Do People Who Commit Suicide Go to Heaven?

Ed Welch:

There are only two correct responses to this question.

"Why do you ask?" and
"It sounds like things are really hard for you. Please tell me what's happening."

We are allowed minor variations on these, but do not say this: "Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. If we think that suicide is immune to the cleansing blood of Christ we have misunderstood the extent of redemption."

This might be theologically correct; it is pastorally abysmal.

Here is the principle: theological questions are often personal questions in disguise; they are about the burdens on a person's heart. Please do not respond with theological propositions or ethical guidelines.  Instead, use these questions as the time to know and shepherd the person.

Continue reading. . . .