In the news recently a woman who was paralyzed went to court and won the “right to die” by having her breathing tube removed. Her parents think that if she does that she is committing suicide and won’t go to heaven. Question is, if she or any one can not live without the help of machines, would it be considered suicide if she had the tubes removed, or would it be considered a natural death?
I don’t believe God ever intended for us to sustain our lives indefinitely by artificial means. Therefore, I don’t think asking to be disconnected from a machine that will always be necessary to keep us breathing is committing suicide.
But even if it was I don’t believe committing suicide prevents a believer from going to heaven. Suicide is a sin in that it’s a form of murder. But like other kinds of sin, it can also be forgiven.
When we become believers our salvation is guaranteed by God (Ephesians 1:13-14) and all the sins of our life, past, present, and future, are forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14). In His sight, we become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), perfect forever (Hebr. 10:12-14). Jesus said once we’re His no one can ever take us out of His or His Father’s hands, and that includes us. Remember, it’s what we believe that saves us, not how we behave.
Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24)