If a Christian commits suicide, does he lose his salvation?
The answer is a definite NO! How can I be sure? Well, first, let us look at the basics of Christianity.
What constitute a Christian?
1. Are we Christians because we call ourselves one?
2. Are we Christians because we just believe in Jesus?
3. Are we Christians because God placed His Holy Spirit in us?
If you chose #3, you were right to do so. For those who chose #2, you are partially right, however the process of salvation is still incomplete.
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory. [Ephesians 1:13,14]
So, our salvation is guaranteed not by our actions but by the Holy Spirit in us. We also have Jesus’ promise.
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one…” [John 10:28-30]
Now, let me tackle the subject about a Christian who might commit suicide. I will only focus on those cases that where they gave into despair and killed themselves.
Personally, I do not know any Christian who committed suicide. Biblically, I believe that Christians are spiritually incapable of ending their lives so tragically.
Jesus will not allow it. Let us look at Jesus’ words again.
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one…” [John 10:28-30]
For a Christian to commit suicide, that person would have to have been tempted to a point of absolute despair, willfully rejecting the influence of God’s Spirit in him/her. The Holy Spirit is our guide into all truth. He teaches, convicts and protects us. Christians, while still on this earth, may not be so perfect and can falter into sin, but yet God will always be there to help us recover and give us a way out.
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. [1 Corinthians 10:13]
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footnote:
Someone asked me about the suicide of Judas Iscariot who hung himself after betraying Jesus. Yes, he was a follower of Jesus and was one of the chosen Twelve. Let me say first that Judas did not have the Holy Spirit indwelled in him. At that matter, none of Jesus’ disciples received the Holy Spirit until the day of Pentecost. So, they were all very susceptible to temptation of the evil one, most especially Judas who was later controlled by the devil (John 13:27).
Judas’ suicide was even more tragic because I truly believe that if he sought forgiveness, Jesus would have given it with no reservation.
Johann Quisumbing 