Article: "Ask the pastor: What does God think of suicide?"

[DaveRB]

Hi all,

I have not posted since the transfer of this site to a new server.

I am always on the lookout for articles as they relate to suicide and Christianity, and the link below goes to one of the better articles I have found in this regard.

http://www.algona.com/articles/2011/01/13/opinion/editorials_and_columns/doc4d2e1e1c7f3e1120583674.txt

Article as follows:

Ask the pastor: What does God think of suicide?

By Rev. Jason P. Peterson, Burt, St. John's Lutheran Church
Published: Thursday, January 13, 2011 10:47 AM CST
Q: How does God judge people who die by suicide? Is it still possible for such a person to be saved and receive eternal life?

For many readers, this subject probably brings back memories of a past era when those who committed suicide were sometimes forbidden from having their funerals in the church and when their graves were often located outside the gates of church cemeteries rather than among the other deceased members of the congregation.

These, however, are unfortunate forms of malpractice in the church’s past, which have since (I hope) been remedied.

Suicide is certainly a serious matter, and not one that the Bible encourages or permits. Today, in light of the knowledge that depression is a legitimate medical illness with physical causes, Christian ethics recognizes that suicide is typically an act that is committed out of despair in the midst of mental illness or seemingly hopeless circumstances rather than an act of unrepentant defiance against God.

Nearly 500 years ago, Martin Luther, who many historians believe may have suffered from clinical depression himself, already recognized this fact. He once commented in a letter that suicide can be like “a man who is overtaken by a robber in the woods,” when a person suffering from depression reaches a point of despair at which they take their own life.

In the case where a suicide is committed out of despair rather than defiance, Luther saw the person as a victim in need of mercy rather than an unrepentant sinner deserving condemnation.

When the Christian considers the eternal consequences of suicide, he must keep in mind the central teaching of the Christian faith: that a person is saved by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Jesus alone, and not by his own effort or worthiness.

Even though one who takes his own life does not have the chance to consciously confess and request forgiveness for his actions, this does not exclude him from salvation, because God’s forgiveness is not conditioned even on our asking.

Instead, the forgiveness of God in Christ Jesus is a constant state in which the Christian is kept by the Holy Spirit.

For one who trusts in anything other than Jesus, no good deed short of moral perfection can save them from the justly deserved punishment for their sin, but for the one who does trust in Jesus, no act, even that of suicide, can separate him from the forgiving love of God in Christ crucified.

While we cannot judge another person’s heart, the evidence to which the Christian looks is not the actions of the one who has died, but rather whether his sins have been forgiven by Jesus.

Readers are encouraged to submit questions for inclusion in future issues by email to revjpeterson@yahoo.com or by mail to P.O. Box 195; Burt, IA 50522.

[Matnet4]

thank you so much for posting this Dave.....to this article, I say a resounding AMEN.


"When the Christian considers the eternal consequences of suicide, he must keep in mind the central teaching of the Christian faith: that a person is saved by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Jesus alone, and not by his own effort or worthiness."

this statement is biblical and true. It is not by own own efforts, behavior or trying to "clean up our lives" that saves us. It is the FINISHED
work of Jesus Christ. Period. I am so grateful that salvation lies in God's capable hands, and NOT that of man.

I hadn't realized Martin Luther may have suffered from depression, but I do know another wonderful Christian preacher/writer, Charles H. Spurgeon
did. I have a wonderful daily devotional book someone gave me after my son passed titled: Beside Still Waters--Words of Comfort for the Soul
by Charles Spurgeon. (but revised in updated language-Mr.Spurgeon wrote these things over 100 years ago) I am amazed at how timely
his writings are; how fresh and appropriate--not only for today's times but for people struggling with depression or anxiety. I recommend this
devotional book highly. It is laid out in a form where you could read one passage each day (or as many as you wanted) I have gained much
comfort from this book....Charles Spurgeon, who was a wonderful preacher of God's word, knew that many people suffered with a heavy heart,
depression, anxiety, etc. and he lovingly addresses it in this book.How I wish I had this book before my son passed; I know he too would have
gained much comfort from it.

Thank you again Dave, and thanks to Rev. Jason Peterson for writing the article.

[booboolewis]

Hi, Matnet...

I have a book that I think that you would be interested in as well:

Moments of Peace in the Presence of God - Morning and Evenin Edition (Morning & Evening Meditations for Every Day of the Year)
byGRQ, Inc. (published by Bethany House Publishers)

I found it at BJ;s of all places...but is wonderful..I gave copies to my mom and the church secretary for Christmas.....

Each page includes 2 quotes from the Bible and a written passage explaining how those quotes are pertinent to the quotes...then there is a short closing prayer....as reflected in its title, there is a page for the morning and a page for the evening...I had previously posted one page that spoke to me somewhere on these boards...if you would like me to share another, I can...

((hugs))

PS - There is a great letter written by a reverend, i think, on the web-page that KedosMom had created...the link is at the bottom of postings by KedosMom....Hi, KedosMom...

[ScottsMom]

Dave

Thank you for posting this. Salvation after suicide is a huge concern for so many here. Church dogma has been so judgemental - though suicide is never outright called sin- or unforgivable.

Nancy I think most of us forget that the Bible and Biblical teaching is always timely -and timeless.


Amy Grant's - Better than a Hallelujah speaks to me and how God hears our cries - even in the fleeting thought as a rushing bullet leaves it's chamber- He knows our hearts and our hurts even if we can't call to Him. The cry of Scotts very soul for everlating peace was heard.

V--

[Matnet4]

thank you Booboo. I'll have to check that out.

I agree Scott'sMom. While some of the writing in Spurgeon's book isn't scripture directly
taken from the Bible, all of what he writes is based on biblical principles. I just love
that he "got it" even 100 years ago. So many people of today still don't "get it" about
depression/anxiety/mental health issues.