Here is another question that someone asked... "Does committing suicide buy you an instant ticket to hell?" Wow. That is a huge question. And I am kind of wondering who asked it and if they are struggling in some way. I will attempt to share some things on this. I probably won't address every issue, but I feel like I need to say a few things here.
First, the question deals with where people go when they die. Is it going to be heaven or hell? What the Bible tells us is that we all have sinned and deserve to be in hell when we die. None of us meet the perfect standard. Romans 3:23. That is why we need forgiveness. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sin. If we put our faith in him, trust in what he did for our forgiveness, and begin to follow him...he takes our sin away, we begin a relationship with him, and when we die we will be in heaven. That is it. Heaven is a gift from God, through forgiveness. Ephesians 2:8-9. No matter how bad we are, no matter what sin we commit, no matter what...he promises to take us to heaven when we have our faith in Jesus and are following him.
Generally, I believe that suicide is a sin. It is taking a life (which happens to be your own). Now, I know that at times someone's mental state can be in a condition that they may not even really know what they are doing. But it is taking a life. But here are some things that are important to remember:
1. This makes God very sad. God doesn't want someone to be so sad, so low, or so depressed that they think this is their only way out. God loves us and wants to bring us hope in these difficult situations.
2. God does not view suicide as a worse sin than murder, lying, cheating, adultery, etc. Sin is sin. It all saddens God and he doesn't want us to do any of these sins. But he offers forgiveness for all sin, as I said above.
3. So someone won't go to hell just because they did one specific sin. Heaven or hell is determined what someone believes about Jesus. So, yes, it is possible for someone to commit suicide and go to hell. It is also possible for someone to sin in another way and go to hell. Again, it depends on what they believe about Jesus.
One important last thought. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you or they need to get help, now. God love us. And He can bring hope when life seems hopeless. Call a counselor right away and go talk to them. Deal with this. God has provided another way out when it feels like you are trapped in a hole.
Very well said Mark! whoever asked that I hope will receive the help they need.
Posted by: Don Morey | December 03, 2011 at 06:57 AM