Is Suicide an Unforgivable Sin? No.

Dear Church:

Recently, we received news of immeasurable sadness: one of our dear sisters in the Lord committed suicide. How are we to process this news in the light of Scripture? Is suicide, as some argue, an unforgivable sin? Do those committing suicide automatically go to hell?

The answer is no. In Christ, God can forgive suicide.

Some argue that individuals that commit suicide go to hell because they have no opportunity to repent of their final sin. This is wrong. It implies that we are saved and stay saved through our efforts. The Apostle Paul refutes this foolish, prideful thinking in places like Ephesians 2:8-9 and 2 Timothy 1:8-10:

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

As such, Christians do not slip in and out of a state of salvation. Rather, Christ holds them secure. At all times, in life and death, God preserves and protects the salvation of his children. He assures them that he will see his saving work through to completion (Philippians 1:6; John 10:29). Nothing, not even our own lingering struggles with sin, can “separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39; see also Romans 7:7-25).

Others argue that suicide is the “unforgivable” sin. It is not. “Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” is the unforgivable sin, something clearly taught in Matthew 12:31 and Mark 3:28-29. Grievous as the act is, committing suicide is not sufficient evidence to conclude that person was not truly saved.

Yes, it is true that suicide is a dreadful sin. It is. However, our Lord, Jesus Christ, offered a perfect once-and-for-all sacrifice for all the sins of his people, from the least to the greatest (Romans 6:10; Hebrews 10:10).

If a believer, overcome by depression in a moment of extreme weakness, commits suicide, we must trust that Christ’s sacrifice was, is, and will forever be sufficient for the salvation of his people.

As always, if you have further questions or desire pastoral counsel, please contact Pastor Bob Weeber, Assistant Pastor of Congregational Care at 724-327-8411, ext. 12 or bob@murrysvillechurch.com.

Much love in Christ,

Pastor Kevin

Sources:

McLaughlin, Ra. Suicide Mortal Sin? Retrieved: 7/10/2010 from http://reformedanswers.org/answer.asp/file/99884.qna/category/th/page/qu...

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.