What does the Bible say about suicide and going to heaven?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible treats suicide as a grievous sin against the God-given gift of life, yet it does not teach that this sin automatically places a person beyond Christ’s saving grace. Exodus 20:13 forbids murder, and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 6:19-20 teach that our bodies belong to God. Salvation rests on God’s mercy in Christ, not on a person’s final deed; Romans 10:13 and 1 John 1:9 point to the Lord’s saving grace for all who call on him and trust him. Because God alone knows the heart, Christians should not pronounce the eternal destiny of someone who dies by suicide. Those who feel suicidal should seek immediate help from trusted people, pastors, and emergency support.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 10 votes

    No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 8 votes

    Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:17 7 votes

    Don’t be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

  • Romans 10:13 5 votes

    For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

  • James 4:7-10 4 votes

    Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 4 votes

    Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

  • Romans 14:7 3 votes

    For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself.

  • John 16:33 3 votes

    I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

  • 1 John 1:9 2 votes

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Exodus 20:13 2 votes

    “You shall not murder.

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