If a Christian commits suicide would they be eternally punished for one moment of despair?

Committing suicide is a serious issue and for obvious reasons a very emotional one also. So what does God have to say on the matter?
 
The Bible refers to God as the giver of life, and the one who sustains life also (Colossians 1:16-17). Therefore, it is definitely wrong for somebody to take their own life regardless of how bad things may have got in their personal life.
 
There is a way out
 
Before going any further in answering this question it is important to note several important truths that God promises to believers. Sometimes, circumstances may seem particularly bleak but as a Christian you can know God with you (Romans 8:31). He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Just as crucial is God’s promise that he will never allow us to be tempted beyond that which we can bear, and that he always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). This shows that he is willing to be active in helping you in the midst of your dark situation.
 
You can’t lose it
 
The first thing we must consider is whether salvation can be lost for any reason? If you are a Christian then you will be pleased to know that you can’t. There are many scriptures to back this up, but I will use just one. ‘No one can can snatch them out of my hand ‘said Jesus (John 10:28) when referring to his people (his sheep). This means that once God has his hand on our life his commitment to us is unshakeable.  We can’t lose the eternal life that God has given us. When we become a Christian we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), who then comes to live inside of us.
 
The Bible tells us that you become a Christian not because of your behaviour but in spite of it. This is what Paul meant when he wrote to the Ephesians that they had been saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). In this sense, suicide is just another sin, which can be forgiven just like all others through the powerful work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
 
Judgement?
 
Ultimately, if you are a Christian you have escaped God’s just punishment which would have meant you would have been eternally separated from him. We are still judged though on how we have stewarded what God has given us and it is possible to be saved as one escaping through the flames (1 Cor 3:15), and experiencing a sense of loss. It is important that we maintain a healthy fear of God as Christians, reminding ourselves that he is holy and we should not take lightly the gift of life he has given us.
 
Conclusion
 
In conclusion, a Christian can’t lose their salvation by committing suicide, but it is a sin (from which there are many harmful repercussions) and regardless of the circumstances you may find yourself in, there is always a way to get through the emotions of the moment. God can even allow you to go through difficult times to be brought to maturity as a believer (James 1:2-5).