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Does Suicide Keep You Out of Heaven?

Death is always tough. But when it comes to the tragedy of suicide, the questions are even more difficult and complicated. Does suicide keep you out of heaven? Is there actually any kind of answer we can find in the face of the traumatic pain linked to suicide?

At its root, suicide is the murder of yourself. Yet the question of what happens after suicide does not necessarily have a blanket answer. Some issues have more mystery than others. Mental illness. Issues with depression. Trauma and abuse. Self-harm. When these issues are at play, things can be very confusing.

In a very real sense this question is unanswerable. Unanswerable in the sense that we are incapable of judging the life and salvation of others with the same perspective as God. Thank goodness. Judgment is not and should not be in our hands.

We do know that no matter what we have done in this life, we ultimately will all stand before God as guilty. Jesus’ saving sacrifice is the only thing that frees us from our sinfulness and makes us holy before God. It’s Jesus—not us—that defines whether we will spend eternity with God. The only question that will matter will be: “did we surrender ourselves to God and come under his grace?”

Those who commit suicide must answer this same question before God—as we all must do. However, the mystery of God’s final decision lies beyond our understanding. Only God can judge, forgive, and guide us in salvation through his grace.

Suicide should never be taken lightly. God designed each of us to live out his purposes here on earth. Suicide cuts short these purposes. God’s gift of life is squandered in the face of fear, depression, trauma, and all the other complex psychological components that lead to such a terrible final and violent decision.

So if you feel suicidal, don’t give in. Don’t allow yourself to fall into patterns that do not reflect your incredible value and worth in the eyes of God and others. Fight against it! There are those who want to help you. Talk to a counselor, teacher, pastor, or mentor if you’re struggling in these ways. God desires that you have an abundant, grace-filled life, so please don’t throw it away.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, stop reading this and call 1-800-442-HOPE.