Do Christians think people who commit suicide go to Hell?

Question

Even the people who jumped from the World Trade Center on 9/11 to avoid being burned? If you say no, then how is that different from compassionate euthanasia of a person suffering from a terminal disease? If you say yes, how can you believe your God loves you?

I’ve seen some good answers and some rather disturbing ones. One person called these poor people cowards. I wonder how brave that person would be in the same situation. A loving God would not force a loved one to choose a slow painful death over a quicker and more painless one. I am not comparing apples to oranges. Some people dying of cancer are suffering excruciating pain just because euthanasia is illegal. The scenario is the same. Inevitable death. Unnecessary suffering or euthanasia. One person compares euthanasia to abortion stating that suicide is a sin and euthanasia is murder. I think there is a difference between euthanasia and murder in a case where the person to be euthanized is going to die. Period. The question is how long and why would a loving God want one of “his” children to suffer longer than necessary?

One person called these poor people cowards. I wonder how brave that person would be in the same situation. A loving God would not force a loved one to choose a slow painful death over a quicker and more painless one. I am not comparing apples to oranges. Some people dying of cancer are suffering excruciating pain just because euthanasia is illegal. The scenario is the same. Inevitable death. Unnecessary suffering or euthanasia. One person compares euthanasia to abortion stating that suicide is a sin and euthanasia is murder. I think there is a difference between euthanasia and murder in a case where the person to be euthanized is going to die. Period. The question is how long and why would a loving God want one of “his” children to suffer longer than necessary? One person wrote, “person's eternal destiny is based upon what decision they make in regard to accepting Jesus' sacrificial death for them through faith and turning from their sin.”

.” Does this mean that given the questionable evidence of the origin of these rules, a person who lives an ethical life, doesn’t sin, yet just can’t believe that Jesus was a God is going to suffer eternal anguish for simply using the mental capacity given by God. I don’t think a loving and understanding God would act this irrational and just plain mean, do you?

Answer 1

they think everyone goes to hell. i know what your getting at.what ever the so-called christians think should mean nothing, only to them. what ever a person does is the right thing for them to do at the time. everyone dies anyway, if your suffering, why prolong the inevitable? stupidity comes to mind.

Answer 2

Some do and some do not. As a pastor I know of no teaching in the Bible that teaches hell as the eternal destiny of those who commit suicide. A person's eternal destiny is based upon what decision they make in regard to accepting Jesus' sacrifical death for them through faith and turning from their sin.

As to the difference between suicide and euthanasia the answer is more difficult. There is no difference between the two as far as effect on eternal destiny (hell or heaven) and both obviously end a life before God intends. The problem with euthanasia is a person is ending the life of another. Something that should not be permissable except in carrying out justice or in a time of just war.

Answer 3

We don't have the authority to give life, therefore we don't have the authority to lay It down of our own accord. Jesus was the only one able to do that. I don't know about the people that were facing the flames from the buildings In the Trade center. Suicide Is a sin.As far as Euthanasia goes ...It's out right Murder. No different than abortion. Either way you're eliminating an unwanted life. God decides who dies & when,not us !

Answer 4

Some Christians believe they go to hell, others don't.

You are comparing apples to oranges. Those who jumped from the Twin Towers were choosing the better of two evils, both resulting in death. Whether they stayed in the building or whether they jumped, they were gonna perish anyway. There was no way out.

For those who choose suicide, their choices are so limited. Their choices are 1) to stay alive, or 2) to die. Assisting them is wrong, because they have a way out... living!

I realize that some people live horrible lives due to illness or disability or both or whatever. However, no matter how miserable the circumstances, they have opportunity to find happiness and peace. God never gives us what we can't handle. For those whose lives are super hard, this proves that they are very strong people.

We are not God. Birth and death belong to Him.

Answer 5

I don't know. I would err on the side of caution here. I don't know if suicide is an immediate go-to-hell pass, but I wouldn't want to test it. As far as euthanasia, I think the purpose of hospitals is to save people, not to kill them. In that sense, euthanasia is a failure of the health system and consequently is a bad thing. But if it is endorsed by government, and we have a "right to die", then can anyone go to the hospital and get assisted suicide? I have been depressed often, can I go to the hospital and get a pill that kills me instantly? Don't I have a right to die? But if you allowed it, we would be committing self-genocide. Its not a good thing.

Answer 6

I believe there is a distinct difference between jumping from a burning building (deciding a way to die, to avoid a different way to die) and committing suicide (deciding to die, to avoid living).

I also think it is wrong to take another person's life when that person is not threatening anybody.

Lastly - and to answer your initial question - Only God can judge our hearts, but I cannot think of a way to repent (turn away from) the sin of suicide.

Answer 7

No. There are many reasons that people commit suicide....even Christians. God knows their hearts and their reasons better than I do. It's not my place to judge them.

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In answer to your last comment, why is it mean for God to expect the beings He created to be obedient and to have faith in Him? Especially, since He has provided the way for us through His Son, Jesus Christ?
There are many scriptures that tell you exactly what He expects (that is, if you believe in the Bible as God's word, but, if not, then it's a mute point, isn't it?) First and foremost is Faith in Him and his Word.

John 3:16-18
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Heb 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Just because you don't like what it says doesn't mean it isn't true.

Answer 8

No there is only one sin that you will go to Hell for and that is rejecting the gift that God offers you of salvation. If you have accepted this gift, he will not take it back under any circumstances.

He is not like some spoiled kid who will quit being your friend if you do bad. The relationship is permanent. He honors his commitments for his sake regardless of our deeds.

However, suicide like other things is sin and is not God's plan for our lives as we are demanding ultimate control over things.

Answer 9

Committing sucide is a mortal sin not only in Christianity but also in other major religions.

You don't have the right to take away your own life even when it is not your time to die.

We all have been given our own fair share of sorrows and trials and we need to endure them all, not be a coward and end everything.

Thus, if you take your own live you'll be punished for it.

Answer 10

Whether they go to hell or not depends on whether they have accepted Jesus as their saviour. If not they will go to hell, if so they will not go to hell. Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. I think people should have the option of euthanasia. Why should someone just lie in a bed suffering while waiting to die?

blessed be.............the name of the Lord

Answer 11

Greetings,
Yes indeed the people who commit suicide are bound to hell.Because God didn`t give men the right to die or take away others life.It is the Devil who deceives the minds of the people,and forces them to believe what is wrong.
Peace Be With you.