I have a friend that says he is a true born-again christian, but he has been having a lot of problems in his life and has thought about taking his own life.  His question was if you were to take your own life, even if he is really saved, if he was to do something like that, he wanted to know if he would go to hell.  I told him I didn’t think so; I think once you are saved under Jesus’ blood, you’re always saved no matter what.  Is there any verse in the Bible that talks about that?  If so, could you give that to me, so that I can talk to my friend?  Thank you so much.

Sincerely,
Friend To The Hurting

Dear Friend To The Hurting,

People can lose their salvation. Heb 6:4-6 and Heb 10:26-27 outline that if someone rejects God’s Word (even after becoming a christian), they will go to hell just like any other unbeliever. And that is the key to the whole thing – is suicide an example of rejecting God’s Word and sinning willfully?

Suicide certainly is condemned. Suicide is murder, self-murder, and is therefore very clearly a sin (Rev 21:8). The only difference between suicide and murdering someone else is that you don’t get a chance to repent after suicide. Suicide is a final decision and leaves no room for correction or for asking forgiveness. Therefore, in most cases, it would be fair to say that suicide will send you to hell. It is a willful act of disobedience against God without opportunity for repentance.

We here at AYP only hesitate to say, “All people who commit suicide go to hell,” because God never specifically makes that statement. The final judgment belongs to God (Heb 12:23), but we certainly wouldn’t want to face that judgment with our own blood on our hands.

Why do christians celebrate Halloween when it has to do with Satan?   Halloween began when the Romans worshiped other "gods".  That is what I have studied; if this is so, then christians that celebrate this tradition are following Satan’s road.

Sincerely,
More Trick Than Treat

Dear More Trick Than Treat,

Good and faithful people debate this issue all the time, but, yes, you can celebrate Halloween without sinning.  Halloween does have its roots in pagan rituals.  All Hallow’s Eve is often associated with evil spirits, demon worship, voodoo, and witchcraft.  It is, however, also associated with happy scampering children whose most wicked intent is the desire to glut themselves on candy. New Year’s Eve could be viewed the same way.  New Year’s Eve is often associated with inappropriate male and female interaction and drunkenness.  It is also associated with fresh starts, reflective new beginnings, and an evening of friendship and brotherly kindness.  These holidays can be a good thing or a bad thing.  Though the origins are pagan, many holidays have pagan beginnings that are no longer a part of the modern tradition.  How you participate and your reasons for participating will make the difference.

1. God soundly condemns witchcraft and any magical arts (1 Sam 15:23, Acts 19:19).  Anyone participating in Halloween in an occult way is sinning.
2. Christians are supposed to focus on pure and holy things (Php 4:8).  Many of the costumes that are worn during Halloween are macabre, violent, or ghoulish.  Christians should think very carefully before placing too much emphasis upon dark things.
3. Christians should dress modestly (1 Tim 2:9).  Many costumes, especially those worn by adults, are immodest.  A holiday is not an excuse for dressing in an ungodly way.
4. Don’t participate if it will bother your conscience.  God tells us that we should always keep a pure conscience (1 Tim 1:5).  If you can’t do something in faith, it is sin (Rom 14:23).

After considering these principles – go get some candy corn!

I'm married with a family.  I have had feelings for men since I was younger.  I still do.  I've acted upon them a few times while married.

I don't want a divorce, but I’m not sure I can handle the situation (and be faithful from here on out).

I am so tired...tired of being tired.

I'm to the point, sometimes, I just wish something bad would happen to me, so I don't have to face the situation...and that scares me.

What do I do?

Sincerely,
Struggling Husband

Dear Struggling Husband,

Homosexuality is like all other sins; we sin when we act upon a lust.  God does not tempt us to sin (Jas 1:13).  It is our own lusts that entice us to do the wrong thing (Jas 1:14-16).  One person has a tendency toward anger, another has a tendency toward alcoholism, and some may in fact have a tendency toward homosexuality – but that tendency does not force them to sin.  We need to put away all filthiness of the flesh and be doers of God’s Word (Jas 1:21-22).

Nobody is forced to have a sinful homosexual relationship.  The argument of the homosexual community is that they are born desiring people of the same sex and that they have no choice.  That simply cannot be true.  God makes it clear that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able (1 Cor 10:13).  Even if someone is born with a predisposition toward homosexuality – they aren’t forced to act upon it.  We always have a choice.  There is always a way of escape from sin.

Which brings us to our advice.  Your desire for men is exactly the same as any other addiction – and needs treatment.  There are groups that will help treat those trying to leave homosexual lifestyles (we would be happy to help get you in contact with a counselor near you).  It is possible to stop.  In fact, Paul noted that some of the christians of the first century used to be homosexuals (1 Cor 6:9-11).  The bottom line ­– you don't have to be homosexual!  You can lead a life of fulfillment and holiness as God intended, a life far better than what you have experienced so far.

Will God forgive suicide after a period of time?

Sincerely,
Term Limits

Dear Term Limits,

Suicide is murder, self-murder, and is therefore very clearly a sin (Rev 21:8). The only difference between suicide and murdering someone else is that you don’t get a chance to repent after suicide. Suicide is a final decision and leaves no room for correction or for asking forgiveness.  Since you face the judgment after death (Heb 9:27), there is no “period of time” in which forgiveness can be sought.  The Bible never teaches that there is a purgatory (although many religions teach this) that someone who committed suicide could dwell in and await forgiveness.  Suicide is a dreadfully scary and final act that leaves no opportunity to change course.

In your response, "What The Holy Spirit Does", are you saying then that the Holy Spirit talks to us, or rather, puts on our hearts things to say and do?

Sincerely,
Impressionable Heart

Dear Impressionable Heart,

We aren’t saying either of those things.  The Holy Spirit tells us what to do through the Bible.  The Holy Spirit told the apostles what He wanted for us to know (Jhn 14:26), and the apostles wrote it down, so we would always have the Holy Spirit’s wisdom (2 Pet 1:12-15).  Every verse is the Holy Spirit speaking to us (2 Pet 1:21).