Will King Saul be in Heaven?

“As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.” I Samuel 10:9

When the Philistines gathered their armies to fight against Israel, King Saul became very distressed and “inquired of the Lord,” but “the Lord did not answer him” (28:6) because Saul had not been listening to the Lord in the past (I Samuel 13:8-14; 15:1-11). When God did not answer Saul, Saul hypocritically chose to seek guidance from “a medium” [those who communicate with the dead] (28:7) even though he had removed “mediums and spiritists [those who communicate with evil spirits] out of the land” earlier in obedience to God (28:3; cf. Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:9-22). Saul’s hypocrisy sank so low as to try to hide his identity from this medium (“Saul disguised himself”) knowing she would not cooperate with him if she knew who he was (28:8). He hypocritically promised the woman, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing” (28:10). 

When the medium summoned Samuel to come up, “she cried out with a loud voice” when she “saw Samuel” because she was expecting a demon impersonating Samuel to arise (28:12). Samuel rebuked Saul for trying to get information from him about the future when the Lord would not give him that information due to his disobedience (28:15-18). However, Samuel assured Saul that he and his sons would be with Samuel in Paradise tomorrow after they are killed in battle (28:19; cf. Luke 23:43). 

The next day when Saul was severely wounded in battle, Saul asked his armorbearer to kill him for fear of the Philistines torturing him and abusing him (I Sam. 31:3-4a). But when his armorbearer refused to kill Saul, “Saul took a sword and fell on it” (I Sam. 31:4b). King Saul took his own life. He finished his life in utter defeat. 

Saul started his kingship well because he was humble and sensitive to God’s leading (I Sam. 10:11-12:25; cf. 15:17), but when he disobeyed Samuel’s command to wait for him to come to Gilgal before making offerings to the Lord (I Sam. 10:8; 13:1-15), Saul’s life took a turn for the worse. His life became filled with ungodly decisions:

– He assumed a priestly role and offered sacrifices before battle and Samuel announced God’s choice of a new king (I Sam. 13:5-23).

– He made a foolish oath and the people turned against him (I Sam. 14:1-52)

– He disobeyed God’s instructions by not completely destroying Agag and Samuel announced God’s rejection of him as king (I Sam. 15:1-9).

– He personally tried to kill David, and fear and a distressing spirit from the Lord overcame him (I Sam. 18:10-16).

– He became paranoid and ordered the murder of David (I Sam. 19:1-7).

– Again he tried to kill David and a distressing spirit tormented him (I Sam. 19:8-10).

– He continued to try to murder David and became more jealous and fearful of him (I Sam. 19:11-24).

– He tried to persuade his son Jonathan to assist in the killing of David, and Saul even became violent toward Jonathan (I Sam. 20:1-42).

– He ordered Doeg to kill the priests of Nob and slipped further into mental anguish and depravity (I Sam. 22:6-23).

– He visited a witch to obtain guidance when God did not answer his prayers (I Sam. 28:7-25).

– He committed suicide and died in great shame (I Sam. 31:4). 

Was King Saul saved? Some students of the Bible would say Saul was not saved because he finished his life in utter failure. They believe all true believers persevere in good works to the end of their lives. Others say that Saul was a believer, but he lost his salvation because he finished his life out of fellowship with God when he committed suicide. But what does the Bible teach us about Saul?

To answer this question, we must first understand that “by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom. 3:20). Under the law of the Old Testament, good works have nothing to do with salvation from hell. Salvation is always (in Old and New Testaments) based on the sufficient sacrifice of Christ’s death on the Cross and is by grace through faith alone in Christ alone (cf. Gen. 3:15; 4:3-5; 15:6; John 3:14-18; Rom. 3:21-5:1; Gal. 2:16; Ephes. 2:8-9; Heb. 9:11-10:18; 11:4).  

After the prophet Samuel anointed Saul to be king over Israel, he informs Saul about various signs that will take place after he leaves Samuel’s presence (I Sam. 10:1-4). Samuel tells Saul that when he comes to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is, he “will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, timbrels, pipes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying. The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (I Sam. 10:5b-6). 

The events that Samuel predicted came to pass as he said (I Sam. 10:9-11). A summary statement of these events is given in verse 9: “As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.” (I Sam. 10:9). Verses 6 and 9 clearly refer to Saul’s conversion because how else can a person be “changed into a different person” and God change their hearts? 

It is also significant that during this encounter a group of prophets were prophesying (I Sam. 10:5, 10). It is likely that they were prophesying about the coming Messiah of Israel. After all, the apostle Peter said, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). When Saul joined in with the prophesying of the prophets, he did so as a result of believing what they were saying about the coming Messiah. The Holy Spirit’s saving work in Saul’s life is manifested by Saul joining their prophetic testimony. Even if Saul had not prophesied, he would still be a new man with a new heart because salvation is always based upon faith alone in Jesus the Messiah. 

This Messianic hope was also understood by Moses as revealed by the writer of Hebrews. “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasure of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ [literally, “the Christ” or the Messiah] greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Heb. 11:24-26). So Moses believed in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, but he also pursued Christ for eternal rewards just as Saul should have pursued them. But Saul did not pursue Christ as he should have, and therefore, he would forfeit eternal rewards that could have been his. 

Saul’s life after his conversion is like that of a carnal or baby Christian (I Cor. 3:1-4). He lived in disobedience to God. This reminds us that Christians are capable of living like non-Christians (cf. I Corinthians; James). This does not mean they are in danger of damnation in hell (John 6:35-40; 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39), but it does mean they are in danger of God’s discipline now (Hebrews 12:5-11) and the loss of eternal rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ (I Corinthians 3:15). 

Some would say that a person who claims to be a Christian and commits suicide just proves that he or she was never really a Christian at all. But there is no evidence in the Bible that those who have believed in Christ possess anything less than eternal life, which by definition cannot be lost (John 3:15-16, 36; 6:35-40; 10:28-29; 11:25-27). Those who think Saul could not be saved because he committed suicide assume that all Christians persevere in faithfulness and obedience until the end of their life, but the biblical evidence disproves that. Samuel assured Saul that he and his sons would be with Samuel in Paradise after they are killed in battle (I Sam. 28:19; cf. Luke 23:43; Acts 5:1-11; I Cor. 11:30).

According to the Bible, all of the believer’s sins are forgiven at the moment of faith in Christ, including the sin of suicide (Col. 2:13-14). That is why there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1) and no one can successfully condemn a believer (Rom. 8:31-34), nor can no one or nothing separate a believer from the love of Christ, even death— death from whatever cause (Rom. 8:35-39).

Someone may ask, “What happens if a person dies with unconfessed sin?” The Bible promises that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). But a believer who commits suicide cannot confess that sin. Yet the truth is every believer will probably die with some specific sins not confessed. Besides, I John 1:9 relates to the believer’s fellowship and walk with God, not the condition for obtaining eternal life (cf. I John 1:3-7). Confessing each and every sin is not a condition of eternal salvation. The only condition for eternal life is faith in Christ and His offer of eternal life based on His finished work of paying for our sins on the cross (John 3:15-16, 36; 5:24; 6:40, 47; 11:25-26; Ac. 16:31; I Tim. 1:16; I John 5:13). Christians can be assured that when they sin, they have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who satisfies God’s justice for all of our sins (1 John 2:1-2).

Since God knows everything and by His grace forgives all sins – past, present, and future, there is no sin that will surprise God or make Him regret having saved someone. The Bible also teaches that where sin abounds, grace abounds much more (Rom. 5:20). No one can out-sin God’s grace! Knowing this, a Christian should never presume upon God’s grace by committing any sin, much less suicide. Suicide is a selfish and serious sin that dishonors God, hurts other people, and deprives God of one’s service on earth. Any abuse of God’s grace has its consequences—a loss of God’s blessings in this life and in the eternal experience as well. But that loss is in the quality of one’s fellowship or enjoyment of God, not in one’s relationship to God. Believers who finish their lives on earth in utter failure like Saul did, will still enter the kingdom of heaven by virtue of their faith in the Messiah (John 3:5, 15-16), but they will not receive rewards that are based upon living faithfully for Christ to the end of their lives (cf. 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2:17, 25-27; 3:4-5, 21; 22:14).

Conclusion: Saul will be in heaven because of his faith in the Messiah which resulted in him being “turned into another man” and God changing his “heart” (I Sam. 10:6, 9; cf. Acts 10:43). But his life teaches us that when believers stop listening to God’s Word, the only direction for them to go is down. Saul could not obtain guidance from the Lord because he had stopped listening to Him. Believers sometimes cannot gain guidance from God because they have been unwilling to listen to God and obey Him. Saul tried to get guidance from a medium which God forbid because He has given us all the information we need about our future in His Word (cf. Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:9-22). God graciously provided guidance to Saul through Samuel in the form of a final warning, but Saul stubbornly ignores that too. The longer we refuse to listen to the Lord, the worse the consequences will be for us. Turn back to the Lord before it is too late. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). 

Applying God’s Grace to Suicide

Living during a global pandemic makes it especially difficult to connect with one another. There is a great emphasis on social distancing. People cannot connect with one another as easily as before because of all the COVID restrictions and fear of getting sick. The additional stress caused by COVID increases the chance of conflict with others which can also become a barrier to connecting with one another. Emotional needs are much greater during this pandemic. There is more fear and depression which can lead people to isolate themselves from others. More people feel hopeless and think of taking their own lives.

A question that may arise during this pandemic is, “Will a believer in Jesus Christ who commits suicide still go to heaven?” The answer to this is strongly related to one’s view of God’s grace.

WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT A BELIEVER WHO COMMITS SUICIDE?

In Romans 8:31-39, God answers four questions or accusations that can arise in cases of suicide:

1.MAN’S ACCUSATION: Doesn’t such a death as suicide prove that God works against us, not for us? Isn’t this what prompts a believer to take his life?”

GOD’S ANSWER: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32) God says, “Since I am for you (and no one is greater than Me), no one can successfully oppose you, including yourself.” When the unexpected happens, you need to ignore the lie that God is against you. He is on your side. God does not work against us. How wrong it would be to believe that God turns His back on the believer who commits suicide. God is FOR US – on our side – deeply interested in our needs, our hurts, our pain, our failures and loneliness. 

Proof of this: God gave His Son to die for our sins, including the sin of suicide (Romans 8:32). 

2. MAN’S ACCUSATION: “Doesn’t the suicide of a Christian confirm the fact that Christianity really doesn’t have the solutions to man’s problems?” 

GOD’S ANSWER: “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33) God says, “No one can successfully press charges against a believer in Christ because I have declared him totally righteous on the basis of his faith in My Son.” No one can successfully accuse any Christian who commits suicide because God does not even accuse him – He declares him totally righteous or not guilty the moment he believed in Jesus Christ. No one can bring an accusation against the Christian who commits suicide that will stand. But how difficult it is at times to realize God’s interest and presence! It’s like the sun – every day – it shines. No one could EVER say – the sun isn’t shining! We may say, “I can’t feel it or see it”…but fly high enough and there it is!

3. MAN’S ACCUSATION: “Doesn’t such an act as suicide deserve condemnation?” 

GOD’S ANSWER: “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) God says, “No one can successfully condemn the believer who commits suicide because My Son – 

“… was condemned to death for his sins, removing his guilt (8:34b).

“… was raised to life, satisfying My demand to punish his sins (8:34c). 

“… is at My right hand defending him against all accusations (8:34d).” When Satan comes to God’s throne with accusations against the believer who commits suicide, God looks to His Son, and Jesus says, “Father, I paid for that sin.”

“… intercedes for him (8:34e).

Now let me make something quite clear. I am not suggesting that such a death is condoned in Scriptures… for God assures us that He has not only designed LIFE but LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY for His children (John 10:10). However, the struggles and pain are often too great for a person who commits suicide. But God does not condemn him because Christ has taken his or her punishment. 

4. MAN’S ACCUSATION: “Doesn’t such an act separate a person from God’s love and presence? Isn’t this the classic act of rejection?”

GOD’S ANSWER: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39) Nothing, including suicide, can separate a Christian from the love of God. Even though others may stop loving us or we may stop loving ourselves, God’s love will never abandon us. Nothing you do, say, or think can separate you from God’s love. Absolutely nothing. 

Listen to Jesus’ own words: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them…and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29) That includes the believer who commits suicide!  

Who shall oppose us? NO ONE. Who shall accuse us? NO ONE. Who shall condemn us? NO ONE. Who shall separate us from God’s love? NO ONE. The believer who commits suicide is in God’s presence – no more tears, crying, pain, death or darkness… all that is gone. His body awaits that incredible moment when it will be raised and changed—NEVER TROUBLED AGAIN WITH INNER DISTURBANCE  …CONFLICT …INSECURITY…UNREST…

HOW CAN I OVERCOME THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE?

  • Aim to work on the causes of your emotional pain, not just the symptoms.
  • If your depression is due to guilt, admit your sin to the Lord (Psalm 32:1-5; I John 1:9).
  • When you are depressed, place your hope in God (Psalm 42:5; Lamentations 3:20-25).
  • Avoid being isolated (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Stay connected to loving and supportive friends.
  • Seek help from others (Galatians 6:2; James 5:13-16).
  • Listen to uplifting Christian music and sing (I Samuel 16:14-23).
  • Identify and replace the lies underlying your suicidal thoughts with God’s truth. Jesus came so you could have life, but Satan came to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Suicidal thoughts often stem from some of Satan’s lies.Focus on the truth of God’s Word, not Satan’s lies (John 8:31). If you are not aware of the lies you believe, journal your thoughts and feelings, relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal the underlying lies. Then ask God to remove the lies that cause you to have suicidal thoughts and graciously replace them with His truth (Psalm 119:28-29).

WHAT IF I SUSPECT SOMEONE I KNOW IS HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE?

  • Don’t be afraid to talk to them about it. We are only as sick as our secrets. Ask questions like: “Are you thinking about taking your life? Do you have a suicide plan as to how you would do it? Why do you think that’s the only answer?” Talking about suicide does not plant suicidal thoughts in someone who is already depressed. Talking about suicide actually decreases the possibility of that person taking his or her life because it diffuses its power. (If someone has a plan to kill themselves, make sure they get medical assistance immediately!)
  • Obtain a verbal “non-suicide” contract or commitment not to do anything that would be harmful or self-destructive without first talking with you or with a counselor, pastor, or another trusted person. 
  • Ask them to think through these questions: “If you died and came back to life, could you find other reasons for being glad to be alive? Would the Lord’s promises of love and guidance though your trials still be in place? Would the sun still shine and water still be cool and refreshing? Would there still be adventures in life and growth in relationships? Could some positive reasons for living, as opposed to dying, be developed?” Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! There is hope for the hopeless!