Questions about life after death: 4. What happens to someone who commits suicide – do they go to hell?

What happens to someone who commits suicide – do they go to hell?

Please note: If this question is for you not merely academic but deeply personal, I would urge you to talk to a Church minister, vicar or pastor. Don’t let what you consider to be shame keep you from being helped.

To commit suicide is to do something that God has specifically told us is wrong. It is breaking the sixth commandment which is, ‘You shall not murder’.

Perhaps it is because some films, songs, or websites give the impression suicide is a way of escape and a means of proving one’s significance, that it has been made to seem a possible option when difficulties arise. Sadly, in some cases this has led to others copying their actions, leading to further tragedy.

Suicide is not a Christian response to difficulties or unhappiness.

Characters in the Bible who asked God to take their lives from them always had their prayer refused, because God had further work for them to do, for Him and for others.

I, personally, have struggled for a number of years with depression. I cannot explain it, but at times it has been horrendous. I have on numerous occasions had to battle with the temptation of suicide, and so I don’t approach this subject lightly. Suicide is a selfish act, however, which leaves a wake of guilt, regret and grief to those who are left behind. In fact, it transfers all one’s own pain on to those who remain.74

So does this make suicide an unforgivable act, especially considering that it is the last thing one does – and leaves no chance to ask for forgiveness, or show remorse? No. Suicide is like all other sin. While suicide has lasting, devastating consequences, God is big enough to forgive these actions. There are, I think, six accounts of suicide in the Bible, the most notorious being those of King Saul and Judas. Others
are Abimelech, Samson, Ahithophel, and Zimri. As far as I can tell, none of the six is explicitly condemned for taking his life. (See note below)

If someone is trusting in God, as their Lord and Saviour, this is a timeless forgiveness whatever their last action, be it an impure thought, an unkind word, or the taking of one’s life. Because a Christian is forgiven he or she can have full assurance that this means all their guilt is no longer held against them. However, if someone is living with God ruling their life, it also means that they are told, and should desire, to avoid at all costs doing wrong against God – and this therefore includes suicide. Is suicide
wrong? Yes. Is it unforgiveable? No.

Note: For further reading see, Good Question: Is Suicide Unforgivable? By Lewis B Smedes Christianity Today, July 10 2000, Vol 44, No. 8

Go to: What about the people who have never heard the Christian message?