Question:
If someone tried to commit suicide, but is stopped or lives, is it considered a sin?
Answer:
We know from Exodus 20:13 that if someone commits suicide they have sinned since they have killed themselves and killing is a sin. “Thou shalt not kill” is one of the Ten Commandments that the children of Israel were required to follow since they were under God’s law. We are not under law today (Romans 6:14), but since we, as believers on the Lord Jesus Christ, have the Holy Spirit inside us to strengthen us not to sin, the Lord sets an even higher standard of behavior for us than for the children of Israel. For example, 1 John 3:15 says that, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.” Hating someone requires only thought, whereas attempting suicide requires some action. Considering such high standards the Lord has established for us to follow with His strength, I conclude that attempting suicide would be considered a sin by God.
Many people believe that if a person commits suicide that God will not forgive that sin and the person will go to hell. However, 1 John 1:7 assures us that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL sin.” Therefore, even though we know that attempting or committing suicide saddens and displeases the Lord very much, the blood of Jesus is able to wash away those sins like all others. There are a multitude of good reasons to choose to remain living until the Lord decides to take us home to Himself, so let’s enjoy the abundant life He has given us and serve Him gladly each day we have on this earth.