Every 40 seconds, somewhere in the world, there’s a suicide. This stark statistic from the World Health Organization translates to nearly 800,000 lives lost to suicide each year. But the true impact reaches far beyond these numbers. For every life lost, many are profoundly affected—parents, children, spouses, friends, and colleagues left to grapple with an indescribable void and a host of haunting questions.

In the face of such staggering loss, a torrent of questions floods our minds and hearts: What does the Bible say on suicide? What happens to the souls of those who take their own lives? Is suicide the unforgivable sin? How should the church respond to families touched by suicide? These aren’t merely academic inquiries. As believers, we cannot shy away from these difficult questions. We’re called to bring the light of God’s Word into the darkest corners of human experience. Yet, how do we approach such a sensitive topic with both biblical truth and Christ-like compassion? Join us as we delve into Scripture, seeking to understand what the Bible truly says about suicide.

The Bible’s View on the Sanctity of Life

• Genesis 1:27: We’re Created in God’s Image The Bible establishes from the very beginning the sacredness of human life. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created in the image of God, making human life precious and valuable. Every person reflects God’s likeness, and this truth lays the foundation for why life must be protected and cherished.
• Exodus 20:13: The Commandment Against Murder God’s commandment in Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder,” applies to both taking another person’s life and taking our own. Suicide, as self-murder, violates this command, showing a disregard for the life God has given. This command underscores the sanctity of life and the call to trust God, even in times of despair.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit In the New Testament, Paul reminds us that our bodies are not our own. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, he writes that believers are “temples of the Holy Spirit,” bought with the precious blood of Christ. We are called to honour God with our bodies, meaning we have a responsibility to care for our physical and mental well-being. Suicide disregards this responsibility and treats God’s creation—ourselves—as something disposable.

What Does the Bible Say on Suicide?

Biblical Accounts of Suicide There are a few accounts of suicide in the Bible. King Saul (1 Samuel 31:4) and his armour-bearer (1 Samuel 31:5) took their own lives after defeat in battle. Judas Iscariot, overwhelmed with guilt after betraying Jesus, hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). There are also the suicides of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23) and Zimri (1 Kings 16:18). These stories reflect the despair that leads to suicide, but none of them are portrayed positively or endorsed by Scripture.

Absence of Explicit Condemnation of Suicide Interestingly, while the Bible describes these suicides, it does not explicitly condemn the act in each case. However, Scripture’s overall teaching on the sanctity of life, God’s sovereignty, and the commandment not to murder strongly imply that suicide is a grievous sin.

Reformed Theological Perspectives

• The Sovereignty of God Over Life and Death From a Reformed perspective, we affirm God is sovereign over life and death. Job 1:21 reminds us “the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.” Suicide, then, is an attempt to take control over something that belongs to God alone. Life and death are in His hands, and we are called to trust Him even in our darkest hours.
• The Doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints One crucial question Christians often ask is whether a believer who commits suicide can still be saved. Reformed theology, through the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, teaches that true believers, once saved, cannot lose their salvation. Salvation is not based on our actions but on the finished work of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). Even in a tragic case like suicide, a believer’s security in Christ remains intact.
• Suicide as a Result of Spiritual Warfare and Mental Illness Suicide often stems from deep spiritual and mental struggles, including spiritual warfare, depression, and mental illness. Our fallen world affects not just our bodies but also our minds. Ephesians 6:12 speaks of the spiritual battles we face, and some believers may succumb to overwhelming despair. We must recognise that mental illness is a reality of our fallen condition and does not define one’s eternal destiny.
• The Impact of Our Fallenness and Guilt The guilt, shame, and despair that often precede suicide are products of our fallen nature. Sin distorts our view of ourselves and of God, leading some to believe that death is the only solution to their pain. This is why the gospel’s message of grace, hope, and redemption is crucial for those suffering under the weight of guilt.

Hope and Help for Those Struggling

The Compassion of Christ for the Suffering Jesus is our compassionate Saviour, who knows our pain and sorrow. In Matthew 11:28, He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. Christ understands our suffering and offers true hope to those in despair.

The Role of the Christian Community in Prevention and Support The Christian community plays a vital role in preventing suicide by creating a safe space for those struggling with mental health issues. Encouraging open conversations, providing pastoral care, and walking alongside those in pain are crucial steps the church must take.

Biblical Counselling and Professional Mental Health Resources Biblical counselling can help believers understand their struggles in light of Scripture, but professional mental health resources are also essential. The church should encourage individuals to seek help from qualified professionals when needed, recognising that God works through various means to bring healing.

Conclusion: Reaffirming God’s Love and Grace

Suicide is a painful and tragic issue, but God’s love and grace are greater than any sin or despair. He is near to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and His mercy endures forever. For those left behind, we can trust in God’s perfect justice and compassion.

Churches must raise awareness about mental health and suicide, providing support for those in need. This includes equipping pastors and lay leaders to respond biblically and practically to suicidal thoughts. Let us be a community that reflects Christ’s compassion, offering hope to the suffering and bringing the light of the gospel into the darkest situations.

What Does the Bible Say on Suicide?—Related FAQs

• Is suicide the unforgivable sin? No, suicide is not the unforgivable sin. The only sin described as unforgivable in Scripture is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29), which is a willful, persistent rejection of the gospel. A believer, no matter how desperate or hopeless they may feel, remains covered by God’s grace through faith in Christ. (CHECK OUT OUR POST: The Unpardonable Sin: What is the Blasphemy Against the Spirit?)

Is suicide sin? Yes, suicide is a sin. It is murder (Exodus 20:13) of ourselves and an attack on the image of God within us (Genesis 1:27). It leaves behind a trail of devastation, both emotionally and spiritually, for the families and communities affected. However, like all sins, it is covered by the blood of Christ for those who are in Him.

What happens to believers who commit suicide? A believer who commits suicide remains saved because salvation is not dependent on works or the final moments of our lives but on God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing—not even death—can separate us from the love of God.

• How should the church respond to suicide and suicidal thoughts? The church must respond with compassion, support, and practical help. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens.” This means listening without judgment, offering prayer and counsel, and providing resources for mental health support.
• What does the Bible say about mental illness and suicide? While the Bible does not specifically address mental illness, it does speak to the realities of suffering and despair. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “the Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Mental illness, like physical illness, is part of the fallen human condition, and it can lead to overwhelming feelings of hopelessness. However, Scripture assures us that God cares deeply for those suffering and offers comfort, hope, and healing.
• Can Christians be suicidal and still have faith? Yes, Christians can struggle with suicidal thoughts and still have genuine faith. Depression and other mental health struggles can affect believers, just as physical illness can. Being a Christian does not make someone immune to suffering, but it does offer hope in the midst of despair. The Bible encourages believers to cast their burdens on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) and to seek help from their church community and mental health professionals.

What role does prayer play in preventing suicide? Prayer is a powerful tool for both those struggling with suicidal thoughts and for those supporting them. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to bring their anxieties before God in prayer, promising peace that surpasses understanding. Prayer allows individuals to seek God’s strength and comfort, and it can also open the door for others to intercede, offering spiritual support in times of deep distress.

 

What Does the Bible Say on Suicide?—Our Related Posts

• Pain and Suffering: Christian Perspectives
• God and Evil: Can they Coexist?
• The Unpardonable Sin: What is the Blasphemy Against the Spirit?