by Lucky Dionne M-J
Recently, my wife and I accompanied a friend to one of the homes for the elderly in Zurich to offer prayers and support. It was a sobering experience for me, but something unexpected caught my attention. For the first time, I was introduced to the concept of EXIT—a term that refers to assisted suicide, which is legal in Switzerland. My friend explained that this practice, overseen by organizations like EXIT, allows individuals suffering from unbearable physical or psychological pain, or those facing terminal illnesses, to end their lives voluntarily. I was struck by the gravity of this reality and could not help but ponder its broader implications—particularly its eternal consequences from a Biblical perspective.
The question of assisted suicide is not just a matter of physical life and death; it has spiritual significance as well. Life is a gift from God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of every soul, and no one has the right to take life—whether it is someone else’s or their own. From a Biblical viewpoint, the act of taking one’s life, even when done with medical assistance, carries eternal consequences. Suicide, in any form, is an affront to the One who gave us life. Scripture speaks clearly about this in Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder.” While many may not see suicide as murder in the traditional sense, it is, in essence, the taking of life, and the consequence of such an action must be weighed.
The Eternal Consequence of Suicide
In my further investigation into the matter, I discovered that some countries have laws permitting assisted suicide under certain conditions, provided it is not done for selfish motives, such as financial gain. Certain organizations facilitate this process for individuals whose quality of life has declined to the point where they feel it is unbearable to continue living. However, when we look at this issue through the lens of Scripture, we see a much more sobering picture. God is the Author and Giver of life, and only He has the authority to decide when life should end. We must recognize that the physical act of ending one’s life is not merely a “final escape” from pain, but a decision that carries profound spiritual and eternal consequences, as highlighted in Scripture.
Romans 6:23 declares that “the wages of sin is death,” and to die in a state of separation from God has eternal consequences. Without repentance, without making peace with God, there can be no true peace beyond death. Ecclesiastes 11:3 gives a vivid image of this truth, saying, “In the place where the tree falls, there it shall be.” This verse underscores the finality of death—whatever state you are in when you die, that is the state in which you will remain throughout eternity. There is no chance for repentance or salvation after death; eternity is a state of changelessness.
The thought that ending one’s life will bring peace is a dangerous illusion. The realm of time is the only place where changes can be made to our life’s condition—eternity is fixed. To die without making peace with God means entering eternity separated from Him. Scripture speaks of hell as the destination of those who die without salvation, a place of eternal separation from God. In Revelation 21:8, it says, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers…they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” This is a terrifying reality, yet it is a reality that we must acknowledge in light of assisted suicide.
The Deception of False Peace
It is the ultimate deception to think that terminating one’s life will result in eternal peace. Many are led to believe that a swift end to their suffering will bring rest and relief, but the truth is that no one can rest in peace if they have not made peace with God before death. Resting in peace is only possible for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and have reconciled their lives with God. Without this reconciliation, eternal rest is not an option—only eternal unrest.
It’s striking to consider that someone might spend as much as US$12,000 for assisted suicide—a sum that would take a minimum-wage worker in many developing countries over twenty-five years to earn. Yet, when a heart is filled with reverence and gratitude to the Giver of Life, the preciousness of each moment becomes unmistakable. Such a person finds purpose not in escape but in service, pouring out their life to uplift others, especially the less privileged, in gratitude for the life they’ve been given. This sense of divine purpose transforms life from a burden into a gift shared generously with others.
Jesus warned in John 10:10 that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The devil’s tactics are to deceive and convince people that ending their life will solve their problems, but this is far from the truth. His aim is to drag as many as possible to hell through deception, where there is no chance for redemption. Eternity without God is the worst kind of suffering—a far cry from the “rest” some believe they will find.
Heaven is Real, and So is Hell
The reality is that heaven is real, and hell is real. God has prepared heaven for all who would believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. In John 14:2-3, Jesus promises, “In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you.” God desires for us to live with Him forever in a place where there is no more pain, suffering, or death. But this promise is reserved for those who accept the gift of salvation and choose to live for Christ. To reject life in any form, whether by assisted suicide or other means, is to reject the opportunity to experience this promise.
The Gospel offers hope, even in the darkest times of suffering. In Christ, we find the strength to endure hardship, the grace to persevere, and the assurance of eternal life. No matter how unbearable the pain may seem, there is always hope in God. As believers, we are called to share this message of hope with those who are hurting and lost, so that they might find life in Him and avoid the eternal consequences of a tragic decision.
In conclusion, while the world may offer “EXIT” as a solution to suffering, God offers life—eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let us remember that the only way to rest in peace is to make peace with God through His Son. Hell is real, but so is heaven. Choose life, and choose Christ, for in Him is the promise of true peace, both in this life and in eternity.
Reflective Questions for Readers:
- How does understanding eternity change your perspective on life’s hardships?
- What role does faith play in how we approach suffering and pain?
- Have you considered the eternal implications of your decisions in this life?
Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the gift of life and the hope of eternity with You. We pray for those who are suffering, that they may find peace in You and not be deceived by the false promises of the enemy. Help us to be bearers of hope and truth to a world that desperately needs You. Amen.
