, both were forgiven of God.

What we think is so final and absolute about suicide is that we never know what happens on the other end or the condition of the heart of the person who does it. I don't know if I am convinced that it is unforgivable but it may be unforgivable in the sense that the person was of the heart and mind that never loved God and never had been chosen for eternal life.

ketch22 -

I agree with you that there is no place in scripture where God or any inspired writer of scripture expressly states that suicide is an unforgiveable sin.

Jesus said that all sins will be forgiven men except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. He said that in the context of the Pharisees accusing Him of casting out demons by Baalzebub. Jesus points out that the genuine activity of the Spirit of God is meant draw men to repentance. To accuse the Holy Spirit in the way Jesus describes is to be completely hostile towards what it is God is doing. This is a heart that is so unwilling to repent and see that he is guilty, that he will even go so far as to say that God is evil...which is what the Pharisees were in effect saying.

Now, I guess the question to ask is, what is the condition of the heart of a person who wants to commit suicide. In many examples in scripture, men of God wanted God to take their lives:

Jonah 4:1-11 - Jonah was so angry at God's display of mercy that he asked God to kill him, "for it is better for me to die than to live!" He repeated the same request to God on the next day.

I King 18:40 and 19:4- Elijah was in despair as he was being pursued by Jezebel, who was looking to kill him. Elijah fled for his life to Beersheba, went into the wilderness, and "prayed that he might die." He said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!"

Now, in these two examples, neither of them did commit suicide nor did God grant their wish in their moments of desire. So it is a given that godly people's grief can become so profound, that death is something they desire. But perhaps it is the work of the Spirit in the hearts of such people that allows them the strength to continue on and persevere even in the midst of hardship.

One might argue that someone who is genuinely born-again may at various times desire death but never take that so far as to commit suicide because it is something so profound and unconscienable. But God's people are capable of murder. David indirectly murdered Bathsheba's husband. Paul consented to the murder of Stephen and was on his way to Damascus to seal the fate of more Christians in the same manner. In the end, both were forgiven of God.

What we think is so final and absolute about suicide is that we never know what happens on the other end or the condition of the heart of the person who does it. I don't know if I am convinced that it is unforgiveable but it may be unforgiveable in the sense that the person was of the heart and mind that never loved God and never had been chosen for eternal life.


Jakester...
I see what you are saying, but would submit my opinion (I believe it to be fact, but others deem it opinion). I know it is possible for people, after submitting their hearts and lives to God, to fall into a funk so deep they become suicidal. They might have temporarily had a "Job" like setback that calls them to commit suicide. I don't believe God abandons them at this point if they are truly saved. Sin is sin and we are all capable... suicide is not a greater sin than lustful thinking of a woman walking by, or pride, or greed. Even Christians do this daily in our depraved state, even if we are saved. I am forgiven for all my sins, not all except suicide.

Why do you think suicide calls for somebody to not be truly saved? Can a saved person be depressed? Can a saved person still have pride and lie?

ketch22 - it's not my position that someone who commits suicide cannot be saved. Actually, at this point I'm sort of uncertain as to why it would have to be true that someone who commits suicide cannot be saved... so in a sense I am in agreement with you but I am not as confident as you are in your position.

All the same, I appreciate your arguments and I am very sympathetic to what you are saying over what many others have already said; especially those who unequivocally state that suicide is an unpardonable sin when nowhere in scripture is that expressly stated.

ketch22 - it's not my position that someone who commits suicide cannot be saved. Actually, at this point I'm sort of uncertain as to why it would have to be true that someone who commits suicide cannot be saved...so in a sense I am in agreement with you but I am not as confident as you are in your position.

All the same, I appreciate your arguments and I am very sympathetic to what you are saying over what many others have already said; especially those who unequivocally state that suicide is an unpardonable sin when nowhere in scripture is that expressly stated.

I tend to think I know more than I do... but I am pretty convinced on this. It's good to know that there are others who don't add to scripture any preconceived notions of God's character. AMEN!

According to Christian beliefs, is suicide an unforgivable sin? Does it guarantee eternal separation from Jesus Christ?

Suicide is cowardness. Its like crushing the flower that god has planted himself.

Suicide is cowardness. Its like crushing the flower that god has planted himself.

Sorry, this is simply not a good answer. Your analogy is quaint but doesn't paint the whole picture.

1 John 1:7

... the blood of Jesus Christ, His son, cleanses us from ALL sin.

All means All. Every sin is covered under the blood if the person is a true believer.

I agree...

God doesn't abandon anyone, it is us who abandon Him. He is always there for us, all He asks of us is to do His will.

When we obey the will of God, and we are baptized into Christ (because it is through His blood and water that we are saved), we are cleansed of our sins.

I am wondering where in the Bible it says that we are automatically cleansed of all our future sins. Yes we have forgiveness of the sins we are still committing, but that is through repentance. It doesn't make any sense, if all of our future sins are already forgiven, why are we told to repent?

God said to, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." How can we remain faithful even to the point of death if we commit suicide? If we are faithful Christians, then we know that God is always there for us and He will not let us suffer more than we can stand.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple."

I really think that we need to be very careful how we answer someone's question. Telling someone; who may be thinking of taking their own life; that if they have accepted Jesus in their heart, that they can destroy God's temple and not go to hell. I wouldn't want this on my concience. Hell is a very real, and a very horrible place.

Don't take what any of us tell you as truth, including me, find out for yourself. Pray for God to guide you and to give you understanding, then read and study God's word. God's word is the truth.

Donna Mae,

I gave you a perfectly good verse to prove all of our sins are covered.

The blood of Jesus Christ, his son cleanses us from ALL sin. Doesn't ALL mean ALL?

Salvation is a gift you either accept or reject. There are no strings attached. I can't earn it, I can't lose it and I'm not relying on ME in anyway to keep myself saved. The bible is so clear on this... Salvation is of the LORD.

Having said that, I answered the OP's question. It was asked in 2008 by the way ( just noticed that) and I am not in any way encouraging, or suggesting suicide is a good, right, moral or a noble thing to do. I'm just answering the question. ALL sin is covered under the blood of Jesus if someone is a true believer. Sometimes people need to hear this because they KNOW someone who committed the act and they need to have peace about their loved ones eternal soul.

Anyway, this is what makes Christianity so different from every other religion in the world. It is a free GIFT.

All does mean all, and at the time of my baptism all of my sins were washed away. But future sins are wiped away when we repent and sin no more. We are to be living as Christ. Even an angel sinning against God, will be sent to hell.
Satan was one of God's angels.

Classy, my comment was not directed at you. My comment was for Ceasefire. I don't want to argue with anyone, I just want everyone to read God's word and see for themselves. We can learn everything we need to know from the Bible.

On the subject of suicide I say read St. Mark 3:28-29. Along with St. Matthew 7:1 Let us try to remember Love, Maybe if we could try l bit hard to do what our Father commanded us to do in the Old Testament (the ten commandment) and then in the New Testament where we are told to Love our neighbor as ourselves lets Pray more and stay away from the flesh