September is Suicide Prevention Month.

As a licensed pastoral clinical counselor, I am frequently asked whether or not people can spend eternity with God after dying by their own hand.

Christians often assume that suicide is an unforgivable sin and that those who die by suicide automatically go to Hell. This is a misconception that believes in a transactional view of sin and forgiveness, where, if we don’t confess the sin of suicide after it takes place, it cannot be forgiven.

You may be surprised that you won’t find that opinion in the Bible. It actually comes from Augustine and medieval theology. Scripture does NOT say that suicide separates us from God for eternity. In scripture, the unforgivable sin is never equated with suicide. In Judges 16:28-30, Samson died by his own hand but he is still included in Hebrews 11 among the Hall of the Faithful. The last act of a human life does not necessarily dictate where a soul goes after death.

However, suicide is murder, even though the individual does the act willingly on himself or herself. We are all sacred to God. Suicide is the attacking of the image of God, which is a sin in God’s eyes that leaves wreckage and devastation all over the place. Even though the individual does the act willingly, it is only God who has the final say in determining when our life is over.

However, there is a promise in Romans 8:38-39 that tells us “… neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (NIV).” Not even death via suicide can keep us from God’s perfect love.

If an individual truly believes that Christ paid the ultimate price and died to save us all from the pit, then they will spend eternity with Him (John 3:16).

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand,” says John 10:28 (NIV). We are all sinners and cannot work our way into heaven, but we ARE saved by the gift of God’s grace and mercy.

If you are considering suicide or have made an attempt, remember this one important truth: You are somebody that God loved enough to create, and you are someone Jesus loved enough to die for. Jesus paid the ultimate price for all. Even Jesus had despairing, depressing thoughts. What did he do about it? He went to his friends and told them how he was feeling. He got on his knees prayed. He sought life giving help and truth.

If you are having those feelings, don’t isolate yourself. Talk to someone. If you feel you don’t have anyone in your support system that you trust with that, contact a therapist or a pastor. There are people out there who want to help you. Even if you don’t see a good way out of your current situation right now, you don’t have to die to make a lasting change.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it,” says 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Are you concerned that someone you know might be dealing with suicidal thoughts? Reach out to them. As Christ followers, we are called to minister to others in the same way that Christ did in his ministry. Scripture is focused on redemption and restoration, which gives us wonderful reasons for living. Let us enter into the spirit of encouragement and joyfully help them to seek God with their problems.

If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one to suicide, be gentle on yourself. Their last living act is not the sum of their life. Reflect on the positive and the contributions of their lives over the years. The unexpected loss of a loved one in this way leaves many unanswered questions and confusion in the present and future. Feelings of guilt are often present after the loss. Don’t blame yourself for your loved one’s actions. You did the best you could with the information you had at the time. You did not make this decision for them.

God assures us that, just like all other issues, struggling with aspects of suicide is not in vain.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NIV).

The Rev. Amy Will is a licensed pastoral clinical counselor at Abundant Life Christian Guidance.