What About Suicide?
Categories: Bible Study LessonsAccording to the National Institute Of Mental Health statistics in 2001, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. It was the eighth leading cause of death for males, and 19th leading cause of death for females. In this brief article, let us study why suicide is not a viable option for anyone and is condemned by God’s word.
1) Murder, whether self-inflicted or carried out by another person is condemned in the Bible (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:13; cf. Matthew 19:18 – ESV). Also note Exodus 21:12,14; Deuteronomy 5:17; Romans 1:29 – ESV. Judas, one of the Lord’s apostles, committed suicide (Matthew 27:3,5), and the Bible clearly indicates that he died lost (John 17:12; cf. John 6:70,71).
2) Suicide ignores the greater option for victory over life’s problems, instead of giving in to them (Note the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:25-33). The best of the jailer’s life lay ahead! Note that Paul gave a command of God: “Do not harm yourself” (Acts 16:28).
3) Additionally, Suicide violates the concept of the sanctity of human life as a gift from God (cf. Job 1:21; Ephesians 5:28-29). Christians are bought with a price; they are not their own; they are vessels used by God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Christians are to be an example of fortitude to others (1 Timothy 4:12-16). Suicide violates the will of God for us, that we continue in submission and service as He wills, not us. God’s “view” of human existence is far different than man’s “view”. To God, our lives have “eternal” value (Matthew 16:26; Psalm 49:7-8).
4) Also note in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, that the Apostle Paul accepted God’s grace as “sufficient” to cope with his “thorn in the flesh.” James tells us to “Submit yourselves unto the will of God…” (James 4:7-10). Paul also tells us that the life we live, we live unto God and in usefulness to the church and the outside world (Gal. 2:20; Philippians 1:20-25).
5) Suicide ignores God’s promises of adequate, continuing providential care, to provide even when we may see no solution. In 2 Kings 7:3-4, we see that the lepers and others saw no solution, but God provided it (2 Kings 7:6-8). Elijah wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4), but God provided (1 Kings 19:5-8).
Conclusion
As God’s children, let us always remember that if we seek God’s kingdom first, “all of these things [necessities of life – Matthew 6:25] shall be provided” (Matthew 6:33). Paul tells us in Philippians 2:12-16 that God works in us. He did not say all would be good, but it can work together for good (Romans 8:28).
Think about it! Suicide is never a solution! One may say, “I cannot go on – I’m going to end it all!” But it is not the end. We will continue to exist and must answer to God in eternity (2 Corinthians 5:10). The best way to end unbearable suffering and pain is to be faithful in submission and obedience to God (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10) and go to Heaven where these things will be absent (Revelation 7:14-17; Revelation 21:1-4).