A Message From Pastor Andrew Mills

When it comes to suicide in the Bible, Scripture first teaches that all of life is sacred (Gen 1:27; 1 Cor 6:19; Ps 139:16). That because we bear God's image, all of us have intrinsic worth and value to God and to others. And Scripture in mutiple places records people who died by suicide but does not celebrate that action or decision (1 Sam 31; 2 Sam 17; 1 Kings 16; Matthew 27). In every case, suicide appears in contexts of despair, shame, defeat, or isolation — not as honorable or faithful acts. Scripture records them honestly, but never holds them up as examples to follow.

As to whether your loved one would be in heaven, anyone who confesses that Jesus is Lord and believes in their heart will be saved. Suicide does not negate or cancel this truth. Instead what the Scriptures consistently point out is that God is so very close to the downtrodden (Psalm 34:18). And what we see is that those who are broken, downtrodden, or in deep despair (like Elijah 1 Kings 19:4; Job in Job 3; David in the Psalms) God responds with care, compassion, provision and hope not rebuke. That Scripture treats those in despair with compassion not shame and condemnation. God then would not reject someone at the end of their rope, but welcomes them. So yes your loved one will be in heaven if they know Jesus, he welcomes all sinners to his table.

What I would share with the loved ones who have lost someone, is that God is big enough to handle all their cares, thoughts, emotions, and feelings. That it is right and appropriate to lament to God, to share anger or hopelessness with God, that we do not need to keep our feelings to ourselves. We can bring them to a loving heavenly Father to have him help us sort through those feelings. I would also remind them that if they seek to draw close to God in their grief, God will draw close to them (James 4:8) and that he comforts (literally meaning strengthens) those who mourn (Matt 5:4). Lastly, I would encourage them to join in community like Loving Outreach so that they don't grieve, and process alone but with others who can love and walk with them.