Topic(s): Eternity & Judgment

Todd Clippard

This question is impossible to answer with any degree of certainty as one can not fully know the degree of another's mental capacity. Some religions, the Roman Catholic for instance, declare condemnation for those who commit suicide, but in recent times have softened their stance.

From the outset, it should be noted that all suicides cannot be viewed or treated equally. Many people suffer from severe depression and other psychological disorders which, in some cases, render them as not being fully responsible for their actions. The causes of depression are varied and treatments for this and other disorders have varying degrees of effectiveness.

Some commit suicide while under the influence of drugs or due to addictions. Others commit suicide because they are cowards, don't want to face the consequences for their actions, or in an attempt to hurt someone else. Certainly all these must be held accountable for their actions.

The Bible makes note of several characters who despaired of life, and even spoke of desiring death, but through faith in God managed to hold on and work through their difficulties. Among them were Job (Job 3; 7:15-16); David (Psalm 13); and Jeremiah (Jer 20:14-18).

The Bible also notes four men who committed suicide. Kings Saul and Zimri , who killed themselves to avoid capture by their enemies (1 Sam 31; 1 King 16:18); Ahithophel, who killed himself when his counsel was rejected by Absalom (2 Sam 17:23); and Judas Iscariot, who killed himself after betraying Jesus to the Jewish authorities (Matt 27:3-10), and was called the son of perdition (John 17:12).

Finally, regardless of circumstances, no accountable person can go to heaven without obeying the gospel of Christ. This is accomplished through faith in Jesus and His deity (John 8:24); repenting of one's sins (Acts 17:30); confessing faith in Jesus as God's Son (Acts 8:37); and being immersed in water in order to receive remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).