One of the things we do here at the ministry is tackle tough subjects. We don’t shy away from them. There is too much going on in our world to not put our stake in the ground and say what we believe.

We have touched on topics like women preachers, marriage and divorce, Calvinism, etc. If the Bible talks about a topic, so should we. We need to dig into the Scriptures, look at verses in context, be led by the Holy Spirit, and come to a biblical conclusion for whatever issue we are talking about.

I had three people during a week-long period ask me the age-old question: Can a Christian commit suicide and still go to heaven?

Taking Life

Over ten countries in the world have physician-assisted suicide. America has numerous states where that practice is legal. In another study, I read that across the world approximately 700,000 suicides occur each year and that males comprise about 75 percent of them.

My first thoughts were, “That is a lot of souls who are exiting earth and meeting God. What could move someone to the point where suicide would be their last act on earth?”

This question provoked a lot of thought and turned out to be a multi-part newsletter. So I would ask that you hold your thoughts until we come to a conclusion in the final newsletter. This is a very touchy subject with lots of emotion connected to it. I have asked numerous people the question: “Can a Christian commit suicide and go to heaven?” I get emotional responses, quick moral responses, etc., but rarely do I receive a biblical response. That is what I want to know. What does the Word of God have to say about this issue? We know we can trust God’s Word. It has stood the test of time. So if we can find out what it says, in context, then we will have our answer. And it will be the right answer. You may come to a different conclusion than I did. If so, it has to be backed up by Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16,17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

John 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

What Does the Word Say?

As we take a look at this subject, let’s start with this: Murder is 100 percent wrong. Period. We don’t have to go down a long road to figure that out.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Since this verse is true, it would mean that self-murder is wrong as well, whether it is committed by a lost person or a saved person.

I believe there is an easy answer to the question: Can a Christian commit suicide and still go to heaven? Let me make a few points before I get there.

What about Christian Suicide?

If you are not the person thinking about suicide and you get this question from someone, they are typically asking a different question. They are asking: “Can ‘I’ commit suicide and still go to heaven?” At this point, you need to deal with this person in a personal way.

One time, I was speaking at a youth conference in Toronto. We held some breakout sessions, and I had a small group of about ten or fifteen students. I enjoy those Q & A times. A lot can be accomplished during them. You can see where your audience is coming from and if they are processing what you are teaching.

A young lady raised her hand and asked me that very question. So, I let her know before I answered it that I wanted to ask her three other questions:

  1. I looked at her and said, “Have you ever thought about suicide?” She let me know that she had.
  2. I then asked her, “Have you chosen the method for how you would do it?” She let me know that she had, and she would use pills.
  3. I then said, “Do you have those pills with you now?” She let me know that she did.

Those are three very important questions to ask someone if you ever hear that question. What she was saying is that she was very close to committing that act and wanted confirmation that it would be okay with God if she did. Or it could be their last cry for help before they make an irreversible decision.

I looked at an adult woman in the room and told her that this young lady does not leave your eyes once we leave this room. I need you to spend some time talking with her, and I need the both of you to chat with her parents before the day is over.

In our next newsletter, we’ll discuss some of the implications of cutting one’s life short through suicide. Questions come up about eternal security, confession of sin, and more. Look for it on Wednesday.

Until the nets are full,

P.S.  Time is such a precious commodity. Life is a vapor, and we need to warn others about how quickly it passes. Remember, all you have to say is, “Did you get one of these?” as you extend it toward someone. Literally, 99 percent of people will take one. Time in life is running out, and so is the time to hand someone a tract. Go for it, and don’t look back!

https://markcahill.org/product-category/specials/

Fall Festivals are great times to witness. Greg and his team are about to have a blast planting seeds!

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