Do people who commit suicide go to hell?
The answer to that question is the same as it is for anyone else- did that person accept Christ as their Savior before they died? Here’s how you get to that answer…
First, we should recognize that suicide is definitely a sin. Why? Well, it violates the 6th Commandment (Exodus 20:13) for one thing. It is also one of the most selfish acts that a person can commit, which makes it totally out of line with the character of God. In addition, the person who commits suicide makes the decision to put him or herself in the place of God. God is the Creator of life and has not given us the right to determine when our own lives should end.
Secondly, we must remember that Jesus died to forgive us of our sins. This is very clearly taught in many Scriptures including…
So while suicide is a painful, hurtful tragedy (both for the person who commits suicide and those they leave behind) it is a sin that can be forgiven if the person had previously accepted Jesus as their Savior.
But let’s be very clear on this: even though suicide is a sin that can be forgiven, it should never be looked at as an “escape hatch” or a one-way ticket to heaven for a Christian. A person’s eternal destiny is determined by their response to Jesus’ invitation to eternal life. Suicide is the wrong response to that invitation.
What are the signs that indicate that someone might be suicidal and what should I do about it?
There are often warning signs that may signal that a person is potentially suicidal. Here are a few… (1)
- Do they have a specific plan? Does the person have a specific, workable plan to kill themselves? This would involve such things as a time, date, place and method.
- Do they have the capability to actually carry out a plan to commit suicide? For example, if a potential suicide plans to overdose on drugs, do they have access to the drugs that will allow them to actually do it?
- Is the person comfortable with the idea of dying? Are they at ease with the subject of death, even their own? Do they speak favorably of other suicides?
- Have there been recent, unwanted changes in this person’s life? Has there been a relationship breakup, death of a loved one, or the suicide of a close friend or loved one in this person’s life recently?,
- Has there been a death or suicide of a favorite musician, actor or other celebrity important to this person recently? “Copycat” suicides can often occur after the death of a respected celebrity.
- Has the person been dating someone who exhibits these behaviors? Such a person could possibly be at risk for a “Romeo and Juliet” style joint suicide or murder/suicide.
- Does the person believe that God exists and we all must answer to Him one day? Those who don’t believe that God exists may incorrectly believe that their death will provide them with a one-way ticket into eternal bliss or nothingness.
What To Do
So what should we do if it’s determined that someone may be at risk to commit suicide? First and foremost, you should always take all threats of suicide seriously. This cannot be overemphasized. Don’t assume that someone is “just kidding around” when they speak of killing themselves.
One person makes the following observation…
If the person only wanted to get attention, he will quickly learn that he doesn’t want this kind of attention, and will try something different next time. It is no fun to wind up in a hospital emergency ward having your stomach pumped, then be transferred to a psychiatric ward for evaluation. The attention seeker won’t go through that very often, and the truly suicidal person will have her life saved.” (1)
If the person has a workable suicide plan and the means to accomplish it, then you should consider them to be “at risk.” If you find yourself in a crisis situation with a person who is potentially suicidal, it’s important to stay with that person. Don’t leave them alone, even for a moment.
Go with them to a hospital or crisis center where they can be professionally evaluated. Don’t be afraid to contact local law enforcement if you need help; they have the training necessary to handle these situations in a quiet, professional way.
Here are some other things to remember… (1)
- Let the person know that it’s OK to experience feelings of anger, pain, confusion and sadness. Point out that there are better ways to express those feelings then suicide.
- Show love, concern, support and empathy Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand someone else’s feelings. This helps to let the person involved know that they are not alone.
- Control your emotions. For example, you may feel angry towards a friend for trying to commit suicide. You may feel that their actions were stupid and wrong. But even though you may be absolutely right about that, the most important thing is how they feel, not how you feel. There will be a time and a place for you to vent your emotions. When dealing with a potential suicide, it’s important to put their best interests ahead of your own.
- Lead them to Christ. Explain God’s love to them. Tell them about Jesus. Encourage them to read God’s Word. Remind them that God has a tremendous future ahead for those who put Him first.
- Be available. Visit with the person involved. Listen to them, encourage them, read Scripture with them, pray with them.
- Encourage them to make healthy lifestyle changes. Urge the person involved to give up the music, movies, games, books and friends that can encourage self-destruction and suicidal thought.
- Contact your Pastor, Youth Pastor or other church leader for help and prayer. Resist the urge to contact everyone and spread the “news.” In most cases, it’s usually best to let your church leaders handle the job of contacting others for prayer and visitation.
How can I establish a relationship with God?
Before you start thinking about checking out, you need to check in to a relationship with God! Here’s what you need to know from God’s Word…
You need salvation
1.) Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”
2.) Ecclesiastes 7:20: “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.”
3.) John 3:3: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
You can’t do it yourself
1.) Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”
2.) Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
3.) Romans 4:5: “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness…”
Jesus is the only one who can help you
1.) 1 Peter 3:18: “Christ also has suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”
2.) Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
The time is now
1.) 2 Corinthians 6:1-2: “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain….Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
2.) James 4:14: “…whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
What you need to do
1.) Repent- acknowledge that you’ve failed to meet God’s standards and turn around – Luke 13:3: “I tell you…unless you repent you will all likewise perish..”
2.) Believe, trust and rely on Christ – Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved.”
When people make the decision to accept Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for the things they’ve done wrong, they are often pray what is known as “The Sinner’s Prayer.” This prayer is very simple and has just four basic parts…
1.) Recognition that there is a God: Lord God, or Dear God
2.) An acknowledgment that we have failed to meet God’s standards: I realize that I am a sinner or I understand that I have broken Your Laws
3.) Personal acceptance of Jesus’ substitute death on the cross as payment for his/her personal sins: I accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross in place of the punishment I deserve or I receive Jesus as my Savior
4.) A humble request for God’s assistance: Help me to live in a way that is pleasing to You or Please make me the person you want me to be
A prayer such as this should be offered in Jesus’ name (see John 16:23-24 and 1 Timothy 2:5) and it’s the way to go if you want a fresh start in your life.
If you’ve prayed this prayer or if you have any other questions, send The Doctor some mail at this address
(1) The quotation above along with the warning signs for potential suicides were adapted from Suicide And The Church © 1994 Larry Taylor