Ask Bob # 17: “Can people who commit suicide still go to heaven?”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing disappointment and crisis. I wrote this article in 2009, and I’m reprinting it now in hopes that you’ll find some hope and comfort here.

This question was submitted anonymously: “Dear Bob, I have a friend who lost her brother to suicide, and she is concerned that he will be rejected from heaven because of this and spend his eternity in hell. I believe God will not turn His back on His hurting children. Is there scripture that supports one or the other on this?”

(My reply): My heart is aching. Your friend’s concern is fairly common. I have good news for you, and for your friend. God doesn’t desert us so easily. Do you know why you can’t find a verse that says all suicides go to hell? Because it’s not in the Bible, that’s why.

In the early 1990s a young woman at work slit her left wrist multiple times in the restroom. Let’s call her Carol. Two other ladies came screaming into the lobby and yelled, “Carol slit her wrists in the restroom and there’s blood everywhere!” I asked, “Who’s with her?” They both looked at me like I was nuts and said, “Nobody… we thought we should come tell people!” Okay, their logic sort of made sense… but still, I was amazed. So I ran out of the lobby, down the hall, and came to the door of the Ladies…