Question: What are your thoughts on Christians who take their own lives? | thebereancall.org

TBC Staff

Question: What are your thoughts on Christians who take their own lives, and what do you believe will happen to them?

Response: The scriptures are not silent on the subject, including the stories of those who committed suicide (King Saul and Judas, et al). One thing is certain. The sixth commandment of the Lord says very emphatically, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus:20:13). This verse does not add the word “others” at the end of the command. Consequently, the prohibition covers everyone. You shall not murder others or yourself. God alone is the Judge over His creation (Romans:9:21; 12:19; Psalm:94:2).  

Although the scriptures affirm the security of the believer, the Lord also strongly warned about the loss of reward a believer may suffer because of his actions (1 Corinthians:3:15). The “heroes of the faith” (Hebrews 11) all endured horrendous experiences, with many losing their lives—but not through suicide. Samson’s death involved more self-sacrifice than suicide, unlike King Saul. Samson’s last act of judgment against the Philistines would result in his own death—a vast difference between this and Saul’s cowardly attempt to avoid the consequences of his own actions (1 Samuel:31:4).