Suicide... Where Do They Stand?

Esther · #1 11-26-2007, 10:10 AM

Suicide where do they stand?

I have always heard it preached that if you committed suicide you automatically went to hell. The concept being you murdered yourself and you couldn’t repent.

Is there really any scripture on this?

My pastor mentioned Sunday morning that a former member of our church had committed suicide the night before Thanksgiving. He asked could he have helped her more when she would come and talk to him? Are there others sitting beside us that are in a similar situation and we are not aware of their needs?

It is a very sobering thought.

This person was a close friend of mine. A prayer partner that had just called me a couple of weeks prior with a special prayer request. A situation that had to do with her daughter and someone in the church. So WHY didn’t she call me! She told me that her and her daughter prayed for me every night before they went to bed. She was an older mother and was extremely protective of her daughter.

My mind is boggled over how can a prayer warrior get to this point?

Are there others around me that I am not sensitive enough in the spirit to see they need help?

This is two deaths close to me in a two week period. Not a good holiday!

SDG · #2 11-26-2007, 10:11 AM

There are many factors to this ... Would God condemn a person who does so because of mental illness or under the influence of prescribed medication?

Esther · #3 11-26-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

There are many factors to this ... Would God condemn a person who does so because of mental illness or under the influence of prescribed medication?

MY opinion is no.

SDG · #4 11-26-2007, 10:19 AM

Does the Word say that suicide is the impardonable sin?

Does God factor the inablity some have to reason when the enemy attacks them w/ the thoughts of suicide?

Do we believe that someone will be raptured or sleep in Christ if they die cussin? Do we believe that we will have to be pristine at the time of departure to be saved? Or does the blood cover it?

Esther · #5 11-26-2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Does the Word say that suicide is the impardonable sin?

Does God factor the inablity some have to reason when the enemy attacks them w/ the thoughts of suicide?

Do we believe that someone will be raptured or sleep in Christ if they die cussin? Do we believe that we will have to be pristine at the time of departure to be saved? Or does the blood cover it?

Depends on who you ask. Some do.

SDG · #6 11-26-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esther

Depends on who you ask. Some do.

Our God is a righteous judge and I think grace is bigger word than we think.

Our standing before God is based on the penalty paid for us by His Lamb, our substitute.

Esther · #7 11-26-2007, 10:25 AM

God is indeed a righteous judge. I believe He looks at you entire life and not just one moment of time.

SDG · #8 11-26-2007, 10:32 AM

It's not an easy issue ... I can't imagine the hurt and grief the drives a person to commit suicide ... or the pain endured by those left behind to deal w/ what I believe is the ultimate selfish act ...

I remember thinking about this issue a lot when Colt's head coach, Tony Dungee's son killed himself a few years ago during this time of the year.

Coach Dungee and his family were vocal on insisting he is saved.

OneAccord · #9 11-26-2007, 10:33 AM

Im very sorry for your loss. And, I wish I could say something to help ease your pain or answer your questions. To be honest (and I expect to be mobbed), suicide is a delicate issue for me. Like you, I have always heard that one who commits suicide automatically goes to hell because they have committed a murder. But, then again, I don't know that a God of love, a God of mercy ever "automatically" consigns anyone to hell. Maybe the situations in the personal lives of my wife and me right now has me a little too close to the subject to give an onjective answer. So, I'll just offer my opinion.

But, I wonder about the life of one who feels so desperate , so hopeless, that suicide is, or seems to be, the only alternative for them. Is their life already a living hell? What misery they must already have endured. What empty torment was theirs that drove them to that point. I don't know. Honestly, I don't... but I believe...

Every situation is different and we can discuss "hypotheticals" all day long, but, in the end, the question goes unanswered. I read of a young girl who had committed suicide before she turned 12. She had been sexually, physically and emotionally abused her entire life. Her situation was hopeless, her life: a living hell. Did she die and go to hell because she ended, not a life, but a miserable existence? I don't know... but I believe...

I believe there is a God who doesn't jusdge with a "one size fits all" mentality. I believe there are cases when God surveys the situation and judges on the merits of the case. Like a man, a poor man who steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving children. The law demands justice... the law demands that a penalty must be paid. But the judge has descretion... the judge has latitude to lessen the sentence based on the merits of the case. God is not bound by a law or Law. He is His own Law. I believe God judges, not so much a persons actions, but the intents of the heart. I believe God has latitude to judge us as he sees fit. And, in regards to your question, I believe God judges one who commits suicide on the quality, or lack thereof, of their existence on earth. To put it simply, no, IMO, I don't think God "automatically" sends someone to hell for committing suicide.

SDG · #10 11-26-2007, 10:34 AM

I pray God will bring you comfort during this difficult time, Sister Esther.