Hi Chris, thank you for this powerful commentary. I would like to discuss further this comment: "He washed Judas’ feet, but when Judas died Jesus is the one who judged him, and sent him to hell." Matthews gospel seems to suggest that Judas was remorseful. Matthews also paints a picture of a Peter who also betrays Jesus and is also remorseful. Does the scripture allow us the certainty of knowing which of these two is enjoying eternal life?
Thanks for your comment. To my mind, Scripture is very clear that Judas and Peter have very different outcomes. Peter is restored by Jesus himself, whereas Judas never was. Peter clearly becomes a powerful gospel agent as we can see plays the instrumental role in establishing the church as an Apostle. Judas only committed suicide. Not that suicide is an unforgivable sin, but Jesus never forgave or restored Judas as he did Peter.
Specifically I think Scripture is clear on this point:
When Jesus prays for his disciples in John 15 he says this in V12:"While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled."
In the context he is clearly praying about the 12. Who else could the "one doomed to destruction" be except Judas?
Similarly in Acts 1:24-25 we read this:
24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
I think this at the very least hints strongly at Judas' condemnation, not his salvation.
But perhaps the strongest condemnation comes from Jesus own mouth in John 6:
"70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)"
This statement was made by Jesus after Simon makes the proclamation that Jesus is the "Holy one of God". Jesus contrasts Peter's true faith-confessions against what is going on in Judas' heart. And if Jesus himself saw Judas as belonging to the Devil, we should follow his lead.
It is nice to think that Judas showed remorse and was therefore saved. But I just don't think Scripture allows us to hold that view. One can have remorse and yet still retain the guilt of your sin. Remorse is not repentance in faith. Therefore on the basis of the evidence I think I must conclude that Judas is in hell.
Thanks for taking the time to so thoroughly respond. The challenges of free will versus 'predestination'! I really appreciated the distinction between remorse and repentance, that was helpful. I continue to wrestle with Peter though: his faith response "the Holy one of God" Luke 9:20, John 10:36 does this come before or after when Jesus says to Peter "Get thee behind me satan"? I do understand that the relationship was restored on that beach and perhaps wonder if Judas had been given that opportunity.....? I think I need to leave all of this in the hands of my heavenly Father who is just and merciful.
Hi Chris, thank you for this powerful commentary. I would like to discuss further this comment: "He washed Judas’ feet, but when Judas died Jesus is the one who judged him, and sent him to hell." Matthews gospel seems to suggest that Judas was remorseful. Matthews also paints a picture of a Peter who also betrays Jesus and is also remorseful. Does the scripture allow us the certainty of knowing which of these two is enjoying eternal life?
Hi Roger,
Thanks for your comment. To my mind, Scripture is very clear that Judas and Peter have very different outcomes. Peter is restored by Jesus himself, whereas Judas never was. Peter clearly becomes a powerful gospel agent as we can see plays the instrumental role in establishing the church as an Apostle. Judas only committed suicide. Not that suicide is an unforgivable sin, but Jesus never forgave or restored Judas as he did Peter.
Specifically I think Scripture is clear on this point:
When Jesus prays for his disciples in John 15 he says this in V12:"While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled."
In the context he is clearly praying about the 12. Who else could the "one doomed to destruction" be except Judas?
Similarly in Acts 1:24-25 we read this:
24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
I think this at the very least hints strongly at Judas' condemnation, not his salvation.
But perhaps the strongest condemnation comes from Jesus own mouth in John 6:
"70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)"
This statement was made by Jesus after Simon makes the proclamation that Jesus is the "Holy one of God". Jesus contrasts Peter's true faith-confessions against what is going on in Judas' heart. And if Jesus himself saw Judas as belonging to the Devil, we should follow his lead.
It is nice to think that Judas showed remorse and was therefore saved. But I just don't think Scripture allows us to hold that view. One can have remorse and yet still retain the guilt of your sin. Remorse is not repentance in faith. Therefore on the basis of the evidence I think I must conclude that Judas is in hell.
What do you think?
Thanks for taking the time to so thoroughly respond. The challenges of free will versus 'predestination'! I really appreciated the distinction between remorse and repentance, that was helpful. I continue to wrestle with Peter though: his faith response "the Holy one of God" Luke 9:20, John 10:36 does this come before or after when Jesus says to Peter "Get thee behind me satan"? I do understand that the relationship was restored on that beach and perhaps wonder if Judas had been given that opportunity.....? I think I need to leave all of this in the hands of my heavenly Father who is just and merciful.