WARNING
This article deals with a very deep topic some readers may find upsetting. If you, or someone you know, are contemplating suicide, please seek professional help. Your life matters, and you do not have to struggle alone.
I was once asked to address the eternal fate of a believer who commits suicide. Some claim that suicide is an unforgivable sin, and that even a Christian who commits it forfeits their salvation. Is this true, or is it a myth?
It is my firm contention that the answer to this is a solid NO. Suicide does not cost a Christian their salvation. Now, there are scenarios in which suicide can be noble. I am not talking about the situations we generally think about, however there are scenarios in which it is possible to knowingly and willingly give one's life for another. Jumping in front of a bullet for your friend, for example, is a form of suicide. In a sense, even Jesus' sacrifice on the cross could be considered suicide.
However, it is an indisputable fact that we, as Christians, ought to tend towards life. The sanctity of life is inseparable from Christianity. Just as there are very few scenarios in which you can morally take another person's life, there are very few scenarios in which you could morally risk your own. In fact, I dare say I have covered the only exception. If you are not giving your life with the sole intention of saving another, you are most likely committing some grievous sin. It is still murder if you, yourself, are the victim. However, while it is indisputably evil, we must consider that it is not unforgivable.
Now, I am really hoping that, on the off chance a suicidal brother or sister is reading this, my next point will strongly discourage this act. Consider this short horror story: "I jumped, then I changed my mind." This is actually a very common testimony from suicide survivors. Most methods of suicide allow for a brief moment in which the victim can regret their decision. In many cases, too late. In other cases, the victim survives, and admits that the attempt really altered their perspective. Now, will Christ turn away a penitent sinner? Of course not! If you repent, but not in time to prevent the consequences of the sin (i.e. death), you're just as saved as if you'd never jumped.
But in truth, the only reason I put that in there is because I really, really, really want to discourage suicide. It doesn't matter if Christ will forgive you for it, your life is valuable while it lasts, and only God has the right to determine when it shall end. Nevertheless, I am a strong advocate for Eternal Security. 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. Why do I believe that? Because I lifted it straight from the very word of God (Romans 8:38–39), and so I am beyond confident that even if, God forbid, you should be so utterly crushed that you do attempt suicide, and that attempt was successful, that would simply become the last sin God will ever have to forgive you for. And He will.
As created things, we cannot separate ourselves from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. No method of suicide, though it may end our earthly lives, may deny us the eternal life bought for us with the blood of the Lamb. That being said, now is definitely the time to live like we have eternal life. If we believe Christ died for us, why would we not live for Him? Let us say with the Psalmist "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." Praise God for the life that He gave, and the life that He brings. Amen.
If you're contemplating suicide, please know that you are not alone. Seek help, be it from friends, family or a medical professional. Various hotlines and charities do exist specifically so you can call them for help, and I beg you with all my heart to seek one.