When a Christian commits suicide, is he still saved?

Q: When a Christian commits suicide, is he still saved?

A: Before answering this question, we should also try to ponder on other questions similar to this:

When a Christian steals a pen, is he still saved?

When a Christian curses once within the whole year, is he still saved?

When a Christian flatters someone as a form of lie, is he still saved?

When a Christian thinks negatively of the people around him, is he still saved?

Just because people think that the sin committed by a Christian is that "big" (like suicide), it doesn't mean that he has lost his salvation. I mean, a sin is still a sin, right? If there's such a thing as "losing salvation" then nobody will really be saved...

If people believe that they can lose their salvation, then how will they be able to get it back? By crucifying Jesus Christ on the cross again? I don't think so...

As Jesus said on the cross, "It is FINISHED". As Christians, we still fail God daily, and the only thing we can be proud of is His love for us. In church, even if Ephesians 2:8-9 is mentioned over and over again, some of us still miss the GRACE part..

"8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

But then again, this doesn't mean that this gives us a license to sin. On the other hand, what difference does it make when a Christian commits suicide? How different is it from other people's flaws, or better yet, sins?

Beauty is NEVER in the Eyes of the Beholder

I've been having fine arts class and I just love how my teacher explained about Plato's thoughts on the topic: Beauty. She told us that Plato, one of those guys from the Renaissance period (or the "classics" HEHE), questioned true beauty. Plato stated something like:

"True beauty is beyond human perception."

How is everything around us beautiful if it's subject to change?
How is it beautiful when it decays in the end?

My teacher went on, concluding that "True beauty is ETERNAL." What we have or invented here on earth is artificial beauty. Everything is just an imitation of real beauty which is perfection (something that we can't find here on earth).

So what then is true beauty?

Imagine a painter who just finished his artwork. I could picture the smile on his face as he is satisfied with his work and sees it as beautiful. Others wouldn't probably agree that they find it beautiful. They would just see it as plain normal artwork. They say "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder", but the truth is, it's not. That is what we call taste. On the other hand, creates something, it is undeniably beautiful.

Since God is eternal and created the things of this world, then we know that everything He created here is BEAUTIFUL. It's just man distorting the meaning or image of beauty.

Whenever we feel like we need to go with the flow or we feel insecure with our identity, we should always remember that God created us, therefore we are beautiful. Our worth is not based on what people say about us, but what God says about us. And He says we are, of course, fearfully and wonderfully made. God created each and every one of us as unique individuals.

Always remember:

JESUS THINKS THAT YOUR WORTH DYING FOR. ^^

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  - Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

School Stress

If you clicked on the link going to this blog, you're probably either one of those people who are stressed with school, and decided to stop and read this entry. (Not all, but you get the point) Haha.

Anyway, this month has been so hectic for a lot of students like me. It's the middle of the semester and everyone's soooo busy passing requirements, typing papers, doing homeworks, taking midterm exams and complaining about their "minor subjects na feeling MAJOR". (lol)

At one point, I felt tired physically, mentally and emotionally. Sometimes I would wake up and still feel tired... Even one of my friends said that I look really tired even if I tried my best not to show to other people my weariness.

A while ago during lunch time, I met with my Lifegroup. They're a group of girls who I meet with every Thursday to have Bible study or just simply hang out. ^^ I told our leader, a 5th year student, how tired I was especially because of my 3 major subjects. At that moment, I realized how I was relying on my own strength to continue having good grades.

I simply forgot that I couldn't actually do everything on my own... I kept on trying my best and stressing myself.

Main point: Rest and let God carry your burdens.

Rest. That was what I needed. Our leader even mentioned a verse from Matthew,

^"29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV)

I have to learn how to let go, and let God be the one to carry my work for me. I can't do it all alone for I'm nothing but just a person who has limitations. I have to trust God who is infinitely powerful that I'll get good grades through His grace. Yes, it's good to do our best as we still should, but not to the point that we'll "die" for it or risk our health.

God created rest, and we should honor it.

I really thank God for these people He gave me to remind me of His Word. ^^

Taken last July 2012

"The Bridge"

This video is sort of old, but I just felt like posting it. It's one of those videos our teachers let us watch when I was in High School.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."- John 3:16 (NIV)

What Faith Can Do

"I've seen dreams that move the mountain. Hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling. I've seen miracles just happen. Silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new... That's what faith can do." ❤
- What Faith Can Do (Kutless)

I'm really loving this song that a friend of mine introduced to me last last week, and it was kind of like a "theme song" for what has been happening to me for the past few weeks.

I couldn't write everything down here of what happened to me, because it would be a bit long.. To make the story short: The impossible was made possible through Christ!

All of us have our hardships, difficulties, weaknesses and struggles in life. But, if we just stop looking at our circumstances/problems and fix our eyes on JESUS, He will do the impossible! Just HAVE FAITH, for it is what pleases Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith says my God is bigger than my problems.
God is willing, and He is able!

Amazing week, amazing God! :>

Here's 2 different versions of the song if ever you want to hear it. It's really an encouraging song! ^^

What Faith Can Do - Kutless

What Faith Can Do - Jayesslee version

The Only Way

When people talk about religion, I would often hear the same line: "It's not about the religion, but the relationship with God." The statement is basically correct, but there's actually more than just saying that religion doesn't really matter.

The world defines the word "religion" simply as a set of spiritual beliefs. Usually, it is when a person belongs to a certain group of people who share and practice the same beliefs. Sometimes, we even get to ask a person, "What's your religion?" But instead of "religion", I believe the correct term for it is "denomination".


According to my dad (a 63-year old preacher/pastor), and from a source I found on the net, the word "religion" comes from the Latin word "ligare" which means "to bind, connect, or link together a human and a divine". Assuming that "re" is a prefix which means "again", we can conclude that the real meaning of religion is "to bind or link AGAIN".


So, what does this mean? What are we connecting or linking together again?


In the beginning, God once had a good relationship with man and woman; until one day, man sinned by disobeying God. The fall of man started when Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the forbidden tree (Genesis 3). Since then, God became distant to man.

During the Old Testament days, man has to give offerings in order to please God. Some books like Exodus and Leviticus contained instructions on how the sacred offerings should be delivered, such as: animals offered to God must be done by priests, grain offerings, and many more. This is used for the atonement of the people's sins.


But in the New Testament, God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the atonement of our sins. He was declared the Lamb of God because He was the sacred offering or sacrifice in order for man to be reconciled with God again.

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29 (NIV)

Jesus Christ was the one who connected us to God. He is the way to the Father. Religion is to bind again to God. There is only one religion and that is JESUS CHRIST.

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6 (NIV)

"Worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne! You are God in the Highest~"

#nowplaying In the Highest - Citipointe

A Mother's Love

I hope this will serve as an inspiration for teenagers with regards to their relationship with their parents. ^^ It's a bit long, but I hope you guys will get something from it. ^^

Today, we celebrated my mom's birthday at SM Megamall with my dad and other two friends in UA&P during lunch time. It was fun, and I get to spend time with my parents even for just a short while because I'm already living in a dorm. I won't be seeing them that often now. As I reminisce about the past few years I was with my mom, all I can say is: It's amazing how God worked things between my mom and I. Here's how it all worked:

While growing up, I couldn't always say that my relationship with my mom was good. There were feelings of bitterness and resentment that hindered me from loving and caring for her. Her desire to control me led me to silent rebellion and low self esteem. Whenever I would get hurt, my friends are the ones who would listen to me rant and I would always tell them how I disliked my mom. I wasn't really open to my mom and never dared to talk to her about my thoughts, emotions, happenings in school, or any other things that she could be concerned of as a mother.

I didn't like the discipline she imposed on me. Sometimes her words hurt so much that I thought of committing suicide or running away from home. Even as a young kid in elementary school, specifically when I was around 13 years old, I thought of those things. But, of course, I couldn't do it. For 17 years, I endured her.

There came a time when one of my friends invited me to a camp held by Victory Ortigas in Bataan last April 2010. It was the turning point of my life and slowly, I fully understood God's love for me. I was able to forgive my mother as Christ has forgiven me of my sins. Even though she didn't apologize to me directly, I decided to forgive her and prayed to God for a better relationship with my mom. I felt peace and joy inside of me that I couldn't describe. Even if she throw insults at me again and again, I would still forgive her, turn to God and pray unceasingly. Every time I get hurt, my fellowship with God becomes more intimate.

There wasn't any drastic change between the relationship of my mom and I immediately after the camp I mentioned previously. It was only after 2 years that I realized that there was a subtle change between us. God made me realize how vast and glorious a mother's heart is that sometimes we tend to misunderstand it.

My mom just cares for me so much that even though it would make me dislike her, she would still persevere and do whatever it takes for me to have a good life. It was just my pride and selfishness that got in the way of seeing my mother as a gift from God. I know that through the years we've been together, I've only expressed my love and appreciation for her only a few times... And I thought, "Maybe that's what she needed more from me?". The question is not "What can she do for me?" but, "What can I do for her?".

Now, I spend more time with my mom compared before. We would go together to their Victory group every Thursday (whenever I get the chance to join), do chores, bake, cook, go shopping and talk more comfortably. Sometimes I would even be the one to help her get her nails done or go with her wherever she needs to go even if know that I won't really be doing anything but to follow her around. Time was probably one of the things I wasn't able to give her back then which explains her anger towards me. Recently, I also noticed that she's becoming more even-tempered. Instead of having dinner with my mom nagging in front of us every night (as she does before), our dinner time conversations improved. Sometimes we would laugh at each other, or talk about serious matters more calmly.

At first I hesitated spend quality time with her, but by God's grace, I was able to express my love for her more. ^^ It was a decision I made to love her despite the past painful emotions I had. We are more open to each other now. And this clearly shows that restoration between parent/s and child is possible through Jesus Christ.

I thank God for my mother and for all the things that happened between us, both good and bad. I thank my mom for the discipline she instilled in me, for forcing me to play the violin, and for taking care of me everyday. I know my mom cares and loves me deeply. I was just stubborn and didn't understand it at first. Thank you, Lord~! ^^

I love my mom! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her. :3

"What is your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions and reared her cubs." - Ezekiel 19:2

Reading the Bible isn't Boring

It's funny how some people don't believe the Bible. It's like saying that they don't believe in algebra or history books. Throughout the history, the Bible has been banned or burned in some places, but it has survived up until now. And it's funny how the book that some people don't believe in has always been the best selling book ever since it was made. The best selling novels like "Harry Potter", "Narnia", or "The Hunger Games" cannot even compare to the sales of the Bible.

I bet those people who don't believe in the Bible haven't even tried reading it on a daily basis. They haven't witnessed the power of this book which has transformed the lives of many. I can even testify to that. ^^


The Bible is one of the tools God uses to talk to us. It contains the truth (John 17:17) and I also believe that it is a love letter from God. The Bible is a tale about a Father's love for His children; A humble King who sacrificed Himself for His beautiful princesses and His noble princes. And the best part of it is that, it's not a fairytale. It's all real.  :">

"He (Jesus) came to deliver us. When you understand that, reading the Bible becomes a delight." - Joshua Harris (Dug Down Deep)

Reading the Bible is not boring. Once a person understands what God has done for them, how heavy their sins are and how great God's love is, that person will have the habit of reading this book and meditate on it.

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." - Joshua 1:8 (NIV) 

 Random song! \m/ HAHA. #nowplaying - This Love (Planetshakers)

The Right Path

There was this season in my life when I felt anxious and paranoid about my future. I don't know why, but I kept thinking about it since I'll be turning into an official adult next year. And pretty soon, I'll also be working.

Then, God spoke to me through His Word just this week. He reminded me that He is in control and He will continue to guide me on the right path. Even if I'm not sure of what will happen in the future, I know that God has plans for me and He will guide, protect and bless me. 

Psalm 23:

"1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need."

God is being characterized here as a shepherd and us as His sheep. In life, if we don't have Christ in us, we will be like a sheep without a shepherd. We'd be lost and feel empty inside. We won't have someone to lead us in the right path and love us unconditionally just as Christ loves us. He is everything we would ever need. It is only in Him that we are satisfied.

"2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful  streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths  bringing honor to his name."

God is our provider. He wants to bless us, but sometimes sin gets in the way. When we fail to follow Him because of sin, He makes something good out of the mess we have done and continues to lead us. Bad things may happen to us, but God is still God and God is still good. He is a faithful God. He does this all for our good and all His glory!

"4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."

We may feel fear, but God calls us to lean on Him. We may be troubled, but God calls us to trust in Him. At times, we may be upset or feel abandoned, but God is ALWAYS WITH US. People may not understand what we feel or think inside, but God does. He is a God whose love never fails, protects us and whips our tears away.

"5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.   You honor me by anointing my head with oil.   My cup overflows with blessings."

God will bless us abundantly as He has promised. And I believe the greatest gift He has given us was when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. Without Him, we will die because the consequences of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We are not saved because of the good deeds we have done, but through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) alone. We are saved when we confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10).


No words can describe how awesome God's love is for us! ❤

"6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."

God is a good shepherd and He will never abandon us. He is an AMAZING GOD! Believe God for great things because we have a great God! Trust and look forward to God on what He will do! ^^

His Sovereignty

We always hear the saying, "Let go, and let God," but sometimes we just can't help but try to take control over things especially when we're overwhelmed with our situations. We fear failure. We fear defeat. The more we try to control our situation, the more it becomes a mess. We have so many "what if" questions in our mind that we couldn't stop worrying and trying to figure things out on our own.

It's normal to feel fear, but Jesus asks us to step out in faith and TRUST in Him. And only in Him.

Even if we don't get our questions answered, we should still have faith in Him and in His sovereignty. When I read the book "Dug Down Deep" by Joshua Harris for the second time, I was reminded of God's sovereignty...

...over the universe (Hebrews 1:3),

...over every kingdom and earthly authority (Psalm 47:8),

...over the human heart (Proverbs 21:1), and

...in salvation (Romans 8:30).

He knew us ever since the beginning of time and He has plans for us which are good, pleasing and perfect. So why try to take control? God owns the universe. He created it. He holds the entire world in His hands. He's bigger than anything else and is infinite. No human mind can ever comprehend to what He has in mind. So why not hand Him your problems?

"To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end — even the wicked for a day of disaster." - Proverbs 16:1-4 (NIV)

WIRED: All In or Out (Part 2)

Pastor Ferdie Cabiling

It was unexpected that I cried during the last session because I didn't cry on the first three sessions... Pastor Ferdie Cabiling was our last speaker and he preached about real love. It was his preaching that touched my heart the most, I felt like God was speaking to me. Indeed, His presence was felt by all of us. I was reminded of how AMAZING my GOD is and how He did so much in my life. At this point, I'm still 19 years old and I believe that God has more in store for me. I just can't get over how God revealed himself to me and how I encountered Him in a much deeper way. :">
Highlights of the Preaching:
- Move in love. Don't use excuses.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
- To love doesn't mean that we have to be too nice to people in a way that they'll take advantage of us.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 > Be patient with others (with their attitude or even when waiting for a special someone to come into your life). Love is not the feelings we have or get; it is a commitment (ex: Marriage). Love is a decision. It is deciding to forgive others despite the things they've done wrong.. Love is truth and it does not easily quit!
- When we love, we don't quit easily. We may be in pain, but that doesn't mean that we should quit.
- 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
- Love is oriented towards others. It has no selfish intention. It is not fickle-minded, but constant.
- Deuteronomy 10:15 > The Lord declares that we are His! Despite our background, the Lord still decided to attach himself to us.
- If we don't understand God's love, we won't be able to show real love to others.
- John 3:16  > A perfect example of what love is.
- Ephesians 5:2 > The love of God will cause you too conquer the world. If you're not thinking about others, then it's not love.


After the preaching, Pastor Ferdie told us a story about his father who was very caring and loving to him. This reminded me of my own biological father back home and made me cry because I felt so blessed to have him as my father. If they've shown us so much love, how much more our Father in Heaven? And for those who haven't experienced having a loving father, there will always be God, our Father in Heaven, who loves us so much that He sent His own Son to die on the cross for us.


God never fails to remind me from time to time of how great His love is for me!

"He is jealous for me.. loves like a hurricane. I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, and I realize just how beautiful you are and how GREAT your affections are for me. Oh, HOW HE LOVES US!"  ❤

WIRED 2012!

WIRED: All In or Out (Part 1)

Last May 7-9, 2012, I attended Victory Ortigas' WIRED: Leaders and Volunteers Youth Camp which was held at Caliraya, Laguna. There were around 100+ participants during the camp and the overall experience was beyond awesome! \m/ Aside from the amazing place, delicious food and fun games, I learned a lot from the sessions we had. :>

During the first session, we had Pastor Ryan Tan from Victory Ubelt as our speaker. He discussed about sexual immorality and emphasized on God's will of us to be pure and holy. Despite our sex saturated generation today, it is still possible to be pure and holy.
Highlight of the Talk:
- We are living in a sex saturated generation today.
- "Sex is God's idea." (Genesis 2:24)
There are just people who think of it as shameful because of the world's wrong view and use of it.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3 > It is God's will for us to be sexually pure.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:4 > We can CONTROL our sexual desire. Don't let it be the one to control you.
- Holiness is getting right with God. He said, "Be holy because I am holy." > If God is our Father, there must be a resemblance in us. If there's none, then there's something wrong.
- Sex is powerful to bond 2 people (Genesis 2:24), but if it's done wrong, it can destroy us. It's like fire that can be used to cook food, light places, and other stuff, but at the same time, it can also be used to burn houses and hurt people.
Sex can wound deeply if it is done wrong. Not only physically, but also emotionally and psychologically.
- Sex is supposed to be a blessing, and not a curse.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:5 > The root problem of sexual impurity is NOT knowing God.
- Knowing God is the starting point of sexual purity. Once we get to experience and know Him, we'll realize that we don't have to sin just to be happy (just because it "feels" good). Real everlasting happiness comes from God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 > A lot of young people are being blinded by the world.
- John 10:10 > Those that are not coming from Christ are curses.
- We can live a pure and holy life BY THE TRUTH and THE GRACE OF GOD.


The second session was about Conviction (for the girls) by Ms. Pinky Katipunan. They had to divide the girls and the guys, so I'm not so sure of what the topic was for the guys. As for the third session, our speaker was Pastor Jay. He talked about Leadership Principles which are 1) Have compassion for the lost, 2) Encourage the New Believers to follow Christ, 3) Restore the Fallen.

Mudslide pic!

We also had games during the camp and other activities such as swimming, and also had a campfire wherein we roasted marshmallows and hotdogs at our last night.


My favorite place in Caliraya was the gazebo. It's located at the top of the main building of the resort. The view was really fantastic! :"> It was the best view I have ever seen! You could see everything from up there~ If I had one of those at home, I'll always have my quiet times there.


(c) Victory Ortigas Youth
*for the first and mudslide picture.