Unfortunately, most of us have been affected by suicide. For many of us, we’ve had a loved one or a friend’s loved one decide to end their life, and it has left us with many questions. Questions like “Why would they do this?” “How come I didn’t see the signs?” And “Could I have done anything to stop this?” Then we begin to wonder about the afterlife. “Where are they now?” And if they were a follower of Jesus… “Does this disqualify them from heaven?”
Some of us think our eternal destiny can be altered by our final act. After all, you don’t have time to ask for forgiveness. I remember hearing from people when I was young that if you don’t confess all your sins at night in your prayers and then die in your sleep, you could be in trouble. Not sure how I ever slept as a kid! Scripture teaches us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom.8:1) Since our debt is paid by Christ, it is for ALL our sin and not just the ones before we come to Christ. So, I don’t think the theory of our final act determines our eternal destiny is accurate. Our eternity is determined by whether we chose to put our trust in Christ during our lifetime, rather than our mistake at the end of our lives.
Some of us fear that our eternal destiny can be altered by a major act. There are a few major acts that we think – do this and there’s no chance for forgiveness. And suicide is one we wonder about. Did the taking of life cost us our chance at heaven? We read a story in the Old Testament that gives us insight into this. The great Prophet and Judge Samuel has died and is undoubted with God. The night before Saul goes to war, Samuel appears to him and says “Tomorrow you will be with me.” Saul now knows he will die, and he will be with Samuel in what we consider to be heaven. Later the next day Saul does die… and the way he dies… is by his own hand. Yet, He is with Samuel. Saul, though he made his share of mistakes – especially at the end, is with God. (1 Sam 28, 1 Chron 10)
Suicide is often thought of as a selfish act, an effort to free oneself from pain but leaving a wake of pain for families and friends. While it may be a momentary act of selfishness, it does not preclude you from an everlasting life of forgiveness. We are judged by whether or not we put our faith in Jesus in life rather than if we rejected his best plans for us by ending our life.
That being said, if you find yourself at a point where you just can’t go on, and you begin to think that suicide might be the only option, please tell someone. Reach out for help. While your mind says that there is no other way out, Jesus reminds us there is. For years, his church has reached out to rescue.
Amen! Such a valid point supported by Scripture, too…can’t do better than that!
Great article Rusty. This is something many people struggle with because we often equate God’s grace with our own frustrations and so we limit Him. Christians often accidentally say harsh things to people in pain because we cannot handle the complex nature of compassion. As I look at this post, I only wish you gave some specific ways to seek help for those who feel so lost that this might feel like an option. The feeling of lostness, by its nature, limits our ability to see options.
When I was 16 I attempted to take my own life. It didn’t work out as you can see, I ended up in a coma for a couple weeks. God has had his hand in my life for as long as I can remember though. I’m not sure if he wasn’t ready to take me up or not but I am grateful for the life he has given me. Thoughts of suicide can lead you into a very dark place, it’s important to remember that suicide is a permanent answer to temporary problems.
Thank you very much for putting this together. I Had a step son who committed suicide and know I fell i can say he went to the Lord in my arms. That is truly comforting.
Suicide is not a sin and I would be the first to talk about it to anyone. It is to reach out when no one is there. You can see the signs in someone you love and you just need to listen and love them. Don’t push them away. It is a action for help. Help that you can give. It is a sign that they need love too, We all do.
My oldest son took his own life over twenty years ago, at the age of nineteen. I often wondered if I would ever see him again. I love my son, I also love the Grace of God more. I know I will see him again someday. Thank You Lord for easing my pain.
Thank you for this post. For Christians this is positive. But if a believer in Christ commits suicide they lose out on God’s best plan for their life as you showed. They cause negative effects on
many people. I have known several suicides and one was a Christian woman who left a note saying, “some of us do not finish the race.” Her words still haunt and grieve me 20 years later.