I am a Bible believing Christian. I definitely believe in an afterlife according to Scripture. I am a Jewish Christian/Messianic Jew. I believe in the entire Bible, which is both the Hebrew Bible (known commonly as the Old Testament) and New Testament.
Per the Bible, there are 2 options: with God and without pain and sorrow for all eternity, or separated from God for all eternity.
Per the Bible, we are all sinners. And God provides a way to be forgiven from our sins.
Per the Bible, the reason Jesus died on the cross was so that we, the ordinary sinful people, could have forgiveness of our sins. The Bible clearly states that Jesus came into our world for sinners, and not for the "righteous".
I am NOT righteous. I am just a FORGIVEN SINNER.
I used to believe the Bible was written many years ago as an explanation for a lack of scientific knowledge. But then one day, after multiple things happened in my life including wondering whether I should kill myself, God opened my eyes. I went through a time of REPENTANCE, and that is what leads to forgiveness.
FAITH + REPENTANCE = FORGIVENESS
However, receiving God's forgiveness does not really mean that one's life is then easy. My brother killed himself 1 year ago yesterday! I loved him!! I have physical pain that is getting worse!
But I KNOW that when I die I WILL BE WITH GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY because He promised this in the Bible! This is NOT based on whether I feel good and happy (I don't much of the time). But it IS based on FAITH in HIM and HIS WORD (the Bible is His Word because He inspired men to write it). I trust Him!
I am in a support group with CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS (I lost my brother 1 year ago and am experiencing complex grief). They teach that suicide is NOT an unpardonable sin (and Jesus states in the Bible that there is only 1 unpardonable sin and it isn't suicide).
Thank you for letting me post this! You know, the world wants me to be silent about my faith/belief, but on this forum I can tell it like I feel it and I so appreciate this!!
Much love to all who are struggling with life and thoughts of death of self. I wish I could hug you all!