Some Die Once – Many Die Twice [Part 22]
In Part 22 of our series of Blog Posts from our upcoming book titled “One Way or Another Your Eternal Destination is Guaranteed” we are looking at the question: “Is There an Easy Way Out?”
Easy Way Out or Not?
Suicide does not alleviate the decision. In fact, committing suicide is the premeditated taking of a human life. Committing suicide violates the 6th Commandment:
You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17
It is a sad thing indeed to die with unforgiven sins. But if someone is truly saved, suicide does not condemn a person to hell, but certainly there would be loss of reward and shame at the judgment seat of Christ.
Once saved, nothing can separate a person from God. Paul wrote:
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
The chances of a suicidal person truly being a God fearing believer are probably rather slim. The reasoning for this comes from what Jesus says in Matthew 7:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Suicide
If God really honored suicide, there would not be many Christians left on this planet. In verse 14 where Jesus tells us the way to life is difficult, this probably means the way to destruction in verse 13 is the easy way out of this earthly life. The everlasting end result is what really, eternally matters.
Paul tells us that while we live, we get to serve Christ, but when God takes us home, we get to see Him face-to-face:
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
A professed Christian who has committed suicide might have lived-on to proclaim the saving Gospel to lost souls if only he had understood:
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Psalm 118:17
The following verse and its reasoning should be meditated upon. God so greatly appreciates the believers who are willing to literally commit their lives to Him. When death comes upon a true believer, he dies with God’s timing—not man’s.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15
Judgment Seat or Great White Throne
Every knee will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ whether, for believers, at His judgment seat for rewards or, for unbelievers, at the Great White Throne:
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, Philippians 2:10
so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end [end of the Church Age—same as the time of the Rapture], that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:7-8
When we sin, we need to ask forgiveness right away. When we meet the Lord face to face, we want to do so with a clear conscience and a clean heart.
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
2 Peter 3:14
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Easy Way Out?
If a person asks God to forgive him for a sin that he is on the verge of committing, then God will not honor that prayer since it is not God’s will or His desire that such a thing should be done. It would be practically the same as being lonesome and robbing a family dog or cat from another person to make oneself feel better, saying, “God, please forgive me for the theft I’m getting ready to commit.” That prayer would likely bounce off the ceiling. Our prayers of supplication need to be according to His will.
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14
God’s sixth Commandment tells us not to kill. The word kill means murder and is defined as the premeditated taking of a human life with malice—to destroy; put an end to life.
Source: American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster 1828 Copyright 1967 & 1995 by Rosalie, Permission to reprint the 1828 edition granted by G. & C. Merriam Company]
God tells us to pray and to persevere—be patient—through our hardships:
praying always with all prayer [praise and thanksgivings] and supplication [requests] in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Ephesians 6:18
When a person commits suicide, it leaves the ones left behind feeling guilty as if it were their fault. Depression is probably the most common impelling force to drive a person to want to die. Just as the body can be treated for physical hurting, depression can be cared for with encouragement and compassion from loved ones; and, if necessary, with medications. It can also be treated by psychiatric counseling to help those in mental distress and prevent their intention to commit suicide—not to encourage it. The Bible instructs us to comfort and persuade one another of God’s truth.
Therefore comfort [encourage] each other and edify [build up/enlighten] one another, just as also you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore comfort one another with these words. [Teaching others of the soon coming Rapture (1Thessalonians 4:13-17)]
1 Thessalonians 4:18
Support and Hope
Of course, the person who needs the support and hope needs to listen to the encouraging advice, and may need some gentle reminders to do so:
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he who heeds counsel is wise. Proverbs 12:15
And Scripture reminds us of how we can, while still living, serve God, and we can stay focused on how we are to look ahead to our continued eternal life in heaven:
But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
Philippians 3:13b
While we are alive, we can serve Christ by using our God given gifts and letting others know of His saving grace. As long as we die with our sins forgiven, we will gain the marvelous privilege of being face to face with Him in heaven. Paul who wrote approximately half of the New Testament, including the Philippians verse above and the Corinthians verse below, said:
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Love One Another
We, as believing Christians owe it not only to our Savior, but also to our brothers and sisters in Christ and all God’s creation of mankind to love one another. God also reminds us to trust in Him. Life will be much better when we do so. Solomon of great wisdom wrote this:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
When we put our full trust in our God and Savior, He will make our way straight and smooth. We should ignore others’ comments whenever they attempt to belittle and insult us for being believers.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8
Next Blog Post on June 19, 2025: “The Problem of Human Suffering”
Pray that people will come to the saving knowledge of the Truth before it’s too late, and love their children to teach them the Truth.
Thank you for reading and God bless you!
Blog Posts Related to this Topic:
What is a Believer? What is an Unbeliever?
The Decision – Is it only for Self?
Comments and Questions Welcome
Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
We welcome any questions you might have as we like to hear from you.
Please share this blog with your friends if you liked it, if not, please let us know.
How to Receive Eternal Life Posts
Would you like to find out why believers have hope of Eternal Life and how to develop a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ? Check out these blog posts if your answer is “yes.”
Receiving Eternal Life as easy as A-B-C-D
Why do I need the God of the Bible?
Resources:
Check Out these Interesting Resources:
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Inc.
Gospel Folio Press – William MacDonald – Believers Bible Commentary
Warren Henderson Publishing
Christ-centered Books and Messages to Enhance Your Spiritual Growth
Solving the Spiritual Dilemma
And check out our latest book “Solving the Spiritual Dilemma” which answers many questions about the hope believers have and how to develop a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
or go directly to Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble
Scripture taken from the New King James Version, unless stated otherwise. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
.
