“For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:8-9).
On Friday (21/01/2022) I (Brother Glenn) had a vision from the Lord. It was about someone very dear to us as a family and ministry. This person has been battling with suicidal thoughts and even had some suicidal tendencies. The Lord gave us this vision to share with the person concerned and indeed this applies to everyone who harbors suicidal thoughts. In the vision, the Lord said, "Anyone who takes his or her own life will end up in Hell".
The above Scripture is saying that all people whether saved or unsaved belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. He died and rose again so that in everything He might have the preeminence (Colossians 1:15-20). Therefore, living without regard for God as if we own our lives has eternal consequences. Furthermore, as people we may claim certain rights and privileges from other people, but this right can never be claimed from God just like the clay can’t claim from the potter (Romans 9:20-21). Often, we hear people saying "it is my life, so I can do as I please with it". Sure enough! That is only as far as exercising our will to execute a decision, but even that choice we make has limits, and since God is Supreme Judge He will bring it to account against the rules He set out in His word (Ecclesiastes 3:17). As it is, based on these Scriptures, does that give us any right to life as we please? No! If we choose against God’s stated rules, then we will to answer to Him and face the consequences of our actions, just like Adam, Eve and the Devil did (Genesis 3:14-19). Christ is the supreme Head and Judge over all God’s creation, whether by wish or will we are all subjected to His Lordship (Acts 17:31).
Suicidal People in The Bible
In the Scriptures, I came across seven (7) or more people who directly or indirectly committed suicide. Directly being those people who inflicted death on themselves, and indirectly those who instructed others to inflict death on them. For brevity, we will not deal with each ones circumstances that drove them to those decisions. We have however included the Scriptures for you to examine each case.
While we might consider Samson’s act as suicidal, he did so by sacrificing his own life to full fill his God-ordained mission. His was therefore an act of martyrdom, and as such he was honored as a faith hero (Hebrews 11:32; Judges 16:29-31). Abimelech had his armor bearer end his life (Judges 9:54), and King Saul followed Abimelech’s example by having his armor bearer kill him with a sword (1 Samuel 31:3-6).
Furthermore, we see that Ahithophel was disgraced and decided to hang himself (2 Samuel 17:23). Zimri, on the other hand and like many people today, avoided arrest, set the King’s palace on fire and died in the flames (1 Kings 16:18). In the New Testament, we have Judas Iscariot, who after betraying the Lord hung himself in shame. Judas was overcome by remorse and guilt feelings; this was his admission of guilt and he could not bear living with himself so he ended his life (Matthew 27:5). We know for certain that Judas did not go to Heaven (Mark 14:21). As for the rest of the others except Samson, their act of committing suicide was rather out of desperation and in disgrace trying to get out of their distresses. This is the unfortunate trend people are following today. If they can’t find their way, they go the easy way and end their lives. While it is easy to consider suicide to get relief from present pressing circumstances, what we must consider before committing suicide is that we will have to give account for that to God (Genesis 9:5). Like I eluded above, we might have lived our lives as we please, but NO ONE or NOTHING is able to escape from God and His Judgments (Isaiah 45:22-24; Hebrew 9:27). As hard as this may sound, I don’t know of another reality as a Christian, except to ignore it like the atheist and those who follow other religions. However, even their reality won’t offer any escape, because “and through Him (Jesus Christ) to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in Heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20). By all sound judgment, the Holy Scriptures tell us peace and reconciliation with God came through Christ Jesus; so, why ignore Him and perish? (John 3:16-18; John 3:36).
Is Suicide Hell Punishable?
There are many people who say that suicide is not a sin. However, I would rather follow the counsel of the Scriptures than listen to the advice of others, especially when it comes to a serious issue that involves the sanctity of life or death. We must respect the sanctity of life; suicide is also called self-murder, and that is forbidden (Exodus 20:13). In the past, I have engaged in countless debates regarding causes that drive people to suicide; the reasons provided sound all so convincing. However, the underlying principle is still an act of murder, therefore “…his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have delivered his life” (Ezekiel 33:5). The Bible also says that "... the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
After having examined the Scriptures relating to suicide, we conclude from a scriptural position that committing suicide is punishable by eternal damnation (Hell). Brethren, remember when committing suicide we go against the Word of God and every act of sin is punishable, especially when we do so by disregarding the counsel of the scriptures.
In the adultery article, which we posted on this blog, the Lord said us that every person who knows His teachings and disregards them will be severely punished. During March, 2014 we experienced a spate of suicides in our community and one of these includes a young man we ministered to. His depression through drug addictions led him to suicide. After learning from his parents about his depression the Lord assigned one of our sisters who lived nearby the young man to encouraging him in the word. Therefore, after several prayers and visits, he did not heed the Word's counsel and more than a year ago he decided to hang himself. We would like to seriously warn people who have suicidal tendencies that the Lord said, people who commits suicide have made NOT right with Him. As it is, the Lord told us that suicide is a demonic spirit that deceives people into committing suicide to escape their troubles, but their end is Hell.
Finally, on Wednesday 26 March 2014 the Lord showed Charis in a vision a young man (whose mother is an active and faithful member of this ministry) who went to hell while screaming for help for committing suicide. This vision was shown as a warning to him to abandon his suicidal thoughts and to lead him to repentance.
We are not being insensitive to people who are facing challenging circumstances. They feel hopeless and trapped by their circumstances and want a way out. However, if you commit suicide my brother or sister, consider where you will end up! You have no say in the termination of your life; “God gives and only God has the Power to take lives” (Job 1:21).
The answer is "No!" Suicide is NOT the only way out. The Lord Jesus Christ can restore hope, purpose, fulfillment, and true joy to your life. Jesus has promised us life, abundant life (John 10:10), and through a personal relationship with Him He can fill us with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which provides comfort for every situation and includes love, joy, peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Additionally, the Word o God promises: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). We should not give up but endure, no matter what circumstances we may face (2 Timothy 2:12). The Lord, in His goodness and infinite wisdom, works all things for good, for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
As an encouragement, stop complaining and stop your foul self-seeking moods; they are a danger to you and others. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33), and end your self-pity which sets you up against God and life. If you choose to end your life, in the end you will only have yourself to blame since the price for your life has already been paid by the Lord Jesus and it is your choice to accept (Romans 5:8). God shows no favoritism nor does He take any excuses (Acts 10:34); He has a rule for every sin in His book (Bible) and accordingly does He condemn or justify (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The Lord says pray and read His Word every day, obey His Word, praise and worship Him (Psalm 103:1-22).
In conclusion, hope is not lost when we are anchored on The Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, but His grace abounds more (Romans 5:20). Therefore, when faced with trials that may cause you to be tempted to commit suicide, don't give up. Instead, look to Christ to help you overcome (John 16:33) and surrender all to the Him and stand firm on the promises in the Word of God. Like Paul, boldly declare: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength"(Philippians 4:12-13). For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come (Hebrewss 13:14 NLT).
If you have not made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or if you desire to renew your relationship with Him, simply pray this Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started in a new life and mean it in your heart. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.
God bless you!
Is Suicide The Only Way Out?
The answer is "No!" Suicide is NOT the only way out. The Lord Jesus Christ can restore hope, purpose, fulfillment, and true joy to your life. Jesus has promised us life, abundant life (John 10:10), and through a personal relationship with Him He can fill us with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which provides comfort for every situation and includes love, joy, peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Additionally, the Word o God promises: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). We should not give up but endure, no matter what circumstances we may face (2 Timothy 2:12). The Lord, in His goodness and infinite wisdom, works all things for good, for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
As an encouragement, stop complaining and stop your foul self-seeking moods; they are a danger to you and others. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33), and end your self-pity which sets you up against God and life. If you choose to end your life, in the end you will only have yourself to blame since the price for your life has already been paid by the Lord Jesus and it is your choice to accept (Romans 5:8). God shows no favoritism nor does He take any excuses (Acts 10:34); He has a rule for every sin in His book (Bible) and accordingly does He condemn or justify (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The Lord says pray and read His Word every day, obey His Word, praise and worship Him (Psalm 103:1-22).
In conclusion, hope is not lost when we are anchored on The Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, but His grace abounds more (Romans 5:20). Therefore, when faced with trials that may cause you to be tempted to commit suicide, don't give up. Instead, look to Christ to help you overcome (John 16:33) and surrender all to the Him and stand firm on the promises in the Word of God. Like Paul, boldly declare: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength"(Philippians 4:12-13). For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come (Hebrewss 13:14 NLT).
If you have not made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or if you desire to renew your relationship with Him, simply pray this Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started in a new life and mean it in your heart. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.
