DOES SUICIDE SEND A PERSON TO HELL?

Some people assume that a person who commits suicide is doomed to eternal damnation in hell. But that’s not what Scripture teaches. Scripture says that the only sin that will send a person to hell is the rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:9). We should also remember that God does not want anyone going to hell but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:9).

One of Satan’s schemes involves his attempts to deceive a person’s mind by tempting them to dwell on thoughts of suicide. Suicide results from acting on the deceptions from the kingdom of darkness affecting the mind. A person considering these thoughts is suffering from a sickness of the mind and is no different from someone afflicted with a sickness in the body.

Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). Satan is the one who steals life, but Jesus is the life-giver!

Let’s not forget that no matter how difficult the situation, the Bible promises that through Jesus Christ we are overcomers (1 John 5:4-5, Romans 8:35-39). God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand, has the power to guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). He will keep us in perfect peace as our minds are fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3) and He will renew our strength—spirit, soul and body (Isaiah 40:31).

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.