There are at least seven instances of suicide recorded in the Word of God: Abimelech (Judges 9:54); Samson (Judges 16:26-30); Saul (1 Sam 31:4); Saul’s servant (1 Sam 31:5); Ahithophel (2 Sam 17:23); Zimri (1 Kings 16:18); and Judas Iscariot (Matt 27:5). At least two of those men, Samson and Saul, were saved and will be in Heaven. The question is not, By what means did you get into the presence of God? But, What condition was your soul in when it got there?



Will a Christian who commits suicide go to Hell? NO. Many well-meaning family members, friends, and others use the fear of Hell as a tool to prevent would-be suicides. I certainly understand the desire to use every argument in the book to prevent suicide. This particular one, however, does more damage than good – especially to those family members left behind. If you are contemplating ending your life, please don’t misunderstand. I would ask you to continue to read this entire article and seek spiritual help. I would also caution you against church tradition, creeds, or personal opinions that cannot be backed up with the Word of God.  If you don’t have an absolute Bible, you have absolutely nothing.

Suicide is defined as self-murder. Will murderers who are saved be in Heaven? Absolutely! Consider Moses, Jael, David, and Paul, just for starters. There is nothing that suggests killing yourself is any worse than killing another. It is the taking of a life. It is sin for sure. But Christ died to save us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

People who believe that sin (in this case suicide) will affect their eternal destiny are basing their salvation on their own effort or good works. The Word of God says our righteousness and our works will not profit us (Isa 57:12). The New Testament agrees in Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” To be saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9) is the exact opposite of trusting your own effort or work.

If you are “working” and “trying” to get to Heaven then you are not “resting” and “trusting” in the promises of God. Please listen carefully to the Word of God: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Rom 4:4-5).

Paul prevented the Philippian jailer from committing suicide and led him and his entire family to the Lord (Acts 16). God does not want you to end your life, He wants to give you new life. The reason you feel hopeless is found in John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Have you heard the good news? There is a release from the condemnation of God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).