Subject: will suiside send you to hell |
Bible Note: Beja - your response is much appreciated and well considered. The point of my response to EdB was to encourage a more thorough explanation of his position. With that said, let me make you aware that there is a very real medical problem that occurs in the brain chemistry of some that causes them to actually reach a point that would fit into the definition that Charles Hodge, for example, meant by insanity. As a mental health professional I land far outside of the culture and philosophies that most mental health professionals comfortably exist. For example, I truly believe that much of what we label and diagnose today as mental disorders would be better explained by demonic influences and even possession as well as disorders in mood directly related to sin and guilt. I’m sure some would love to revoke my license to practice based on that statement. At the same time though, I acknowledge the very real and measurable chemical imbalances that some experience causing them dysfunction of mood, thought and behavior. I have worked with enough patients (including confessing Christians) that struggle with mental illness as well as ongoing sin. Sometimes it’s a first point of focus to work with them to identify the difference. I stand by my position and belief that there is only one unpardonable sin and suicide is not it. It would be a mistake for any Christian to start ranking individual sins in any order not supported by Scripture, especially were we to qualify that sin as a “disqualifier”. Furthermore, each of us will die (or be raptured) having yielded to God and growing in His sanctification in differing degrees. I am convinced, however, that any sin known to man is a potential sin to be committed by any Christian except for the one unpardonable sin. To believe otherwise, I believe, would be to disagree with Scripture and leave us unnecessarily vulnerable. |