Some people

[LifeHiscost]

believe that suicide is counted among those sins that are unforgivable. Since Samson committed suicide in the act of wreaking vengance on his enemies, with the strength granted by God, is God complicite in Samson's suicide? And since it seems doubtful that Samson had time to repent of the sin, self destruction, would this indicate there are times when life is so intolerable it can be excused if one chooses to leave this world on their own schedule?

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

Regards!!

[Jeannieb43]

I no longer believe that suicide is the unpardonable sin, as I once believed. I guess having lived longer and having known several families in whom a suicide occurred, I've learned several people are able to take their loved one's act in stride. Although devastated by the loss of their loved one, these parents have made peace in their own lives somehow, not blaming themselves because they've learned that the suicidal person was mentally ill at the time, and thus not to be held accountable.

I've heard some psychologists say that "suicide is the ultimate hostile act." And "suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem."

But on the other hand I've known some parents of adult children who committed suicide while in the throes of severe mental illness or depression, and these parents have said something like, "If my son was totally unable ever to be happy, then I believe he took what he thought was the only possible step. I believe God knew my son's mind and knew my son was not blaming God for his depression."

Of course, I've never had a suicide in my close family so I don't really know how I'd act if faced with it.

Only God can judge.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I don't think that suicide is an unpardonable sin. I think it might be an offense to God but not unpardonable. The suicidal person is not thinking about how great God is, or how He might help the person through whatever anguish he/she is experiencing. Suicide is NOT a way that people tell God to *go to hell*, although some people use a threat of suicide as an "I'll show *you*" type of action; others use the motions of suicide to cry out for help - they don't really want to die .... But I think, by and large, suicide is the only option some people feel like they have - the ONLY option to gain relief from such a hopeless, meaningless, hurtful, lonely life. One of my best friends committed suicide by jumping off a bridge.. A schoolmate from academy days took a gun to his head and died, and so did a physician friend of mine. It's been a long times ago, but I even tried three times - I shouldn't even be here writing, but for the grace of God.

**ponders**

Just as an aside, didn't Jesus actually commit suicide? He could have saved Himself, but He knew the consequences of doing so....and He CHOSE to die.

(just a thought - don't hit me)

[phkrause]

That last paragraph is a very interesting thought, I'll have to think about that!

Personally I've always unstood that the unpardonable sin was the complete rejection of the Holy Spirit. If committing suicide is rejecting the Holy Spirit than maybe it is! But I would say that only God would know if that is the case on the person that has committed suicide, because he would know that persons heart and/or mind.

pkrause

[John317]

God goes by the heart and the mind of the person who commits suicide. Many people are under terrible, unbelievable circumstances, which we can't understand, and they may also be mentally or emotionally ill for reasons beyond their control.

Our family were close friends for many years with a another family, three members of which committed suicide. The man was dean of men at Loma Linda University, and before that he had been vice principal of Loma Linda Academy and, earlier, principal of San Diego Academy. He was a wonderful man and loved Christ. But his wife had severe, chronic mental problems. They had adopted two daughters. Shortly after the father committed suicide (in his office), his wife committed suicide, and then the eldest daughter. The youngest daughter is the only one who survived. He was my father's best friend. He complained of depression from time to time but he never talked about considering suicide. I'm glad an all-knowing, all-wise, and all-merciful God will be the One to decide His ultimate fate. I know God loves him and will save him in His kingdom if there is any possible way. We can trust God.

[phkrause]

I agree with what you have said. I believe that God only knows our hearts. And I'm very glad that he is the one who judges us.

pkrause

[John317]

Good point. Much depends on the circumstances and the individual.

[Bravus]

The whole 'suicide is the unforgivable sin' came from a rather long and convoluted logical chain with several questionable assumptions enshrined in it. The notion was something like that each sin had to be specifically acknowledged and asked forgiveness for or we were damned, and that killing was a sin but once you were dead it was too late to ask for forgiveness. Added to that was something about grieving/rejecting the Holy Spirit, and the notion that the only way to do that irrevocably was in death (as in, while there's life there's hope of redemption).

As others have said far more clearly and elegantly... I'm glad that (a) it's God's job to decide who to save and ( he's our Father and loves us beyond our ability to understand.

[Guest charis]

Bravus, that is a VERY interesting trail of ideas.

Kinda makes me want to write an article..

[Gail]

I think that the statement that Jesus chose to die was quite profound. Yes, He did- He chose to die not only an earthly death, but the death of eternal separation that we, without a Saviour, are condemned to face.

And He chose to do it. Why? Because of His great love for us. He took our place, so that we may have the life that is rightfully His.

And He didn't sin. He was the sinless One.

That's quite a thought.