Judas made the deal with the Jewish leaders that led to Jesus being arrested, and eventually dying on the cross. But, was Judas saved? Did God love Judas enough to forgive him? Those are questions that seem to come up quite a bit when talking about Judas. Of course, we won’t know for sure until the next life. After all, God can do anything, can’t He?
Was Judas saved? Did God love him enough to forgive him? is article #6 in the series: Death of Judas. Click button to view titles for entire series
I’ve wanted to write this for a long time. Finally, it happened.
Some people probably want Judas to be saved.
Others, probably not.
But then, it’s not really up to us, is it? It’s up to God.
Rather than decide for ourselves, maybe we should look to see what we can learn from God in the Bible. Then we can make a more reasoned, rather than emotional, conclusion. After that, there’s probably something we can learn from both our research into the question, and our conclusion.
In other words, if we conclude Judas was saved, why is our conclusion Biblically based? What can we learn from Judas’ actions and God’s response?
Or, if we conclude Judas was not saved, why is our conclusion Biblically based? And what can we learn from Judas actions, or inactions, and God’s response to them?
Was Judas saved? Did God love him enough to forgive him?
Right upfront, there are some problems with my opening statement. Do you see them? I believe it’s important that we know what they are. That we learn to recognize things like them. And that we understand why the assumptions in my opening aren’t right. Aren’t Biblically based.
God can do anything, can’t He?
God can do anything, can’t He? Actually, no, God cannot do literally anything. For instance, God cannot make a square circle. A square circle is an oxymoron. A square and a circle are two very different things. By definition, there’s no such thing as a square circle. So, even God can’t make a square circle.
God also cannot do things that are against His nature.
Here’s a more “official” way of saying those things.
Each of God’s attributes mutually qualify one another, so that they are never abstract or considered in isolation. For example, to say that God is “all powerful” (omnipotent) does not mean that he can do anything, but that he is not constrained by something or someone greater than himself. God cannot deny his own nature, but he can exercise his sovereign will in whatever way he chooses. 1Bray, G. (2018). God’s Attributes. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Lexham Press.
That means, as we go through our research, we must take into account the “nature of God’. His characteristics, things He has said about Himself, and be sure that we don’t reach any conclusions that conflict with God’s nature.
The other problem with the opening statement
What’s the other problem with the opening statement? I just gave you a huge clue. But we won’t get into it yet. It’s coming though.
Let’s move forward now, with that as a backdrop for looking into whether God forgave Judas.
What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness has different meanings, depending on whether we’re talking about between two people or between God and people. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Biblical meaning of forgiveness. There are a number of referenced verses below. I’m not going to get into any of them, but you can use the links to read them.
FORGIVENESS – the act of excusing or pardoning others in spite of their slights, shortcomings, and errors. As a theological term, forgiveness refers to God’s pardon of the sins of human beings. 2Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
We’ll get more into the differences when God’s involved shortly.
No religious book except the Bible teaches that God completely forgives sin (Ps. 51:1, 9; Is. 38:17; Heb. 10:17). The initiative comes from Him (John 3:16; Col. 2:13) because He is ready to forgive (Luke 15:11-32). He is a God of grace and pardon (Neh. 9:17; Dan. 9:9). 3Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
We see something different right away. First, Christianity is the only religion that teaches that God completely forgives sin. So this isn’t just a difference between God and people, it’s a difference between Christianity and any other religion.
Sin deserves divine punishment because it is a violation of God’s holy character (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Pet. 1:16), but His pardon is gracious (Ps. 130:4; Rom. 5:6-8). In order for God to forgive sin, two conditions are necessary. A life must be taken as a substitute for that of the sinner (Lev. 17:11, 14; Heb. 9:22), and the sinner must come to God’s sacrifice in a spirit of repentance and faith (Mark 1:4; Acts 10:43; James 5:15). 4Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Now we see sin is is a violation of God’s holy character. Therefore, something must happen in order to overcome that violation. To make things right again between the sinner and God. In our case today, between Judas and God. The two things are:
- A life must be taken as a substitute for that of the sinner (Lev. 17:11, 14; Heb. 9:22)
- the sinner must come to God’s sacrifice in a spirit of repentance and faith (Mark 1:4; Acts 10:43; James 5:15) Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
At first glance, things aren’t looking good for Judas. But let’s keep going. We don’t want to jump to any rushed conclusions.
Forgiveness in the New Testament is directly linked to Christ (Acts 5:31; Col. 1:14), His sacrificial death on the cross (Rom. 4:24), and His resurrection (2 Cor. 5:15). He was the morally perfect sacrifice (Rom. 8:3), the final and ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament sacrifices (Heb. 9:11-10:18). Since He bore the law’s death penalty against sinners (Gal. 3:10-13), those who trust in His sacrifice are freed from that penalty. By faith sinners are forgiven-“justified” in Paul’s terminology (Rom. 3:28; Gal. 3:8-9). Those who are forgiven sin’s penalty also die to its controlling power in their lives (Rom. 6:1-23). 5Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
This feels more than ironic. Forgiveness in the New Testament is directly linked to Christ, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His resurrection.
Judas led the authorities to arrest Jesus. That arrest led to His death. And that very death was needed to forgive Judas! Does this mean Judas was forgiven?
Was Judas forgiven, based on the definition of forgiveness?
Let’s look at what happened when Judas was “filled with remorse”. If there was a time when forgiveness was possible, this might be it. Let’s review the passage that spoke of his remorse.
Judas Hangs Himself
Mt 27:1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
Mt 27:3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
Mt 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Mt 27:6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
Verses 3 and 4 are the key.
Mt 27:3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
Here’s my question. Where did Judas go after he was seized with remorse?
Answer: Judas went to the chief priests and the elders. Jewish leaders. As a disciple of Jesus, spending three years with Jesus and hearing His words, Judas certainly knew where he should go.
Christ has the authority to forgive sins (Matt. 1:21; Heb. 9:11-10:18). This forgiveness is an essential part of the gospel message (Acts 2:38; 5:31). But blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (attributing to Satan a deed done by Jesus through the power of God’s Spirit) is an unpardonable sin (Mark 3:28-29)-not because God cannot or will not forgive such a sin but because such a hard-hearted person has put himself beyond the possibility of repentance and faith. 6Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Here’s just one example from Jesus’ life.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic – Matthew
9:2-8 pp — Mk 2:3-12; Lk 5:18-26
Mt 9:1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
Mt 9:3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”
Mt 9:4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . .” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
Ah, yes, but Jesus was arrested and was about to die. So Judas couldn’t possibly go to Him for forgiveness.
Could Judas be forgiven by the other disciples?
That’s an interesting question! especially when we read the verse below. It’s something Jesus told His disciples.
If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.
But wait. Context! Where does this verse come from? We can’t just take it out from someplace and claim it for whatever we’re trying to prove. We must be sure it applies. In this case, it most certainly does not apply!
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Lk 24:36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Lk 24:37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
Lk 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
Lk 24:44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Lk 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
So – do you see why the context rules out this passage as a way to say Judas knew he could go to the disciples for forgiveness for betraying Jesus?
If you don’t recognize the passage, it took place after Jesus’ death on the cross. Also after His resurrection. But the key is that it’s after Judas hung himself. So if we’re looking for this passage to give Judas hope if he had gone to the disciples for forgiveness – it’s just not there. This is after the fact. Too late.
Where are we – Could Judas be forgiven, based on the definition of forgiveness?
As of right now, from what we’ve read, the answer is quite simple. No. There’s nothing to indicate Judas had an opportunity to be forgiven.
But that doesn’t sound very loving, does it? I mean, Judas was “only” carrying out God’s plan? Right?
Did God love Judas enough to forgive him?
OK, is it possible that God loved Judas enough to forgive him? After all, God loves everyone. Isn’t that what we read in the Bible? And what about the passage below?
The Shepherds and the Angels
Lk 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Lk 2:13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
Lk 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Lk 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Lk 2:16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Notice especially:
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Let me narrow that down even further: good news of great joy that will be for all the people. All the people. Doesn’t all the people mean everyone? Including Judas?
That kind of thinking comes up in Universalism. Here’s a little something about Universalism.
UNIVERSALISM
The heresy of the ultimate salvation of every man. Some universalists have held that at death all are perfectly restored to God, while others have held that such restoration follows a period of future purgatorial punishment. Universalism uses Acts 3:21 and Col. 1:20 to teach that God’s purpose is to restore all things to their original created purity through Christ (Rom. 5:18; Heb. 2:9), so that ultimately every soul will be brought into union with God (1 Cor. 15:24–28). Such an interpretation of these texts is arbitrary and clearly at variance with the rest of Scripture. All men who are savingly united to Christ, not all men indiscriminately, will be eternally saved. The Bible teaches that the wicked perish eternally (Psa. 9:17; Matt. 25:46; Luke 16:19–31; Rev. 20:10–15), and this effectively demolishes universalism. Unitarianism has long been universalist and in 1959 formally merged in the United States with the Universalists, now going under the name of Unitarian Universalists. 7Cairns, A. (2002). In Dictionary of Theological Terms (p. 502). Ambassador Emerald International.
Remember how I mentioned context? Taking the verses above out of context is how we get to things like Universalism. Ignoring things like what we read earlier on forgiveness is also necessary to have Universalism.
Here’s the thing about good news of great joy that will be for all the people. The good news is that everyone would have the choice to love God. Or not. To believe in Jesus. Or not. To be saved. Or not. But it’s not just by saying some magic words. And it’s certainly not by taking things out of context.
I made a note to write something up with more detail on the problem of Universalism. I’ll add a link here when it’s done, although it may take a while from the original publish date. In the meantime, here’s something that at least gives an idea of the issue of Universalism and who is saved: Who are God’s children?
There’s one other passage to look at for additional context on good news of great joy that will be for all the people. See if you can spot the item we’re looking for below.
The Lord’s Supper – Mark
14:12-26 pp — Mt 26:17-30; Lk 22:7-23
14:22-25 pp — 1Co 11:23-25
Mk 14:12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
Mk 14:13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”
Mk 14:16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
Mk 14:17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
Mk 14:19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely not I?”
Mk 14:20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Mk 14:22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”
Mk 14:23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
Mk 14:24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
Mk 14:26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Just in case you didn’t spot it, remember, that we started off with, good news of great joy that will be for all the people. During His ministry on earth, Jesus said several things to let us know that not everyone was going to be saved. The healing of the ten lepers was just one of them.
To see more on that, including how people know about things like the ten lepers, but don’t seem to realize the reality of their implications, please check out Messed Up American Theology: Do we believe the Bible?
By the way, in case you don’t remember from earlier segments of our investigation, Judas was not present when Jesus initiated what we call Communion. Judas left between verses 21 and 22. Please see Was Judas present for the Last Supper for the details. That means Judas could not have known what Jesus said. Therefore, he had no opportunity to take any actions towards gaining forgiveness based on Jesus’ words.
So, the good news was for all, when the angels announced Jesus’ birth. But when Jesus celebrates the Jewish Passover, and gives us what is not known as Communion, He said, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Not all. Not even most. Nor is it for a whole lot of people. No, it’s many.
Did the angels lie when they said good news for all? Did Jesus lie when He said poured out for many?
Or is the reality that the good news is that salvation is available for all, just like the angels said. But the reality is also that, as Jesus said, only many people will accept the offer of salvation. And furthermore, that only many would accept it on God’s terms, not the terms we want to make up on our own!
On a personal note, I don’t make that last statement lightly. I have a lot of reasons to wonder whether my mother is in Heaven or not. She was apparently very interested in Judaism. Even learned Hebrew to read the original texts. In a very Abram (pre-Abraham) fashion, she claims to have made a deal with God. Exactly what it was, I don’t know. But she said she didn’t have to worry. Whatever this “deal” was, it was somehow less than what Jesus taught.
She was also interested in Islam for a while. Even had Islamic symbols and stuff inside and outside the house. When I explained to her that Islam taught Jesus was not the Son of God, she was horrified. How she didn’t know that, I can’t say. Suffice it to say, she was, at best, confused. At worst, just plain wrong. Whether or not she is one of the many, I guess I’ll find out later.
Did God love Judas enough to forgive him?
So, did God love Judas enough to forgive him, even given the circumstances? I still have to say no. We’ve still seen no evidence of it. We’ve read no witness testimony that says it’s possible.
Did God doom Judas to Hell?
It seems we’ve backed ourselves into a corner here. There’s a part of me that doesn’t like where we are. It’s hard to imagine a good God who dooms someone to Hell.
Yes, The events we’re investigating had to happen. Prophesy had to be fulfilled. As we saw, a death was necessary in order to atone for all the evil we did, are doing, and will still do. And whose death could possibly cover our sins other than the Son of God Himself?
But still. No chance at all for salvation?
Actually, I believe there was a path to salvation for Judas. It’s not one he chose to take. Notice – I said chose to take.
Was Judas saved – the path not taken
We’ve seen possible paths to salvation for Judas. But they were only possible if – I repeat if – Judas didn’t commit suicide. No, I’m not making a statement about suicide and its effect on salvation. What I am saying is that since Judas didn’t hear certain things, then he couldn’t have acted on them. And since he couldn’t act on them, there was no path to salvation for him.
However, consider the following parable where Jesus speaks about forgiveness. It’s based on a question Peter asked of Jesus.
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Mt 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Mt 18:22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Mt 18:23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
Mt 18:26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
Mt 18:28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
Mt 18:29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
Mt 18:30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
Mt 18:32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
Mt 18:35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
There are two schools of thought on this. Maybe more? But I’ll present two.
Was Judas saved? The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant doesn’t apply.
The parable of the unmerciful could be construed as giving a path to Judas being saved. We’ll get to that in the next segment, But first, let’s look at those who say it cannot, because it doesn’t apply here.
The parable illustrates the power of forgiveness. It is important to note that this parable is not about salvation, for salvation is wholly of grace and is unconditionally given. To make God’s forgiveness a temporary thing is to violate the very truth of Scripture (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:3–7). The parable deals with forgiveness between brothers, not between lost sinners and God. The emphasis in this chapter is on brother forgiving brother (Matt. 18:15, 21). 8Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 67). Victor Books.
If the author is correct, and this parable is not about salvation, then it’s irrelevant to our discussion. Judas does appear to be doomed.
Was Judas saved? The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant does apply.
Here’s a point of view that doesn’t declare anything about salvation.
18:35 The application is clear. God is the King. All His servants had contracted a great debt of sin which they were unable to pay. In wonderful grace and compassion, the Lord paid the debt and granted full and free forgiveness. Now suppose some Christian wrongs another. When rebuked, he apologizes and asks forgiveness. But the offended believer refuses. He himself has been forgiven millions of dollars, but won’t forgive a few hundred. Will the King allow such behavior to go unpunished? Certainly not! The culprit will be chastened in this life and will suffer loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ. 9MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments (A. Farstad, Ed.; p. 1275). Thomas Nelson.
Now, this is the path not taken. So let’s lay out a possible path. A path that Judas could have taken, but didn’t.
- Instead of going to the Jewish leaders, Judas goes to the disciples.
- It’s true that the greatest sin was committed against God.
- However, It’s also true that Judas’ actions led to the death of what the disciples, at that time, thought was their leader/teacher. Remember, they didn’t yet have the Holy Spirit. Did all of them truly understand when Peter said that Jesus was the Son of God?
- Based on what we read in the parable above, the disciples should have forgiven Judas for whatever little part of his sin was against them. Keep in mind, this is entirely suppositional, since it didn’t happen!
- If the disciples had offered some level of forgiveness, support, or anything that might have kept Judas from killing himself, his path could change tremendously.
- If Judas was still alive, then Judas could actually have asked none other than Jesus Himself for forgiveness.
- Would Judas’ have been forgiven? We don’t know if his remorse was sincere. We don’t know if Judas’ remorse included repentance.
- But Jesus would have known.
- Did Judas’ actions come to the level of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Only God can answer that.
- If so – Judas would not be forgiven.
- If not Judas might be forgiven.
Conclusion – Was Judas saved? Did God love him enough to forgive him?
There’s one thing I can say with a pretty high level of certainty. Judas’ salvation, or lack of salvation, was not a question of – did God love him enough to forgive him? I believe we’ve seen enough to know that now.
On the question of was Judas saved? Based on the actions Judas took, I don’t see any obvious evidence to say yes. However, God is God. And if Jesus chose to, let’s say, pay the price for Judas for a reason such as, let’s say, because his actions were necessary in order to save His followers, who am I to say He couldn’t do that?
As to the question of whether or not Judas could have taken a different path, a path that could have led to his salvation, I believe the answer is yes. Of course, there’s the unknown matter of whether or not Judas committed the unforgivable sin.
All of this is, I believe, very important for us to know and to understand. Why? because there’s a lesson there for all of us. All of us who can’t help but wonder sometimes, am I really forgivable? Have I done so many wrong things, or one so terrible thing, that I cannot be forgiven?
Here’s one reason that’s so important. Christians like to say anyone can be forgiven. And yet, we often don’t apply it to ourselves.
And way too often, we don’t apply that to the people we hate the most. This, even though Jesus told us not to hate anyone. And to forgive everyone.
In the end then, I can’t help but feel we need to tread carefully when we choose to “judge” Judas.
Prayer – Matthew
Mt 6:5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Mt 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
Mt 6:10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Mt 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
Mt 6:12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Mt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’ 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
and
Judging Others
6:37-42 pp — Mt 7:1-5
Lk 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Lk 6:39 He also told them this parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Lk 6:41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
After you’ve thought about those two passages, here’s a final question.
Judas went to the Jewish leaders to return the money. But, what if Judas went to the resurrected Jesus and asked for forgiveness? Or maybe even if Judas went to the disciples? The paths we take are important, both before we sin – and after we sin.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Footnotes
- 1Bray, G. (2018). God’s Attributes. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Lexham Press.
- 2Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
- 3Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
- 4Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
- 5Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
- 6Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
- 7Cairns, A. (2002). In Dictionary of Theological Terms (p. 502). Ambassador Emerald International.
- 8Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 67). Victor Books.
- 9MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments (A. Farstad, Ed.; p. 1275). Thomas Nelson.