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Bible and Suicide

On average, there are 123 suicides every day. Although suicide rates are highest in many of the poorer countries in the world, even those countries that have solved most of their economical and social problems still suffer from epidemic levels of this terrible scourge. 

Almost everyone agrees that suicide is wrong. But why is it wrong? The Bible gives us the answer.

First, suicide is wrong because it is against God's law. God said in the ten commandments, “Thou shalt not kill.” This includes taking one’s own life as well as someone else’s. It is a violation of God’s law to kill even yourself. Some have thought that suicide is the unpardonable sin. This idea has no basis in the Bible. It has grown out of the idea that sins must be forgiven on earth to be forgiven in heaven. That’s not true. Do you suppose that almighty God who has forgiven us in life will not likewise forgive us in death? Suicide is a terrible wrong but it is not unpardonable.

Second, suicide is wrong because it is against grace. The first statement of grace is, “God created life and it was good.” Life is good because it is the gift of God. Since it is good, it is to be enjoyed. And if not enjoyed, at least it should be faced with courage. Suicide denies the goodness of life that God affirms. Christians should not only reject death but affirm life. You ought to enjoy the goodness of life, yet so few really do. Even many of those who are most regular in church seem to be the most miserable. What a tragedy.

It is wrong to take your life traumatically. It is also wrong to take your life and to waste it on those things that ultimately are not worthwhile.

Life is a precious gift of God. Don’t waste it. Live it to its fullest for him.

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Paul W. Powell - www.PaulPowellLibrary.com

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