Suicide: What the Bible Says About It (An Ultimate Guide)

Since ancient times, some Christians have taken their own lives. Unfortunately, there is a long-standing misleading belief which has propagated the idea that suicide is an instant ticket to hell.

Some people think a Christian who takes their own life cannot be saved. The Bible does not support this teaching.

Records of Suicide in the Bible.

Six biblical figures are mentioned to have committed suicide:

  1. Abimelech (Judges 9:54),
  2. Saul (1 Samuel 31:4),
  3. Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4-6),
  4. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23),
  5. Zimri (1 Kings 16:14), and
  6. Judas (Matthew 27:5).

Except for Saul’s armor-bearer, about whom nothing is known, five of these men were singled out for their wickedness.

Samson intended to kill the Philistines, not himself (Judges 16:26-31), leading some to label his death as an example of suicide.

Suicide is regarded as self-murder, which is why the Bible treats it as such. Only God can decide when and how a person should pass away.

The Christian Bible’s Take on Life.

Life originates from God. In the same way that He bestows and revokes (Job 1:21). Deliberately ending one’s own life is an act of rebellion against God, since it negates the gift of life.

No human being has the right to assume the role of God and end their own life.

Many people in the Bible experienced severe hopelessness. In his quest for satisfaction, for instance, Solomon eventually came to the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). To the end, where he wished for death, Elijah was filled with terror and despair (1 Kings 19:4).

In his wrath against God, Jonah prayed to die (Jonah 4:8). The missionaries with Paul were under immense pressure, much beyond anyone’s ability to withstand, to the point where they despaired of life itself” at one point (2 Corinthians 1:8).

One thing that isn’t the case is that any of these men have committed suicide. After much trial and error, Solomon realized that “all humans must fear God and fulfill His commands” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

An angel appeared to Elijah, consoled him, and gave him a new assignment. God spoke to Jonah and admonished and rebuked him.

Although Paul’s circumstances were impossible, he discovered that the Lord could sustain him through any trial: “This happened that mankind might not rely on themselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).

Therefore, the Bible condemns suicide as an evil act. However, in God’s eyes, it’s not close to being the “worst” sin, and it certainly doesn’t decide whether or not a person will spend eternity in hell.

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The Consequences of Suicide on Survivors.

Suicide leaves a profound and permanent mark on those who survive it. Scars caused by a suicide attempt or completion do not go away quickly or easily.

May God’s grace be with everyone struggling today (Psalm 67:1). Also, may anyone find comfort in the assurance that “God will save everyone who calls on His name” (Romans 10:13).

The Bible promises us eternal life the moment one puts their faith in Christ (John 3:16). In light of what the Bible says, Christians can have complete assurance that they have eternal life ( refer to 1 John 5:13).

A Christian’s faith and God’s love are inseparable (Romans 8:38–39). Given that a Christian who commits suicide is still a “made object,” even suicide cannot cut them off from God’s love.

Given that Jesus died for all of mankind’s sins, the blood of Christ can even forgive a genuine Christian who takes his own life under attack from the devil and is overwhelmed by his guilt.

If you want to know whether you’ll go to paradise or hell, the Bible says it is independent of whether or not you commit suicide. A lost person has only “expedited” his descent into hell by taking his own life.

The person who committed suicide will spend eternity in hell, not because of the act but because he rejected Christ’s offer of salvation (refer to John 3:18). 

It’s also worth noting that nobody can know what was going on emotionally in a person’s mind at the precise moment of death.

Near the end of their lives, some people have “deathbed conversions,” where they decide to follow Christ.  A person who has agreed to end their life may have a change of heart at the last minute and pray for forgiveness from God. Such decisions are ultimately up to God, and one should refuse to presume upon them (1 Samuel 16:7).

 Anyone having suicidal thoughts is urged to get treatment immediately. Do whatever it takes to get help.

Whether dialing the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255, going to the hospital if you can, dialing 911, or going to alert someone to your house, apartment building, place of business, or anywhere.

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