When we look at life through the mind of God as revealed in Scriptures, the matter of suicide becomes a sad problem. God breathed into the first man, Adam the breath of life, raising him above the level of other creatures, endowing him with the spirit that makes him accountable to his Maker (Creator). Only God can bestow this form of life, and He should determine when the course of that life has been run. Psalm 31:15a reads; “My times are in Thy hand,” and it is not to be ours to end it.
The sixth commandment, Exodus 20:13 declares; “Thou shalt not kill.” This might be rendered, Thou shall do no murder. This commandment is a very broad one as it includes homicide (killing of any human being), fratricide (the killing of relatives), infanticide (killing of infants including abortion) and suicide (the killing of one’s self). Every society recognizes the first two of these as a criminal acts. The latter two are not seen by some societies, including our own, as breaches of our moral law.
The matter of suicide is a growing concern, as it has become one of the leading causes of death among young people. Families, churches, and society as a whole have been shocked as this untimely death has come home to them. Support groups have rallied to comfort those mourning the loss of a dear one through this tragic act.
Many reasons have been proposed as an explanation for the rise of suicides. Three suggestions will be noted here, but this is not intended to be an exhaustive list:
- Mental derangement. This is a physical condition that may be traced to heredity (mental weakness), overwork, complete nervous breakdown, or indulgence of passions.
- Pressures of serious trouble, intense physical suffering, disappointment, misfortune, fear of financial destitution, or facing disgrace.
- Association with the occult or similar groups who hold light views of life, its sacredness, and its responsibilities. In these groups, self-destruction is glorified.
Looking at the Bible we find four prominent suicides mentioned – Samson (Judges 16:30), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). A study of these men and their actions would reveal their folly. Only one, Sampson, accomplished any part of God’s will through the loss of their life. Sampson sacrificed himself, already having been defeated, but even then God does not condone his actions. There are some conclusions we may reach from the terrible deeds:
- Suicide is contrary to the law of self-preservation. This is put in the heart of every man and planted deeply in the nature of living organisms. (Even hunted animals demonstrate this principle, ask any hunter.) Since this law teaches that the taking of a life of another is sinful murder, it makes the taking of one’s own life sinful also. Romans 2:14, 15; “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves; Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts...”
- Suicide is against God. Exodus 20:13, Romans 14:7: “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” It shows a spirit of ingratitude and contempt for God’s gift of life. It manifests pride, rebellion, and infidelity. It is a cowardly abandonment of our God-given responsibility to Him, His church, and society in general. It also shows discontent with God’s will and provision for you.
- Suicide does direct injustice to the bereaved family and friends. Many are the questions they raise such as “What could we have done differently that would have kept our loved one from this tragic act?”
- Suicide is in direct opposition to the will of God. He has given to each individual some talent (opportunities of service), and expects these to be exercised until He says the service is over. Paul could say in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” There was no embarrassment for him when he meets God.
- Suicide rushes a person into the presence of the Lord with no opportunity for him to restore fellowship with the Lord. It would be awesome thing to stand in God’s presence with only failure to present to Him. God, in His mercy, will be gracious. However the shame of destroying God’s freely given life will not be easily faced.
Dr. W. B. Riley made this observation, “Let it never be forgotten that one has no more right to take his own life, than the life of another; no right to take away that which he cannot give.”