The Curious Believer

There are many seemingly unanswered questions in the Christian community. However, one often-pondered inquiry that remains an exceedingly shrouded subject is: What happens to a Christian who commits suicide? This is a question that some believe is a one-way ticket to Hell as they consider it to be both murder of one’s self and an unforgivable sin. While there may be a great number of Believers who support this credence the fact remains that there is not one scripture to support this belief. Therefore, without supporting evidence and supporting scripture it can be considered neither fact nor truth because as we know, the Word of God is truth for the Christian(NKJV, Jn 17:17[1]). Let us take a brief journey and explore this subject in greater detail and look at what facts and truths exist surrounding it.

Why do so many believe suicide to be a form of murder? Christians often reference the scripture “You shall not murder” (Ex 20:13[1]) to support this belief, but is this a correct application for the subject at hand? To truly clear up any possible misunderstandings a clear and concise definition of murder should be provided. Murder, according to Oxford Language, is “the unlawful premeditated killing of one human by another”(Oxford Language Dictionary for Google, 2023 [2]). According to the law, murder is defined as “the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought”(US Code, 2023 [3]). Additionally, the Word of God also defines murder as an act of taking another’s life as well as being premeditated (Ex 20:13[1]). With this supporting evidence of both fact and truth it is clear to see that murder is death at the hands of another, using premeditated malicious intent. Clear consequences for this act are also outlined in both the Bible as well as natural law. Title 18 – Crimes & Criminal Procedure, Section 1111- Murder, Part B of the US Code – Chapter 51 for homicide states this: “Whoever is guilty of murder in the first degree shall be punished by death or by imprisonment for life” (4). The Word of God specifically states that: “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death” (Ex 21:12[1]). From here it is clear where God stands concerning murder. He considers it a sin, and under the New Covenant, it is outlined that just like other sins it is forgivable (Ex 21:13[1]).

Now let us take a closer look at suicide and how it is defined. Suicide, by definition, is “the act or an instance of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally” (Merriam-Webster.com, 2023[5]). This definition can be interpreted in many ways, but the result is death by choice – and many Christians consider this the same as murder. However, is that a correct assessment? Consider this, a person tormented by financial pressure can choose death over that pressure if they see no other way out of it. This is certainly and surely suicide by the previously provided definition. Yet still, a soldier can choose to throw themselves on a land mine or grenade to prevent a fellow soldier from being killed by it instead; is this suicide? They chose to, voluntarily & intentionally, take their own life so by definition it can surely be argued. Why then is this considered more noble than the one who chose to escape torment? Perhaps the instance of giving one’s own life is vastly set apart from the one who takes it. We should consider some Biblical illustrations here. First up is Judas, he chose to hang himself after betraying Jesus, a direct result of the guilt and torment that followed (Matt 27:3-5[1]). This instance is like the person afflicted by the financial pressure, to escape they took a voluntary action that resulted in their death. Now let us look at Jesus Himself, He voluntarily gave His life so that mankind would not have to suffer the fate of eternal death. Not only was this considered a sacrifice, but it was ordained or sanctioned by God. While it is indeed true that Jesus went to Hell afterward it was not the result of giving His life, it was to overthrow Death and Hell (1 Pe 3:18-20, Rev 1:18[1]). Judas also went to Hell, but not for suicide. It was because he rejected and never accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior (Jn 3, Acts 1:25[1]). It is never stated that Judas went to Hell for committing suicide. Many Believers often take hard stances on the belief that God despises those who commit suicide; however, they are never able to provide any scripture to support the matter. Instead, they often provide verses showcasing how life is precious to God along with statements about how suicide is the act of rejecting God’s gift of life. Yet still, they have not provided any Biblical proof that suicide is an unforgivable sin, and a Christian is condemned to Hell for committing the act.

Much like anything concerning God and His Word the only true way to know is to inquire of the Lord and allow His Spirit to guide you to the truth (Jn 14:26, 16:13-15 [1]). As previously stated, this was merely an exploration of the subject and an attempt to provide truth and facts. To draw one’s own conclusion when the Word of God is in question is pure foolishness, to say the least. No one reserves that right, not non-believers due to not even knowing or having a relationship with God, and surely not the Believer because they have access to an understanding of The Truth. The Word of God does not require conclusions to be determined, for the Believer it should serve as final authority in all things. The facts are before you, as is the Truth, and whatever your decision always make sure it is supported by these two things. Thenceforth, none shall be able to challenge it.

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Sources:

1. LifeBible.com, v10.1.069-522, NKJV, Tecarta Bible, (2023). John 17:17; Exodus 20:13; Exodus 21:12, 13; Romans 10:9, 10; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 27:3 – 5; 1 Peter 3:18-20, Revelations 1:18; John 3:15-19; Acts 1:25; John 14:26, 16:13-15

2. “Murder”, Oxford Languages Dictionary for Google. 2023 Dictionary

3. Title 18 – Crimes & Criminal Procedure – US Code – Chpt. 51 Homicide – Section 1111, Murder, Pt A (2023) US Code

4. Title 18 – Crimes & Criminal Procedure – US Code – Chpt. 51 Homicide – Section 1111, Murder, Pt. B (2023)US Code

5. “Suicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, 2023. Dictionary