On September 11, 2001, men and women chose to throw themselves out of the burning World Trade Center towers. They knew that death on the pavement below was certain. As I sat in my New York City apartment and watched the events of that fateful day, I was in disbelief. I asked many questions that day, but one in particular stands out: what was it like in that building to make people see jumping as the better option?

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–24 year-olds in America, Although the overall suicide rate for this age group is on the decline, a frightening number of adolescents still consider self-inflicted death to be a permanent “solution” to their temporary troubles. Thinking often leads to doing, and doing often leads to dying.

As a pastor, I’m occasionally asked what happens to people who choose to end their lives. Do they go to heaven or hell?

If you’re wondering that today, allow me to pose another question to you. Does not the same God who created us have the ability to help, guide, and comfort us? John 10:10 tells us that God sent His Son—not so we can die—so that we might have life more abundantly. The only thing suicide offers in abundance is ultimate defeat, without a second chance at victory ever again.

We don’t claim to know your troubles ... we can’t say we totally understand your pain ...

But we do know where to point you for help, for answers, for comfort and peace. Want to get a handle on life? Know someone who’s thinking of throwing in the towel? Find help and answers from the Giver of life Himself.

Suggested (free) web resources:

• Play 1-minute radio drama about suicide
• 90-second audio stream (Ken Ham speaking on suicide)
• What does the Bible say about suicide?
• If a Christian commits suicide, will he go to heaven?
• What should a Christian do if overwhelmed with depression?
• Why is the world the way it is?

About the author

Peter LaRuffa is a native New Yorker. Though he misses “real pizza” and the sounds of crowded city streets and inner city neighborhoods, today Peter serves as Associate Pastor of Student Ministry at a Bible-believing church south of Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to youth-focused ministry, Peter has served as a worship leader, biblical counselor, and as a preacher and teacher for both adults and youth within his local church, as well as at various camps, retreats, and conferences.  http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2007/03/29/teen-suicide