According to the Oxford English Dictionary (on-line), suicide is 'the action of killing oneself intentionally'. The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide, or had others purposefully kill them: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul's armour-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4-6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Some consider Samson an instance of suicide (Judges 16:26-31). Samson's goal was to kill the Philistines, but he knew that his actions would result in his own death, as he said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Suicide is effectively murder, of one's self, and therefore a violation of the sixth commandment. According to the Bible, suicide is not what determines whether a person gains entrance into Heaven or not. The Bible teaches that from the moment we truly believe in Jesus, we are guaranteed eternal life in Heaven after we die. So, not even suicide can separate a Christian from God’s love. Jesus died for all of our sins, and if a true Christian, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commits suicide, that would still be a sin covered by the blood of Christ. There will be murderers in Heaven, including those who have self-murdered. Suicide is still a serious sin against God. According to the Bible, suicide is murder; it is always wrong. There are no circumstances that can justify a Christian, taking his/her own life. Christians are called to live their lives for God, and the decision on when to die is God’s and God’s alone. If you are contemplating suicide PLEASE stop for a moment and get some Christian and professional help. Though you may feel that God is far from you right now, He is much nearer than you think. He may even be speaking to you through these words! Please open your ears and hear Him tell you how valuable your life is. You are needed on this Earth and the purpose for your life has not yet been fulfilled. God loves you, and so do many people around you! God would not be God if He could not work this situation (no matter how unbearable it may seem) for His glory and for the good in your own life.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (on-line), suicide is 'the action of killing oneself intentionally'.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide, or had others purposefully kill them: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul's armour-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4-6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Some consider Samson an instance of suicide (Judges 16:26-31). Samson's goal was to kill the Philistines, but he knew that his actions would result in his own death, as he said, “Let me die with the Philistines.”
Suicide is effectively murder, of one's self, and therefore a violation of the sixth commandment.
According to the Bible, suicide is not what determines whether a person gains entrance into Heaven or not. The Bible teaches that from the moment we truly believe in Jesus, we are guaranteed eternal life in Heaven after we die.
So, not even suicide can separate a Christian from God’s love. Jesus died for all of our sins, and if a true Christian, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commits suicide, that would still be a sin covered by the blood of Christ. There will be murderers in Heaven, including those who have self-murdered.
Suicide is still a serious sin against God. According to the Bible, suicide is murder; it is always wrong. There are no circumstances that can justify a Christian, taking his/her own life. Christians are called to live their lives for God, and the decision on when to die is God’s and God’s alone.
If you are contemplating suicide PLEASE stop for a moment and get some Christian and professional help. Though you may feel that God is far from you right now, He is much nearer than you think. He may even be speaking to you through these words! Please open your ears and hear Him tell you how valuable your life is. You are needed on this Earth and the purpose for your life has not yet been fulfilled. God loves you, and so do many people around you! God would not be God if He could not work this situation (no matter how unbearable it may seem) for His glory and for the good in your own life.