Q: What does the Bible say about suicide? Will that person enter heaven if he/she was a believer but took their own life?  —Denise

A: While some churches have taught that those who take their own lives do not go to heaven because of the unforgivable act of self-murder, there is not biblical evidence to suggest that the final desperate act of a troubled person will prevent him from ever entering the presence of God.

The only prerequisite for anyone’s entrance into heaven is personal faith in God’s offer of salvation (John 1:12, 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). Once someone becomes a member of God’s family, His promise is that nothing can ever separate that person from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35-39). That “nothing” includes a final act of desperate self-destruction.  —Tim Jackson

For more on this subject, check out this online booklet: When You’re Left Behind

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