Beth-El Baptist Church

12/14/2008

Greg Tomlinson


Doesn't suicide prove that someone was not really a Christian?


Suicide is a growing problem in the world. Suicide even among Christians is not new. There is a teaching from some that the attempt and the carrying out of suicidal thoughts is a demonstration that one was not a true believer and only pretended to be a Christian.


  1. Does the Bible have any accounts of suicide?

Judges 9:52-54; 16:25-30 1 Samuel 31:4, 5

2 Samuel 17:23 1 Kings 16:15-20

Matthew 27:3-5 cmp Matthew 26:47-50


Here is a list of 7 suicides found in the scriptures. There are several reasons listed as the reason behind their suicide. Abimelech's pride, Samson's revenge, Saul's personal failure, Saul's armor bearer's impulsive act, Ahithophel's rejected counsel, Zimri's selfishness, and Juda's overwhelming guilt and unwillingness to seek forgiveness although Jesus called him friend at his betrayal.


With the exception of Samson, all of these individuals would typically be classified as unbelievers. In all of these cases, the men saw no way out but by taking their own life. Either the death that they already facing was too shameful for them or they did not want to face the consequences of their prior actions. In all cases, they lost sight of any sense of hope and purpose. They refused to humble themselves before God and let God have their way.


  1. Does the Bible have any accounts of what could be considered suicidal thoughts?

1 Kings 19:3-4, 9-12 Jonah 1:9-12

Job 3:2-5 Jeremiah 20:14-18


Some of the prophets of God had suicidal thoughts. Their thoughts often arose from total rejection of men by their words and testimony. They were either tired of fighting and doing what God had called them to do (Elijah and Jeremiah), hated what they were supposed to do and saw the best way to avoid it was death (Jonah), or utterly despondent at the harshness that life can bring (Job). In each of these cases they were caught up in the circumstances surrounding them and they were unwilling or unable to see beyond their circumstances to see Jesus standing at the other end. In other words, they temporarily lost sight of the hope they had through Jesus Christ.


Philippians 1:21-25


There are some that see Paul's letter to the Philippians a potential desire to commit suicide. While this view may be taught, Paul is not contemplating suicide but he is highly focused on the the joy of being in the very presence of God while at the same time seeing the need to encourage the brethren. He knows that the choice is not actually his but that the choice lies with Christ and His timing. Barring his removal from this earth by Christ, he seeks to continue proclaiming Jesus Christ until his time is done.



Seeing then that those in the Bible who actually committed suicide were generally considered unbelievers, and those who were clearly believers but had suicidal thoughts did not follow through, does that not completely satisfy the answer in that only unbelievers are capable of committing suicide?


  1. Is suicide sin?

Exodus 20:13 Genesis 9:6

Ezekiel 18:4


    Clearly suicide is the shedding of blood. It does not matter what form the suicide takes, whether chemically induced or other means, it is the taking of a life, with premeditation, and it is sin.


  1. What is the basis of salvation?

1 Peter 3:18-19 John 3:36, 5:22-24; 10:27-29

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Romans 5:6-10


While it is sin that rightly deserves hell, it is not the lack of sin that is the basis of salvation. The basis of salvation is the cross of Jesus Christ. Since the salvation of a man depends on his relationship with Jesus Christ, there is no sin of a man for whom Jesus died and rose again that would destroy that relationship.


  1. Why then would a Christian commit suicide?

Matthew 14:28-31 Romans 8:38-39

1 Corinthians 6:9-12; 9:24-25 Philippians 3:13-15


The Christian who commits suicide does so because he has been caught up in the events of life and has forgotten to look for Jesus in the midst of them. Although he may not feel the love of Jesus Christ, it often occurs because they refuse to look for it and to see it. There are many people around the one contemplating suicide who is willing to love them even as they are. It takes time in the scriptures, the presence of God, and the presence of God's people to get through the time of hopelessness and depression. While in the midst of the difficulties, they see no end nor do they see any hope. Hope is there they just need to keep focused upon it and remember that it is Christ who died for them and who therefore will work to complete the good work He has begun.