Suicide and Heaven in the Bible | BEST OF CHRISTIANITY

What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven? Suicide is a deeply complex and tragic topic that has affected individuals throughout history. Suicide is the act of causing one’s own death intentionally; or it is the act of killing one’s self intentionally. In life, we often face hardship, difficulties, and challenges that lead to much despair. When grappling with such profound despair, many people turn to their faith for guidance and solace. For Christians, the Bible serves as a source of wisdom, encouragement, and insight on various aspects of life, including suicide. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about suicide, examining different perspectives and passages that shed light on this sensitive issue.

What the Bible Says About Suicide and Heaven

Analysis from a Biblical Perspective

Understanding Suicide in Biblical Context

To comprehend the Bible’s stance on suicide, we must consider the broader context of its teachings. From the very beginning, the Bible emphasizes the sanctity of life. In the Ten Commandments, God commands, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). This commandment establishes the inherent value of human life and condemns the taking of another person’s life. It’s equally clear that suicide is murder of yourself, an act which is biblically condemned. Behold, no one is to stop their own life. The Lord God Almighty decides when we are going to be born, He is the giver of life and He numbers our days. Life is a precious gift from God.

In the Bible, we read of about 5 different people that took their own life. Also, there are around 5 people in the Bible that despaired to the point of death but did not take their own life, one of those being Jesus. Jonah said, “it is better for me to die than to live”. Solomon said, “I hated life”. Paul said he was burdened beyond his strength and despaired of life itself. A close look reveals that the difference between these people and the biblical people who executed themselves seems to have been their relationship with God. When going through desperate moments in life, pray and seek God for comfort.

I Corinthians 10:13 says, The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Is Suicide a Sin?

Brethren, suicide is “self-murder,” and as such it is a sin since murder is a sin. Aside from the “do not commit murder” command given by God to His people, suicide is also a sin for the following theological and practical reasons: (1) it is God and God alone who has the right to determine life and death, and (2) suicide reveals a belief that God is not powerful enough to help you solve your problems. Beloved, irrespective of what you are going through, God is willing and ready to help you. Do not lose hope but trust in God for strength, love, and guidance. As Christians, we know that in Christ there is hope.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 says, “Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say.”

Suicide as Self-Murder

When contemplating suicide, it is crucial to realize that, from a biblical perspective, it is considered self-murder. Just as God is the only one who has the authority to determine the timing and manner of our deaths, suicide rejects His gift of life. By taking one’s own life, a person assumes God’s authority, which is a grave sin in the eyes of the Bible.

Examples of Suicide in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, there are accounts of individuals who took their own lives. While these stories provide insights into the consequences and complexities surrounding suicide, it is essential to approach them with sensitivity and compassion.

1. King Saul (1 Samuel 31:3-4)

The Philistines were in war with Israel, and the Israelites fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. It was then that the Philistines overtook king Saul and his sons. The Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of king Saul. The battle pressed hard against king Saul, and the archers shot arrows at him, and he was badly wounded. Then king Saul said to his armor-bearer “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer could not because he was afraid to do so. Therefore, king Saul took his own sword and fell upon it and he died.

2. Saul’s Armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:5)

When king Saul’s armor-bearer saw that king Saul had fallen on his sword to kill himself and he was dead, he equally drew his sword and fell upon it and died with him. And as such, Saul and his armor-bearer committed suicide on the same day.

3. Ahithophel

Ahithophel, once a close companion of David and the grandfather of Bathsheba, sided with Absalom in a rebellion against David. When his counsel was not heeded, Ahithophel, out of fear, rejection, or hopelessness, chose to hang himself (2 Samuel 17:23). His decision highlights the devastation that can arise from a sense of betrayal and despair.

4) Zimri (1 Kings 16:15-20)

In the 27th year of Asa King of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. The troops of Israel were encamped against the Philistine town of Gibbethon. In their encampment, they heard that Zimri had conspired, and he had killed the king. As a result, all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. When King Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the king’s house and burned the king’s house over him with fire and died.

5) Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5)

When Judas, the betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they also replied, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the 30 pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

Suicide and the Question of Salvation

One of the most pressing concerns for Christians grappling with suicide is its impact on salvation. The Bible assures believers that their salvation is secure in Christ, and nothing can separate them from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). However, when it comes to suicide, there are differing interpretations and perspectives.

The Forgiveness of Sins

The Bible teaches that forgiveness is available for all sins, including suicide. Through the mercy and merits of Jesus Christ, believers are granted forgiveness for their past, present, and future transgressions (Colossians 2:13-14). As such, and knowing that Jesus died for all our sins (1 John 2:2), some Biblical scholars believe and teach that if a true Christian were to commit suicide amidst a moment of spiritual attack and extreme weakness, his or her sin is still covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Faith and Salvation

While suicide can be forgiven, some question the faith of those who contemplate or commit this act. The Bible describes God’s children as those who have hope and purpose in life (Acts 24:15; Romans 5:2-5, 8:24; 2 Corinthians 1:10). Those who consider suicide often experience a profound lack of hope and purpose. It is important to encourage individuals facing such thoughts to examine their relationship with God and seek the support of their faith community.

The Heart and the Lordship of Christ

Repeated contemplation of suicide can be viewed as practicing sin in one’s heart (Proverbs 23:7). The Bible states that those who are born of God do not practice sin (1 John 3:9). Additionally, suicide can be seen as an act of rejecting the lordship of Jesus Christ, as it involves taking one’s life into one’s own hands instead of submitting to God’s will. It is crucial to approach these theological considerations with compassion and understanding, recognizing the complexities of mental and emotional anguish.

Providing Hope and Support

When confronted with the reality of suicide, it is vital to extend love, empathy, and support to individuals struggling with despair. Rather than engaging in debates about the eternal fate of those who have taken their own lives, the focus should be on offering comfort and assistance to those who are still living. The Bible reminds us that God can bring purpose and redemption out of even the most painful circumstances (Romans 8:28). By embodying God’s love and extending a helping hand, we can offer hope to those who feel trapped in darkness.

Seeking Help and Community of Believers

In times of deep despair, it is essential to reach out for help. God has provided His children with means of support and healing through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the community of believers. By engaging in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking guidance from trusted individuals, individuals can find solace and strength in their faith journey. It is also important to encourage open and honest conversations about mental health within the church, fostering an environment of understanding and compassion.

Conclusion

As Christians, we should not commit suicide. The Bible addresses the topic of suicide with a mix of compassion, caution, and theological considerations. While suicide is viewed as a grave/mortal sin, the Bible also emphasizes God’s forgiveness for all sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to offer hope, support, and understanding to those struggling with thoughts of suicide. By embodying the love and grace of God, we can help individuals find solace, healing, and renewed purpose in their lives. Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately.

What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven?

Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Ecclesiastes 7:17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?

Proverbs 11:21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.

Isaiah 13:11 I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 34:17-20 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Psalm 13:2-4 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

John 12:25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Samuel 17:23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.

Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Revelation 9:6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Romans 5:2-8 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. …

Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Jeremiah 20:14-18 Cursed be the day on which I was born! The day when my mother bore me, let it not be blessed! Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, “A son is born to you,” making him very glad. Let that man be like the cities that the Lord overthrew without pity; let him hear a cry in the morning and an alarm at noon, because he did not kill me in the womb; so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb forever great. Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?

Group 5 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Psalm 118:17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Job 7:15-16 So that I would choose strangling and death rather than my bones. I loathe my life; I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath.

1 Kings 16:15-20 In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines, and the troops who were encamped heard it said, “Zimri has conspired, and he has killed the king.” Therefore all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. So Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. And when Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the king’s house and burned the king’s house over him with fire and died, because of his sins that he committed, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Jeroboam, and for his sin which he committed, making Israel to sin. …

Group 6 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Job 1:21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Jonah 4:3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Proverbs 11:17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

Matthew 27:3-5 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

Group 7 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Judges 16:25-30 And when their hearts were merry, they said, “Call Samson, that he may entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They made him stand between the pillars. And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained. Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” …

Group 8 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Judges 9:50-55 Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it. But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. …

Group 9 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Ephesians 5:29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,

Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Hebrews 10:35-36 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

2 Corinthians 1:10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

Psalm 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …

Group 10 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

1 Kings 19:1-21 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” …

1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Group 11 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Job 10:12 You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Samuel 31:3-5 The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him.

Hebrews 11:1-40 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. …

Group 12 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Psalm 30:8-12 To you, O Lord, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation

Job 30:23 For I know that you will bring me to death and to the house appointed for all living.

Deuteronomy 32:39 “‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Group 13 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Joshua 2:24 And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Colossians 1:1-29 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, …

Group 14 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Genesis 28:15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Psalm 94:1-23 O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage. …

Exodus 33:14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

1 Peter 4:6-5:10 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: …

Group 15 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Psalm 138:7-139:24 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. …

Isaiah 55:6-11 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, …

Group 16 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Psalm 71:9-20 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together and say, “God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him.” O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. …

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Job 18:4-19:29 You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you, or the rock be removed out of its place? “Indeed, the light of the wicked is put out, and the flame of his fire does not shine. The light is dark in his tent, and his lamp above him is put out. His strong steps are shortened, and his own schemes throw him down. For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks on its mesh. …

Group 17 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

James 1:2-12 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. …

Proverbs 23:1-35 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. …

Proverbs 8:32-36 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

Group 18 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 34:1-35:28 Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. …

2 Peter 2:9-12 Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction,

Group 19 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Hebrews 2:1-3:19 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. …

Job 10:1-11:20 “I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, Do not condemn me; let me know why you contend against me. Does it seem good to you to oppress, to despise the work of your hands and favor the designs of the wicked? Have you eyes of flesh? Do you see as man sees? Are your days as the days of man, or your years as a man’s years, …

Group 20 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Romans 10:3-12:1 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). …

Ephesians 1:4-5 Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Philippians 1:21-27 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, …

Group 21 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Acts 16:20-31 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. …

Isaiah 51:7-52:7 “Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool, but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.” Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in days of old, the generations of long ago. Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the dragon? Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over? And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; …

Group 22 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Luke 17:33-18:1 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.” And they said to him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.” And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Isaiah 28:15-22 Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter”; therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.” Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be beaten down by it. …

Group 23 – What Does the Bible Say About Suicide and Heaven

Proverbs 1:19-2:22 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. …

Proverbs 10:18-11:8 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. …

Job 28:13-29:2 Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be bought for gold, and silver cannot be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. …