King Saul and King Solomon

Are they in Hell?

Q: King Saul was rejected as King by God for rejecting His Word. Is
he in Hell? How about King Solomon? He went to worship idols
because of his wives. Is he in Hell?

A: Determining the salvation of others is always a tricky business. The two
men you bring up certainly have an uncertain testimony. The scripture may
not be completely clear as to their final abode. However, I have reasons
for believing that both them were saved. I will explain briefly.

SAUL

Saul was certainly rejected by God. The Spirit of God that had guided him
(1Samuel 11:6) departed from him when he rebelled against God (1Samuel
16:14). God refused to speak to Saul by any of the accepted methods
(1Samuel 28:6). However, an incident that occurred when Saul approached
the witch of Endor has convinced me that he was probably saved. The witch
was frightened when Samuel came up (1Samuel 28:11-14). He was obviously
not the familiar spirit she was used to receiving. The Bible text calls
him Samuel (v.12, 15). Certainly, this was an actual appearance by
Samuel. Notice a verse from what Samuel told Saul:

1Samuel 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into
the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be
with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of
the Philistines.

Saul and his sons will be with Samuel by the next day. Samuel was
evidently in Abraham's bosom (as was Lazarus in Luke 16:22-23).
Everything about Jonathan, one of Saul's sons, points to him being saved.
Samuel states that Saul and his sons would be with him--that is, where
Samuel was. I do not think this would be possible if Saul went to hell.
By the way, I realize that many will think that Samuel is simply
referring to the place of the dead. That is a possibility, but I still do
not think it makes as much sense. The phrase "with me" is just too
strong.

SOLOMON

Solomon also got himself into deep trouble with God. However, I think he
was probably saved. Instead of a long argument, let me give just one
verse:

Nehemiah 13:26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet
among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his
God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did
outlandish women cause to sin.

This verse recognizes the sin of Solomon while at the same time declaring
him "beloved of his God." I just do not see how this statement could be
made of a lost man.

Just remember, these men lived before the universal indwelling of the
Holy Spirit. They could lose the Spirit without losing their salvation.
They were simply required to die "in faith" (Hebrews 11:13). Though I
accept that I could be wrong on this, I believe they both are saved. God
bless.

Till He comes,

Pastor David Reagan

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