Discussion
The last two Verses Of The Day were the result of discussions at Bible studies asking if suicide was an unforgiveable sin. The consensus was no, it is not an unforgiveable sin.
Research in suicides in the Bible also gave “No” as an answer. In fact, surprisingly, this even included Judas’ suicide by hanging. Not one commentary condemned his suicide, but they were universal in assuming he did not repent and was only remorseful. But, of course, no one really knows except God if he repented at the end or not.
The question remains though, what does God think of suicide? Scripture does not address this, at least not directly. However, scripture is incredibly life affirming. Because scripture is so strongly life affirming, I cannot help but believe God opposes suicide. With this in mind, I am going to list a number of those verses that are indeed life affirming.
Life Affirming Scripture (all ESV)
Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Psalm 147:3. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Exodus 20:13. You shall not murder.
Romans 10:13. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
John 10:10. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Deuteronomy 30:19. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,
Matthew 6:34. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
1 Peter 5:7. Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed
Hebrews 10:35-36. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Romans 15:13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
If you have others you would like to see listed, please send them to me. Tonight I have only listed a fraction of those I have found. Now I will close with the same prayer as I did yesterday, but with the grammar corrected.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please keep me from ever considering suicide and let me have a kind heart towards anyone considering suicide. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – PastorCalvary Chapel of Daytonin Beavercreek