As we wrap up our study of Revelation, someone asked:

"If Revelation 21:6-8 describes who won't be in heaven, does this include those who commit suicide?"

Because I fear sometimes when I'm being asked that, whether or not someone is trying to think through, "Would it be okay for me to commit suicide?" And, of course, the answer to that is, "No, it's not okay." 

Suicide is murder. Suicide is the attacking of the image of God. And suicide is horrible. Not only a sin—but also a sin that leaves wreckage and devastation all over the place. 

And so if you're someone who is asking that because you're contemplating suicide, I would just plead with you to talk to people in your life and get help because life is worth living.  If you need help, please call 988.

The belief that a Christian who dies by suicide is condemned to hell due to the inability to repent or confess is not supported by biblical truth. The manner of one's death doesn't dictate their eternal destiny. Rather, it is solely determined by their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ by faith alone. Whether a person dies by suicide or not, their eternal fate hinges on their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Imagine standing before God, who asks one question: "What did you do with my Son, the risen Jesus Christ?” (Similar to what. he asked of Peter in Matthew 16!). Salvation isn't based upon repentance alone, although repentance is essential and a gift from God. True hope lies in an unwavering relationship with the redeeming God and his Son (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

It's crucial to clarify that suicide is a serious sin—it is self-murder and inherently wrong. Despite being forgiven, Christians should never pursue sinful behavior. Salvation does not grant license to indulge in wrongdoing. Upon becoming a Christian, one becomes a servant of righteousness, no longer enslaved to sin but committed to Christ (Romans 6:1-2, 12-14).

In Romans 5 and 6, Paul emphasizes the extravagant grace bestowed upon believers in Rome. However, he unequivocally rejects the notion that grace justifies continued sinfulness. Christians are urged not to abuse grace by persisting in sinful behavior (Romans 6:15-16).

If someone perceives grace as an excuse for suicide, it's essential to recognize this as a misconception. Seeking help is imperative, and there are numerous individuals ready and willing to provide assistance (Proverbs 15:22; James 5:16).

Again, to answer the question: “Do people who died by suicide go to heaven or hell?" I would say the answer to that is exactly the same as it would be for any other sinner:

--If you're in Christ, those who repented of sin and trusted in Christ at the moment of death, regardless of how they died, are in the presence of Christ. 

--And those who aren't are bearing the judgment of Christ. 

But the answer to that means that because there's a heaven and because there's a Christ, there is no need for suicide.

So, if you've lost somebody this way, don't torture yourself. Receive the comfort and the ministry that comes from the Lord Jesus that you will see that person again—if that person was in Christ.

And if you're somebody who's struggling with a pull toward suicide, let this question itself remind you of the good news that there really is hope for your life and for your future.

Some people who commit suicide are believers. Remember, there is the eternal security of the believer--and they would go immediately into the presence of God. Though, again, the taking of one's own life is a sinful act.

Others, conversely, who claim to be Christians would be like those who say, "Lord, Lord," (Matt. 7:21-23) but do not know Christ and then take their life, rather than waking up in heaven, wake up in hell.  Not because of suicide -- but because they have never trusted the risen Christ alone for salvation.

So, it would depend: Did the person truly know Jesus Christ in a personal, saving way? And, if they did, Jesus sheep will "never perish, neither shall any man pluck them from my hand....For my Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no man shall pluck them from his hand" (John 10:28-30). 

So the suicide, in and of itself, is not the unforgivable sin. Rather, unbelief in the gospel is the unforgivable sin (Mark 3:28-29).

So, someone can commit suicide if they're a believer—and, because they have been saved of their sin in Christ alone, they would go straight to heaven. 

But, if they're not a believer--but simply a false convert who has deceived about their own relationship with the Lord--then they would go straight to hell forever.

Again: Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been born again from above?

Once born, always born (John 3). You can never be unborn once you're born into the kingdom of heaven.