Bible Questions & Answers Archive 

Suicide, the Unpardonable Sin?
By Dr. Max D. Younce
0024

 Question 

I have heard many times that suicide is the unpardonable sin. Is this true or not, according to the Bible?

 Answer 

I have heard the same for years. This claim, which is erroneous, comes from those who say "the Bible says," when they have no idea what the Bible says! The only "unpardonable sin" is the sin of unbelief. If you die without trusting Christ as Savior, your destiny is sealed. Since I was a boy, I have heard that "Cleanliness is next to Godliness", and that it was in the Bible. I have not found that text to this day! May I suggest that you always ask for "chapter and verse" to substantiate their claim. The standard answer is, "I know I have read it, but I can’t remember where." Tell them to go home and find it!

There are two references usually cited as regarding the "Unpardonable Sin." Matthew 12:31,32, "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" and I John 5:16, "There is a sin unto death." The Matthew text has nothing to do with suicide, but is a dispensational sin of Israel in rejecting Christ as their Messiah. In I John 5:16 the last part of the verse says, "There is a sin unto death. I do not say that he shall pray for it." In the original this would read, "There is sin unto death", as there is no Greek or Hebrew word for the article "a". This has nothing to do with suicide, but means that you should not pray for someone after they have died. As we said, their destiny is sealed, they are in Heaven or Hell depending on the decision they made while they were still living.

Usually, suicide is the result of concluding there is no way out of a situation and life must be hopeless. This can happen to a believer as well as an unbeliever. Does a Christian lose their salvation if they commit suicide? Absolutely not, as this would make God a liar when He promised EVERLASTING LIFE! Yes, suicide is a sin; but, Christ forgave all sin, including taking one’s own life. Remember, before Paul’s conversion he killed many Christians, yet God forgave him--taking a murderer and making him into a missionary.

Dear Reader:

The above was written to correct a doctrinal issue. Sadly, as I have said, some Christians decide life is too hard and end it all, without ever giving our precious Savior a chance to show what He can do. He has given us a promise in Hebrews 13:5, "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This is Christ’s assurance that He will go with us through whatever life brings. We can then say, like Paul, "...The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Paul knew what it was to be ill, in pain, betrayed, and discouraged. See II Corinthians 11:23-28 for a list of Paul’s hard times. Still, he believed "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).

Friend, I can hear you saying at this moment, "Easy for you to say! I’m certainly no Apostle Paul". But you are indwelt by the same Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, that Paul received his power from. And just as Satan wanted to stop the witness of the Apostle Paul, he wants to quiet the mouth of every Christian today! He can’t send your soul to Hell; but, he will try to stop your testimony for the Lord, even if he has to kill you. Christ wants to give you life more abundantly. (John 10:28)

As I said, committing suicide is a sin, even though it won’t send you to Hell. It shows a lack of faith in our Lord’s ability to care for us. "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin." (Romans 14:23). It will not send us to Hell; but, will result in loss of rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ. But God is faithful, I Corinthians 10:13 is a promise to us that even though we are tested, it won’t be more than we can stand and God will make the way of escape so we can bear it.

If you feel that life is too much, read your Bible, seek out other believers, believing pastors, or friends. You can also contact us at: help@dryounce.com. We’ll try to help and we’ll certainly pray for you. Suicide is never the option, when we have the power of the Universe to call on. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Your Friend in Christ,

Dr. Younce