Suicide

The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: 

1) Abimelech, Judges (9:54), 

2) Saul 1 Samuel (31:4), 

3) Saul’s armour-bearer,1 Samuel (31:4-6), 

4) Ahithophel, 2 Samuel (17:23), 

5) Zimri, 1 Kings (16:18), 


6) Judas' Matthew (27:5). 

Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armour-bearer - nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death, Judges (16:26-31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.

The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is - self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” Psalm (31:15).

God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away, Job (1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.

Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” Ecclesiastes (2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die, Jonah (4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” 2 Corinthians (1:8).

However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” Ecclesiastes (12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” 2 Corinthians (1:9).

So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin - it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine whether or not a person goes to hell. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today Psalm (67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans (10:13).


God's plan is for life, not death. 

The Bible teaches that both physical and spiritual death are the result of our sin and disobedience to God, but eternal life is a gift to those who receive it.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans (6:23).

Jesus taught that death and destruction are the work of “the thief” (Satan). He said,

The thief comes only to steal and destroy John (10:10).

John (8:44), says that Satan is a “murderer” and the “father of lies.” The feelings of despair that lead to suicide are caused by some of his lies.

Jesus wants us to have life. He said:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John (10:10).
Life belongs to God. It is never our place to take our own life or someone else's life.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body, 1 Corinthians (6:19-20).