What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?
- Wired for Christ
- Oct 3, 2024
- 5 min read
Introduction
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
I would like to make it clear that I am not an expert in mental health as we discuss this subject.
This Bible study is not a substitute for professional assistance or advice from mental health experts. Rather, it aims to present the Biblical perspective on this delicate yet important topic and offer a Biblical viewpoint to consider when addressing the matter.
May the Lord's grace be with us all as we seek answers to life's most difficult questions.
The following topics will be examined:
The Death of Unbelievers
Examples of Suicide in the Bible
The Story of Samson
Our Creation in God's image
The Sanctity of Life
God’s Commandment
God's Response to Despair
The Way of Escape
Life More Abundantly
The Death of Unbelievers
First, it must be stated that all who do not believe (or trust) in Jesus alone for salvation, regardless of how they die, will face eternal torment in hell.
Hell is a real place.
In Matthew 25:46, it is described as a place of everlasting punishment, and in Revelation 20:15, it is referred to as the lake of fire where the unsaved will be tormented forever.
It is vital to receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ to avoid this eternal fate (Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9).
What does Jesus teach about hell?
Suicide in the Bible
Of all the recorded deaths in the Bible, not one person of faith committed suicide.
These include Abimelech (Judges 9:54), King Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), King Saul's armour-bearer (1 Samuel 31:5), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5).
What about Samson's death?
Contrary to some beliefs, it is wrongly assumed that Samson took his own life.
However, a more precise analysis shows that Samson's death was a purposeful sacrifice made for strategic purposes.
Samson was at war with the Philistines, which led to his being captured, blinded, and humiliated.
In a bold move, he prayed to God and by faith brought down a temple that housed Philistine leaders, seeking retribution and accomplishing his goal of freeing Israel from their oppression.
By causing the entire building full of Philistines to crumble, Samson defeated a larger number of enemies than he did throughout his time as a judge.
This showcases God's power through a flawed person willing to give his life for God's purpose.
Some sing, "If I die, let me die in the army of the Lord." Well, men like Samson did it.
We Are Made in the Image of God
In the book of Genesis 1:26, we are reminded that each individual is uniquely created in the image of God.
This foundational truth highlights the value and sanctity of human life.
Therefore, we are to honor and cherish this divine likeness given to us.
Sanctity of Life - God Tells His People to Choose Life
In Deuteronomy 30:19, God is the first one to tell us to choose life.
This emphasizes how precious life is and how crucial it is to preserve it.
The Commandment: "You Shall Not Murder"
Exodus 20:13 issues a clear mandate: "You shall not murder." This commandment extends to oneself.
Suicide, as an act that involves the deliberate taking of one's own life, runs counter to this fundamental decree.
Given that murder is defined as the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another, some argue that it is impossible to commit this act against oneself.
However, I strongly disagree.
Our lives are entrusted to us by God, who is our Creator. Therefore, we do not have the right to take even our own lives through murder.
God's Response to Despairing Thoughts in the Bible
In 1 Kings 19, we witness an example of God's faithful servant, Elijah, grappling with despair. He asks God to take his life.
Rather than suggesting suicide as a way of escape, God sends an angel to revive Elijah, rekindling his sense of purpose and calling.
The Lord refreshed him with food and gave him rest, then presented Elijah with new work to do.
God teaches us through the story of Elijah that rest, nourishment (physically and more importantly spiritually), and placing the focus on something bigger than ourselves is an effective approach to despairing thoughts.
The Way of Escape
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
The way of escape from life's trials is not suicide because God is the first one who told us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19), and not to murder (Exodus 20:13).
Suicide is choosing death by intentionally murdering oneself.
The way of escape first and foremost is the word of God as Deuteronomy 8:3 tells us it is how we live.
Other ways of escape include prayer, fellowship with other Christians, professional counseling, healthy hobbies, exercise, laughter, and other positive activities that do not violate God's word.
Life More Abundantly
Jesus said, in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
This verse makes it abundantly clear that God does not decree nor sanction suicide.
He gives us life through physical birth, tells us to choose life and wants to give us abundant life after birth, and offers us eternal life after death.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, I am of the opinion that the Bible provides strong backing for the argument against committing suicide.
Choose life!
May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.
Recommended Books:
When Is It Right to Die? by Joni Eareckson Tada
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