What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 12/29/02 Radio Program

Question:

Can a person go to Heaven if he/she commits suicide?

Answer:

Simply put, no, a person cannot go to Heaven if he/she commits suicide. Why? Because God condemns murder throughout the Bible (Revelation 21:8; Galatians 5:21; Exodus 20:13; Romans 13:9; etc.). What is suicide? Suicide is self-murder! One who intentionally takes his own life is destroying God's creation, just like one who would murder another is destroying God's creation. While one may repent of murdering someone and be forgiven by God (ex: the Jews on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:23, 36-38), how does one repent of suicide??

While many people face very difficult problems in their lives at times, please do not consider suicide. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. How sad it is when people act in haste, and destroy their lives when, if they could just wait a little longer, perhaps the solution to their problem would be made clear!

When we are faced with problems and hardships in this life, the answer is not to end your life, but to turn to God for help and strength. David said, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.... The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.... Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psalm 46:1, 7, 10-11). How long has it been since you have read these words, and really allowed them to sink in?

When people get down, depressed, and think that no one cares for them, just remember the words of Peter who said, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (I Peter 5:7). Will we do this? When will we realize that there is nothing too hard for God? (Luke 1:37; Matthew 19:26) Remember, God sent His Son to die for us (Jn. 3:16). He loves us and wants only the best for us. Therefore, do not entertain ideas of taking your life.

When the hard times come, turn your attention on God. Get busy in service to Him and to your fellow man. Elijah is a prime example of one who was deeply depressed. Yet, when he cried to God to take his life, God told him to get to work! (I Kings 19) Some of the best therapy in the world is helping others who are in need. In so doing, it can make our problems seem so much smaller!

Rather than yielding to sorrow, depression, and allowing the cares of this life to drag you down, turn to Christ. Be a part of His body through faith in Him, repenting of sins, confessing Christ, and being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:36-38, 8:35-39, etc.). This will start you on the right road, and will give you an advocate (I Jn. 2:1), a brother (Romans 8:17), and a Father who loves you (Romans 8:15). Be faithful to God all the days of your life, and then you can look forward to Heaven in eternity!

Radio Program Questions Concerning Death & Dying
Back to Radio Program Questions - Answers