The Tragedy of Suicide
Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.
Copyright 1989 David L. Brown
Links to Topics:
INTRODUCTION
THE DREADFUL DETAILS
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT SUICIDE?
2. WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES?
3. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MIGHT BE CONSIDERING SUICIDE?
4. WHAT HAPPENS TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO COMMITS SUICIDE?
5. WHAT HAPPENS TO A BELIEVER WHO TAKES HIS OWN LIFE?
6. IF A BELIEVER TAKES HIS OWN LIFE, WHAT DOES HE/SHE LOSE?
7. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SUICIDE?
HOW CAN YOU HELP IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE?
In 1896 D. L. Moody wrote, "There is that other kind of murder that is increasing
at an appalling rate among us -- suicide. There have been infidels in all ages who have
advocated it as a justifiable means of release from trial and difficulty; yet thinking
men, as far back as Aristotle, have generally condemned it as cowardly and unjustifiable
under any conditions. No man has the right to take his own life from such motives any more
than he has the life of another." (From "Weighed and Wanting" by D. L.
Moody; Published in 1896)
Mr. Moody, you should see what is happening today! It is beyond appalling. We live in a
death-fascinated society. "How To" books are being written on means and methods
of suicide. These books describe drugs you can use and how they will affect you. They give
step by step instructions on the use of razor blades, guns, hanging, drowning and drugs
for self-murder. There are an ever increasing number of songs being written and openly
performed pounding home lyrics that advocate the "suicide solution." Millions of
these records are sold legally. Case and point, Ozzie Ozborne's "Suicide
Solution." Youth and adults are making "suicide pacts" and killing
themselves. "Cluster" suicides are an alarming new phenomena (chain suicides,
one after another, in the same vicinity over a relatively short period of time).
Millions of people, Christians and non-Christians, are attempting suicide and
tragically thousands of people are successfully taking their lives. Likely 30, 000 or more
people will successfully kill themselves this year. Even more alarming are the statistics
that reveal the skyrocketing 400% increase in teenage suicides in the past decade. One
study I came across said the average teenager thinks of death every eight minutes, often
death by suicide. I PRAY HIS INFORMATION IS WRONG. According to Dr. Seymour
Perlin,
chairman of the board of the new Youth Suicide National Center in Washington D.C. This
year we will see 2, 000,000 teenagers attempt suicide. That's 5, 479 per day! Suicide is
the #2 killer of teenagers.
That's not all. 80% of all successful suicides are preceded by a threat or previous
attempt. A common misconception is to believe that an individual who threatens or attempts
suicide is "only trying to get attention" and is not really serious. 15% of all
those who attempt suicide and fail the first time will try again within two years.
Dr. John Q. Baucom Ph.D. says in his book, FATAL CHOICE, "Three times more women
attempt suicide than men. On the other hand, three times more men actually succeed. Men
use more violent means to commit suicide...
"More professionals commit suicide than others. Farm workers have the lowest
incidence among occupational groups. Dentist and physicians take their lives at the rate
of 6 1/2 to 1 over the general population. Lawyers commit suicide at a ratio of 5 to 1
over the general population."
He goes on to say that April or May are the worst months for suicide. In addition,
there are a large number of suicides during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years
holidays.
Protestants have a higher suicide rate than Catholics. Catholics have a higher rate
than Jewish. American Indians have a suicide rate five times higher than the national
average.
The "typical" attempted suicide victim of the 80's would be a white teenage
female, who attempts to take her life by swallowing barbiturates and claims depression as
the reason.
The "typical" fatal suicide would be a white teenage Protestant male, who
lived in an urban environment and had repeated family difficulties or separation from
family. He probably committed suicide with shooting, hanging or carbon monoxide poisoning.
He was depressed, lonely, hopeless, estranged from close family ties and perhaps in ill
health.
You may be saying, these things are not happening around here! YOU ARE WRONG! Though
hushed, with data like this, you can be sure families you know have gone through the agony
of dealing with an attempted or a fatal suicide.
Churches, pastors and believers must not stick their heads in the sand and pretend
there is not a problem. We need to take a careful look at some of the -- QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS ABOUT SUICIDE.
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT
SUICIDE?
-
SUICIDE IS WRONG BECAUSE IT BREAKS THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
Noted Bible scholar Charles Ryrie has an excellent chapter on suicide in his book
"You Mean The Bible Teaches That...He says "The sanctity of human life is
paramount in the sixth commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill' (Ex. 20:13). Here murder is
condemned, and elsewhere in the law every act that endangers human life is condemned,
whether the act arises from carelessness (Deut. 22:8), wantonness (Lev.
19:14), hatred,
anger, or revenge (Lev. 19:17-18). Human life is sacred, for man was made in the image of
God (Gen. 9:6, where also this same sanctity is made the basis for capital punishment).
But the commandment has no direct object. It does not say, 'Thou shalt not kill someone'
or 'Thou shalt not kill thy fellow man.' It is simply, 'Thou shall not kill." He goes
on to quote from Carl Keil and Franz Delitzsch "Thus it is to be concluded that 'the
prohibition includes not only the killing of a fellow-man, but the destruction of one's
own life, or suicide.'" Simply stated, "Suicide negates God's estimate of life
and violates the sixth commandment (Rom. 13:9)." SUICIDE IS WRONG. SUICIDE IS SIN!
"The Bible does not mention one single instance of a good man committing
suicide" D. L. Moody said. I checked it out and he is right. Every biblical account
of suicide reveals an individual whose lifestyle was not honoring to the Lord. All were
living outside of the sphere of accepted behavioral standards of the Lord God.
1. I Samuel 31:3-5 -- King Saul and his armor bearer kill
themselves by falling on their swords. Saul was forsaken by the Lord when he turned to
witchcraft and forsook following God.
2. II Samuel 17:1-14 & 23 (key 23) -- Ahithophel devises a
plan to kill King David. When his plan is rejected he hangs himself.
3. I Kings 16:18-20 -- Zimri, military commander of half the
chariots in the army of Israel, plots to overthrow the king of Israel and declare himself
king. He kills the king and all the male heirs in the family. When the people found out
about what had taken place, they appoint Omri, military commander of the army as king. The
army marches on Tirzah and defeats the soldiers loyal to Zimri. When he sees the city is
taken he retreated into the royal palace and sets it on fire around him and dies in the
flames.
4. Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:18 -- Judas, betrayer of the Lord goes
out and hangs himself by thrusting himself on a pointed beam, causing his insides to gush
out.
The scriptures seem clear enough. Those who walk in the paths of sin often find
themselves at a dead end. In despair, they often contemplate and initiate suicide! How
eerie are the words of Solomon who warns, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a
man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Prov. 14:12). When you go your own
way and turn your back on God, you are on dangerous ground. A troubled, restless life and
despair will likely follow. Isa. 57:20-21 says "But the wicked are like the troubled
sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, sayeth my
God to the wicked." You have heard the old saying, "Crime does not pay" I
am sure. More accurately, living outside of the sphere of accepted behavioral standards of
the Lord does not pay. A life of unrest and emptiness will be the wages reaped. But it
does not have to be that way. Contrary to what you may believe, no one who still has life
and breath is beyond the Lord's mercy and forgiveness. The Lord will always receive the
individual who will repent and turn to Him. He WILL rescue the perishing. Ezekiel 33:11
says "As I liveth, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked;
but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for
why will ye die...?" REMEMBER, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE LIFE AND BREATH, IT IS NEVER TOO
LATE TO TURN TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
- IT DEPRIVES ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF LIVING FOR THE LORD
The Bible paints a bleak picture of those who do not know Christ as Savior and who are
walking outside the sphere accepted biblical behavior. Ephesians 2:12 says "At time
ye were without Christ, being aliens...strangers..., having no hope, and without God in
the world." Psalm 1 says that those who walk outside the counsel of the Lord are
"like the chaff which the wind drives away." But, when you trust Christ as your
Savior and walk in His way, there are abundant benefits that are yours. You will find
purpose (I Cor.10:31; Phil. 3:13-14), direction Prov.
3:5-6; Psalm 16:11), and stability
Isa. 26:3-4; Phil 4:7) in your life.
I am not saying "everything will turn up roses" in your life though. But I am
saying the Lord will see you through your trials (I Corinthians 10:13) so don't throw in
the towel. To be sure, there are biblical examples of believers who were severely tested
and wished to die. Job (Job 3:20-21), Elijah (I Kings 19:4) and Jonah
(Jonah 4:3) are all
examples. But each knew that they were not to take matters into their own hands. Job's
wife urged him to "curse God and die" (Job 2:9) but he would not. He cursed the
day he was born (Job 3:1-3) but he knew the giving and taking of life belong to the Lord.
Psalm 68:20 says "...unto God the Lord belongeth the issues from
death." In the
end we read of Job, "So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than the
beginning..." (Job 42:12). The LORD works in mysterious ways. Entrust your life to
Him. He will see you through. Don't take matters into your own hands and take your own
life.
SUICIDE IS WRONG! IT BREAKS THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT!
-
IT IS THE APEX OF SELFISHNESS
The root of suicide is self-centeredness. Charles Ryrie says "Suicide is one of
the greatest acts of selfishness, for in it the individual caters to his desires and own
will and ignores the effects it has on others." Philippians 2:3 speaks to the issue
of selfishness. It tells us we are not to be selfish but to put others before ourselves.
- IT IS REBELLION AGAINST GOD AND A FORM OF ATHEISM
When an individual takes his own life he is saying, "I don't care about your
purposes or plan for my life all I care about is me and 'escaping' from the present
situation." That's rebellion. In addition, the person who commits suicide is not
escaping at all. They are "jumping from the frying pan into the fire." I will
tell you more about that later in the study. Where does the atheism come in? The
individual who makes a decision to take his or her life puts himself in the place of God,
making a choice that only God should make. Further he is asserting that God is impotent,
because his problems are TOO BIG for God. That is a tragic mistake. God is bigger than
your problems and able to do over and above what is needed to take care of the situation.
Not only that, he wants you to come to Him for help! (Eph. 3:20; Matt. 11:28-30; I Cor.
10:13)
- IT IS PLAYING INTO SATAN'S HANDS
Satan is the destroyer, (Abaddon & Apollyon = Destroyer in Rev. 9:11). His purpose
is to "...kill and to destroy" (John 10:10). Satan wants the unsaved person in
Hell and the believer to be unable to witness and work for the Lord. Suicide accomplishes
his goal. Satan wants you to believe there is no way out. He loves death. If your thoughts
echo "take your own life, kill yourself, there is no way out..." you can be sure
of their origin, SATAN! The grave is victory for the devil when someone takes their life.
His deception worked. They bought the lie, that death was escape. But Satan knows that
there is no chance in eternity to change your destiny. The doom of the unbeliever is
sealed and the witness of the believer is silenced.
- IT CRIPPLES THE BODY OF CHRIST
If the believer commits suicide it brings reproach on the name of Christ. Unbelievers
scoff at Christ saying, "If he was so great, how come he couldn't help the one who
committed suicide.
In addition an amputation to the body of Christ hurts the whole body (particularly the
local church where the person was a member). I Cor. 12:12, 20, 26-27 points out this body
relationship and Romans 14:7 makes us aware that our life and death influences others.
SUMMARY: You cannot deny the fact that committing suicide is wrong. 1) It breaks the
sixth commandment, 2) It is the apex of selfishness, 3) It is rebellion against God &
a form of atheism, 4) It is playing into Satan's hands, 5) It cripples the body of Christ.
In addition, THERE IS NO CHANCE IN ETERNITY TO CHANGE YOUR DESTINY.
2. WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THEIR OWN
LIVES?
Common factors in attempted suicides are 1) A Sense of Hopelessness 2) A Sense of
Helplessness 3) A Sense of Loneliness. Note I said a "sense." These feelings are
real to the individual but many times he/she may not be without hope, help or alone. The
big problem is, the individual has lost perspective and does not have a good handle on
life or reality. They view life as empty, meaningless and wasteful. That's catastrophic!
If the person would turn to Christ and choose to lived for the Lord the negative
perspective would change. I have seen it happen! Your life can turn around and be full,
meaningful, fruitful and satisfying in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Back to why people take their lives? We need to dig deeper and be more specific.
According to research by G. E. Murphy (Hospital Practice "Suicide and Attempted
Suicide") At least half of all suicides are suffering from depression when they take
their lives.
Don't let yourself sink too deep into depression before you talk to a friend, your
pastor, a counselor or member of your family. If you wallow in depression, that will lead
to self- pity and soon you will find yourself caught in a quagmire pulling you constantly
downward until you are considering suicide. You lose your rational perspective on life. If
you are intensely depressed and that does not eased in a week to ten days, get some help!
At least talk to a friend who "has it together" and better yet, get some
professional help from your pastor, a counselor or doctor.
Alcoholics and drug abusers account for another one quarter of all suicides. In fact
another researcher claims that the suicide rate for alcoholics is 55 times the national
average. One in five successful suicides is committed by a person who suffers from chronic
alcoholism. Drug addicts are 350% more likely to commit suicide than are nonaddicted
individuals of the same age.
I want to share with you a poem that I came across. It made my heart ache for those
enslaved to drugs and alcohol. It was written in a phone booth, by a 20 year old girl just
before she committed suicide. I heard it on a tape by Dave Mizel of Frewsburg, New York. I
call it A HEROIN ADDICTS 23RD PSALM. It is obvious to me that the tormented young lady
must have been "religious" for she had to know the 23rd Psalm to write her
lament based on it. She wrote...
King Heroin is my shepherd, I shall always want.
He maketh me to lie down in the gutters. He leadeth me beside the troubled waters.
He destroyeth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of wickedness for his efforts sake.
Yea shall I walk through the valley of poverty and fear all evil, for thou Heroin art
with me. The needle and capsule they to comfort me.
Thou strippeth the table of groceries in the presence of my family. Thou robbest my
head of reason. My cup of sorrow runneth over.
Surely Heroin addiction shall stalk me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the
house of the damned forever.
DON'T BUY THE LIE! Drugs and alcohol are poison. Statistics tell us 80% of all reported
teenage suicides had alcohol in their systems.
If you have an alcohol or drug problem, get help to get control of it. Alcohol and drug
abuse are deadly weapons in the devils hands. They are life destroyers. If you are a
believer, you must remember that your body belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. You must not
abuse it (I Cor. 6:19-20).
Friend, if you find you are caught in the snare of alcohol and drug abuse, don't let
your fear, pride, rebellion or stubbornness keep you from getting help. Many Christians
neglect getting help because they feel it will be an embarrassment to their families and
church. It is far better to ask for help yourself as opposed to being
"discovered." Call your pastor and ask for his help. If you are a young person
tell your parents the situation and ask for help. If you can't bring yourself to ask for
help, call a local hospital and ask where you can get help.
- INABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS & LONELINESS
Not being able to talk to mom and dad is thought to be the number one promoter of teen
suicide according to Jerry Johnston, popular teen speaker who deals with the issue of
suicide prevention in school assemblies. This is not necessarily all the parents fault.
Parents need to be open. When their teenagers talk, stop what you are doing and listen.
Initiate communicate with their teens. Keep in touch with what is going on in their lives.
Don't "jump on" every little thing you may not agree with. Save your "two
cents worth" for what's really important.
Loneliness can be very depressing for young and old alike. To some it becomes so
amplified that they try to escape in suicide. But, suicide is not the answer. Remember,
there is no chance in eternity to change your destiny.
Parents who break up often do not realize that they are provoking their children to
unbelievable anger. Despite the tension in unhappy marriages, for the most part that
tension is more readily handled by the children than a divorce. There were a million new
divorces last year. The children from these broken homes feel rejected, cheated and often
responsible for mom and dad's break-up. The attempted suicide rate among these kids is
sickening. More each year are looking for escape from the hurt by suicide.
When the bottom drops out of life, many hurting divorced look to suicide for release.
There is a better answer and that is the Lord.
- SOCIAL DISGRACE, LOSS OF HONOR & DIGNITY
The loss of an important position, to be put on the shelf suddenly or to be a social
outcast can be devastating. The feeling that "nobody cares" or "nobody
needs me anymore" lead many to conclude "I might as well be dead" and take
their own life. What a tragic mistake.
There is no more devastating blow to the honor and dignity of a young person than to be
molested by a family member or close friend of the family. Too often children will go to
another family member and try to get help only to be ignored, told they are lying or
accused of being the instigator. Seeing no way out, many opt for suicide, seeing it as the
only way of escape. If you find yourself in this predicament, DON'T choose suicide, tell
your pastor, teacher, counselor, doctor or the police. They will be able to intervene in
the situation and get you some help.
- FEELING YOU CAN'T BE FORGIVEN OR YOU ARE A HOPELESS FAILURE
Sadly, many mistakenly believe that they are so deep into sin that God could never
forgive them. That just is not true. There is no sin that puts you beyond the reach of
God's grace if you will but repent and return to Him. Isaiah 55:7 says "Let the
wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the
LORD, and he will have mercy upon him...for he will abundantly pardon."
I John 1:9
promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Many who are contemplating suicide feel that somehow failure makes them worthless. Life
is not worth living. Not true. Failure can have its benefits. It can force you to look to
Christ for help. It can teach you valuable lessons (make you patient, more sensitive to
others who have failed, etc.). It can build your character. It can make you a better, more
compassionate person.
Acts 16:25-31 is the account of a near suicide because of fear. An earthquake breaks
open the prison doors and breaks the restraints holding the Paul, Silas and the other
prisoners. The guard was asleep on duty but is awakened by the powerful quake. Believing
that the prisoners have escaped and knowing that he will be held responsible for it, he is
about to fall on his sword. Paul intervenes and shouts, "do thyself no harm: for we
are all here." Ultimately the guard receives Christ as Savior as does his entire
family. This is a powerful illustration of the importance of trying to intervene and stop
would be suicides from succeeding. It also illustrates the importance of sharing Christ in
those situations.
An increasing number of people are taking their own lives rather than endure suffering
or because of the fear of suffering. God's grace is sufficient and can sustain a believer
in any situation. He gives living Grace as well as dying grace. I think of Joni Erickson
Tada, a quadriplegic. She has been greatly used by the Lord to advance his kingdom.
Christian friend, never forget that Romans 8:28 is still true and I Corinthians 10:13 has
not been declared invalid by the Lord. Friend, if you are not a believer, all the
advantages available to God's children can be yours too. Just accept the "Gift of
God, which is Eternal Life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." How to do that will be
clearly explained later in this pamphlet.
3. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT SOMEONE
MIGHT BE CONSIDERING SUICIDE?
(This is not a complete list)
1. Disruption of normal sleep patterns for 10 days or more
2. Change in eating patterns. Sudden loss of gain of weight.
3. Mood swings. Laughing one moment and crying the next.
4. Withdrawal from family and friends or any other prior interests (sports,
job, hobbies etc.)
5. Dramatic change in personality. Extrovert to introvert, introvert to
extrovert or loner complex.
6. Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
7. Giving away of prized possessions
8. Exaggerated self-depreciation
9. Suicide threat or the desire to die. 75% of those who commit suicide give a
warning but it is not recognized or heeded.
4. WHAT HAPPENS TO AN INDIVIDUAL
WHO COMMITS SUICIDE?
Classically, suicide has been considered a sin that caused spiritual death and eternal
damnation. Suicide has long been the object of moral revulsion. It is distressing the way
the medieval church desecrated the bodies of suicide victims.
Dante, the 13th century Italian writer believed the most arduous section of Hell was
reserved for those who committed suicide. In his book, DANTE'S INFERNO, he devotes one of
the grimmest cantos (chapter) to suicides. In the depths of Dante's hell, people who
commit suicide are below the burning heretics and the murderers stewing in their own
blood. They are found in a dark, pathless woods. Their souls grow for eternity in the
shape of warped, poisonous thorn trees. Strange bird-like creatures called Harpies (with
broad wings & faces of men) nest in their branches. They torment them by picking their
leaves, which symbolizes the violence the individual had inflicted on itself in suicide.
The whole woods if full of the sounds of agonizing lament.
Then there is Dante's scene of Judgment Day. On that day, he said the bodies of those
who committed suicide would hang from the branches of these "thorn trees" with
human souls. They will not be reunited with their bodies because they willfully threw them
away by taking their lives.
To us, Dante's story seems far fetched. But what does happen to someone who commits
suicide? That individual jumps from the frying pan into the fire! MOST PEOPLE INTEND
SUICIDE TO END IT ALL...TO ESCAPE! SUICIDE DOES NOT END IT ALL! Here's why. It is clear
from the Bible that there is conscious existence for an individual after the death of the
body. The soul and spirit of a person lives on and remembers. The thoughts that drove the
individual to suicide are NOT killed. Luke 16:19-31 relates in vivid terms the plight of a
rich man who died. In verse 23 he is in torment. In verse 25 he remembers. In verse 28 he
remembers his family. It is clear to see that the man in this story is in a literal HELL.
Suicide DOES END ONE THING FOR THE UNSAVED PERSON. That person will NEVER HAVE THE
CHANCE TO TRUST CHRIST AS PERSONAL SAVIOR FROM SIN. That means he will reap the destiny of
the damned. The unbeliever will stand before God's Great White Throne and be judged
according to the works they did in their mortal bodies. The activities of their lives will
be reviewed and they will be cast into the Lake Of Fire to suffer for eternity (Rev.
20:12-15). That should make anyone reconsider attempting suicide. How do you describe a
horrible Hell-Lake Of Fire? Dante did the best he could. The fact is, Hell will be worse
than you could possibly imagine.
THE UNSAVED PERSON WHO COMMITS SUICIDE WILL GO TO HELL JUST LIKE ANYONE ELSE WHO DOES
NOT HAVE CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR (John 3:18 & 36; Rev. 21:8). It remains to be seen
what degree of punishment the Lord will deem the worthy of for all of eternity.
5. WHAT HAPPENS TO A BELIEVER WHO
TAKES HIS OWN LIFE?
Perhaps the question we should ask first is can a believer commit suicide? Some
mistakenly believe that a true believer cannot take their own life. There is no scriptural
evidence for this position. Suicide, which is the sin of self-murder, does not take
preeminence over murder, adultery or other equally heinous sins. King David committed both
the flagrant sin of adultery and murder. Yet we know from Romans 4:6-8 and
Hebrews
11:32-33 that David was an Old Testament believer and will be in heaven. Suicide is no
better or worse than adultery. Indeed suicide is murder, the murder of yourself.
Though there is no actual New Testament illustration of a believer taking his life, I
believe there is an Old Testament example. In Judges 16:25-30 relates the account. Then in
Hebrews 11:32 he is listed in THE BELIEVERS HALL OF FAITH! Simply stated, a believer can
commit suicide, though it is clearly flagrant sin. Neither do believers lose their
salvation if they commit suicide. BUT THEY DO LOSE SOMETHING!
6. IF A BELIEVER TAKES HIS OWN
LIFE, WHAT DOES HE/SHE LOSE?
Paul wrote, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to
be with Christ; which is far better." Phil. 1:23 It would be a mistake to take that
verse and use it as support for suicide! All believers are going to stand before the
JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST and give account of what they have done according to 2 Corinthians
5:10-11. It is going to be a terrifying experience. There we will be judged, not relating
to our eternal destiny but concerning our eternal rewards. 2 John 8 makes it clear that
our rewards can be forfeited. I Corinthians 3:15 says we can "suffer loss"
though still be saved. You can be sure that the believer who takes his own life will
suffer significant loss at the Bema Seat.
No believer has any right to take his own life. The believers body belongs to the Lord
(I Cor. 6:19-20). No matter how serious the problem you have an open invitation to come to
the Lord (Matt. 11:28-30). No matter how far away from the Lord you have strayed, He will
always accept the repentant sinner back with open arms (Isa. 55:7; I John 1:9). As a
believer, you must realize that God is bigger than your problems. He cares and he can help
(I Cor. 10:13; I Pet. 5:6- 7).
7. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE
THINKING OF SUICIDE?
The immediate thing you should do is, TALK TO SOMEONE -- Talk to your parents, your
pastor, a school teacher, counselor or doctor. Call the operator and ask for a suicide hot
line number.
GIVE YOURSELF TO THE LORD. If you do not know Christ as your Savior, you should put
your trust in Him. Confess to Him that you are a sinner and that you need help. Believe
that He died to save you from your sins and Hell. Believe that he rose again from the dead
and is alive and ask Him to come into your life and be your Savior. Read very carefully
from a Bible the following verses. Pray and ask the God to help you to understand what is
being said. If you are having trouble finding these verses call the person or organization
who gave you this booklet.
The Simple Plan Of Salvation --(Read the following verses in the Bible)
1. John 3:16 -- God Loves You 2. Romans 3:23 -- You are a sinner 3.
Romans 6:23;
Revelation 21:8 -- You need salvation from your sins because unless you are saved you will
die and are destined to the Lake Of Fire (Hell) 4. Ephesians 2:8-9 -- Your good works
cannot Save you, salvation is a gift that must be personally received. 5. I John
2:2-Christ paid for our sins 6. John 14:6 --He is the only way to Heaven 7.
Luke 13:3 --
Repent of your sins & ask the Lord's forgiveness for your sins. 8. Romans 10:13 --
Call upon Christ in prayer and ask Jesus to come into your life and save your soul.
RENEW YOUR MIND BY READING, MEMORIZING AND MEDITATING ON THE SCRIPTURES. Dr. William
Sadler M.D. said "Bible reading on a daily systematic basis has therapeutic value. If
its verses are assimilated into the mind [by memorization and meditation], they can
accomplish more than any sedative or tranquilizer." Psalm 1 clearly shows the value
of meditating on the Word of God.
HOW CAN YOU HELP IF YOU
THINK SOMEONE IS CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE?
1. ASK THEM IF THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE
2. IF THE ANSWER IS AFFIRMATIVE, URGE THEM TO GET SOME HELP AND INTERVENE IF
THEY WON'T AND CALL HELP
3. TAKE AWAY POSSIBLE INSTRUMENTS OF SUICIDE
4. AFFIRM YOU CONCERN & LOVE FOR THEM
5. POINT THEM TO THE MEANING OF LIFE IN CHRIST
6. TELL THEM OF THE LOVE, FORGIVENESS AND POWER OF CHRIST
7. PRAY FOR THEM
8. BE A GOOD LISTENER
9. TRY TO GET THEM TO FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE BESIDE THEMSELVES
10. URGE THEM TO TALK TO A PARENT, PASTOR, COUNSELOR, TEACHER, DOCTOR
or POLICEMAN
11. DON'T LEAVE A SERIOUSLY SUICIDAL PERSON ALL ALONE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME
12. URGE THE PERSON TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR A GOOD CHECK-UP. SOMETIMES SUICIDAL
TENDENCIES CAN HAVE MEDICAL CAUSES.
Salvation and living a dedicated Christian life is the long term answer. Christ gives
meaning and purpose to Life.
REFERENCE MATERIALS
You Mean The Bible Teaches That; by Charles Ryrie Suicide; by David Wilkerson
FATAL CHOICE; by John Q. Baucom Crisis Counseling; Eugene Kennedy The Savage God; A.
Alvarez
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