Biblical Answer

The Bible's Teaching on Suicide

The Bible teaches that suicide is a serious sin that requires repentance and God's forgiveness. The prohibition against murder (Ex. 20:13) includes intentionally taking one's own life, as it violates the principle of respecting human life as a gift from God. This teaching is emphasized by the fact that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20), and violence against our own body is a sin. The Bible also warns against taking one's own life, as seen in the story of Jonah, who had a keen sense that God was the giver and taker of life (Jon. 4:3).

The Bible does not teach that suicide is an unpardonable sin, but rather that it is a serious sin that requires repentance and forgiveness. This is seen in the example of King Saul, who took his own life, but was still assured of eternal life (2 Sam. 31:4-6). The Bible also teaches that our lives belong to us, but not in a sense that we can take our own life (1 Cor. 6:12). The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and violence against it is a sin.

The Bible teaches that we must not take our own life, and that we must seek help and support in times of distress. The gospel is about the resurrection, and the resurrection is the ground for hope (1 Cor. 15:55-58). If we think suicide is a good or viable option, we do not know God, and we must seek to understand his mind and will regarding our situation. We must also understand the gospel and the hope that it offers, and seek to live a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. Ultimately, our lives belong to God, and we must seek to honor him in all that we do.