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Post by Leeza on Jun 15, 2015 4:33:10 GMT
Since we are sealed until the day of redemption, I can't see a Christian going to hell if they were to commit suicide.
My question is: If a Christian was so depressed that it was too painful for them to continue living any more and committed suicide, would they lose their rewards in heaven? In other words, what would be the consequences of a Christian committing suicide?
And if the Christian couldn't bring themselves to actually commit the act of suicide, would it be wrong for them to ask the Lord to take their life instead?
Thoughts?
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Post by shiloh on Jun 15, 2015 5:15:01 GMT
Strange you brought this up , Leeza and it's a good topic. I remember my "spiritual mother" telling me that the assistant pastor at their church who was obviously a born again Christian, and beared much fruit committed suicide. He was only in his 30's. She asked me what I thought and I said, "I believe that he was saved." As far as rewards go, I don't know what to say about that and I don't think anyone can answer that question. That is between them and the Lord at the Bema Seat of Christ. So, none of us can judge that. "All who come to Me will be saved..." is the verse I quoted. Here are some quotes and scripture verses I found by Jack Kelley and some others.... If a Christian commits suicide, is he/she still saved?larrystewardjames.wordpress.com/question-if-a-christian-commits-suicide-is-heshe-still-saved/ |
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Post by Leeza on Jun 15, 2015 14:00:00 GMT
This was an excellent article, Shiloh, thank you. This excerpt from Jack Kelly caught my eye, because it was something I was taught myself and found out later on that it wasn't true:
One day I was visiting a Calvary Chapel church, and the pastor was very legalistic and a tad judgmental for my taste, and he used that same argument. Not surprising coming from him, because his brother was on the radio and had the same judgmental attitude, also. What puzzled me was why these two brothers were pastors in Calvary Chapel churches. This is more of a Pentecostal teaching than a Calvary Chapel one, who has always taught OSAS. Anyway, I never went back to the particular Calvary Chapel church again. That teaching of suicide from that pastor just left me cold.
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Post by Gr8tful on Jun 15, 2015 16:41:54 GMT
I was taught that a person who did that would go to Hell for taking their own life. Basically taking your number of days into your own hands and giving up, as well as taking your own life is killing. I believed that more becuz I felt that it was a dangerous teaching to say it's ok, you will go to Heaven. It would make it easier for a person to do it believing like that.
One day I was talking with a friend and somehow that subject came up and said I believe the person would go to hell for that. She got this surprised and shocked look on her face and said. Don't tell my husband that, his mother took her own life and that thought would devastate him. She went on to explain her MIL was someone who suffered depression and had 'issues' which I think she was saying, her MIL had some form of mental illness. Hearing all this, I rethought my belief.
As I've grown and matured, I have better understanding that some people have so much pain in their life, whether physical or mental, and just can not go on another minute. As well as some feel so hopeless, unloved, alone, broken or some other deep pain that they see no way out. All the prayers have been prayed and they are just tired of the fight.
Tho it concerns me that those who believe they will still go to Heaven may find it as an alternative. I can honestly say I am not 100% positive about it either way! IDK for sure. I guess my point is, if I told someone that yes, they will absolutely go to Heaven and they did it I would be more than horrified if I was wrong!! Know what I mean? Sorry, I am no help with this question!
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Post by morningstar on Jun 15, 2015 16:42:54 GMT
Good article by Jack Kelley couldn't agree more. It really upsets me when I hear Pastors say that Christians who commit suicide were not saved and therefore go straight to hell. There is only ONE unforgivable sin, and that is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit which is a total rejection of Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for us, which causes a hardening of the heart to the point where they can no longer repent by continuously rejecting the Truth.
This says it all.
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Post by Gr8tful on Jun 15, 2015 17:29:00 GMT
Good quote MS!!!
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Post by Leeza on Jun 15, 2015 17:56:09 GMT
I think that is a possibility, but I also believe that it can either be a chemical imbalance in the brain, or circumstances in a believer's life that has gotten so out of control that they can't handle the pain anymore.
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Post by elizabeth on Jun 15, 2015 18:01:01 GMT
I agree with Jack Kelley, I think that Christians that commit suicide go to heaven. It's a very sad thing, but it happens. I don't think it's wrong to think, or ask the Lord to take your life either. He understands how we feel anyway, even without us verbalizing it.
Leeza, I wholeheartedly agree with you about the chemical imbalance, and situations in a persons life, that contribute to suicidal thoughts, and actions.
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Post by Gr8tful on Jun 15, 2015 19:17:38 GMT
Very true re: chemical imbalances and such. There are many reasons people do it and I totally understand why one would feel that way. Life is hard, sometimes just too hard. I also understand those who are in severe pain constantly and not going to get any better, why they would want to. Like that woman who moved out of her state to a state that allowed her to medically do that very thing w/meds. It's tough...and I would imagine just devastating to families.
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Post by Leeza on Jun 15, 2015 20:46:20 GMT
Thanks, Liz, yes there are multiple reasons why a person would want to commit suicide.
Gr8tful, I remember that young lady. She was a wife and mother, and only in her late 20's. She had brain cancer, and was having severe pain and seizures. She just couldn't take it anymore. Very sad.
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Post by shiloh on Jun 16, 2015 1:54:25 GMT
Yes. I agree with all of you and what you said too Leeza about that young mother. We don't know what kind of pain people go through. Like Morningstar said, the one unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, which is basically the rejection of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
For example, there was a young boy (age 13) who was being taunted continually by his classmates and left a suicide letter. He asked for forgiveness and said he just wanted to go and be with Jesus. It was one of the most heart wrenching things I ever saw. I can't remember the details or even how he committed suicide b/c I was sobbing the entire time when I saw that.
If I had been one of the teachers, I'd have been in jail because I would have wrung every one of those other kids' necks. There is nothing I can NOT tolerate more than bullying, no matter what age the person who is being bullied is.
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Post by Leeza on Jun 16, 2015 3:51:06 GMT
Oh, Shiloh, that is true. Bullying is horrible. The ultimate abuse and rejection. I'm so sorry what happened to that 13 year old. So sad that death is more appealing than being alive at such a young age with his whole life ahead of him because he just couldn't take the pain anymore. I hope that he was saved.
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Post by shiloh on Jun 16, 2015 15:01:28 GMT
I know. Isn't that sad? I believe he was b/c he just said in his suicide note that he wanted to be with Jesus. Plus, was he at the age of reason? If he wanted to be with the Lord, I think he was. My understanding about the age of reason is when one can make an informed decision to either reject Christ as our Savior or ask Him into our heart and accept Him with thanksgiving as our Savior. I think the age of reasoning is different for everyone. This is how I picture that boy finally being in Jesus' arms and even though the picture is small...you get the drift.  |
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