Why Do We Still Sin, Follow Up

Q

I came upon your response to a reader’s question titled, “Why Do We Still Sin?” and had a question about your statement pertaining to suicide. You made a reference to
1 Cor. 9:24-25 supporting your belief that Christians could kill themselves and still go to heaven. I was concerned about this because I was brought up to believe that one is hellbound when suicide is committed, Christian or not.

To endorse the belief, I later reasoned that suicide is a slap in GOD’s face and it displays one of the greatest lack of faith in addition to the premise that since we had no control and will over birth, then we have no control over our death, in regards to terminating self, as well. Please elaborate on your opinions on Christianity and suicide as it relates to 1 Cor 9:24-25.

A

Colossians 2:13-15 says that when Jesus went to the cross He forgave all our sins. Hebrews 10:12-14 says His sacrifice was once for all time and made us perfect forever in God’s sight. That means every sin of our life from the first to the last was forgiven at the cross.

I didn’t use 1 Cor. 9:24-25 to justify suicide, I used it to justify my opinion that one who commits suicide will be disqualified from receiving the crown of victory. 1 Cor. 9:24-25 is not about salvation. In Paul’s analogy of the race everyone is already saved. The race symbolizes the victorious life. Only those who overcome the frustrations of this life can receive the victor’s crown.