Question: Was Judas Iscariot ever saved? Did he backslide or was he
always unsaved? Where do you think Judas is right now? Heaven or hell?
Answer: No, Judas Iscariot was NEVER saved. The Bible says in the
Book of Acts that he went to "his own place". It is our firm belief that Judas
went to hell because that is where all unbelievers go.
Judas did not possess any "fruit" of being saved. He had no fear of God. He
witnessed all of the miracles that Jesus did. He saw people raised from the dead.
He, himself, may have performed miracles in the name of Jesus but Judas
Iscariot did not truly believe in Jesus. He was not a Believer. He had unbelief.
Judas heard the Lord speak about money and he cared nothing about what Jesus
said and he cared nothing about Jesus. He betrayed the Son of God with a kiss.
Judas was the treasurer of the disciples with greed in his heart and a follower of
the Lord Jesus but not a Believer. His evil heart lead him to commit the most
heinous act in all of human history...the betrayal of the Messiah-- the Lord
Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus said it would have been better if Judas had not even been born.
Mat 26:24-25 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto
that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that
man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered
and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Further Study Reveals:
1) Unbelieving Heart
Judas asked, "Is it I?" Why would Judas ask the question, knowing that Jesus
would answer? Could it be that he did not believe that Jesus knew the
answer? Judas had an evil heart of unbelief. We know this by his "fruits".
Judas broke the Eighth commandment-- by stealing from the money bag; he
broke the golden rule-- by stealing money that was meant for the poor; and he
disregarded the Lord's statement, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Judas, most likely, was testing Jesus to see if the Lord knew who would betray
Him. Could it be that Judas doubted Jesus' knowledge of things or else how
could he have stolen in the first place?
John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from
the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Judas stole because his love for money was his god. Judas did not fear the Lord
God. It is interesting that the penitent thief on the cross believed on Jesus and
rebuked the other thief by saying, "Dost not thou fear God..."
It is apparent that Judas did not fear God but covenanted to betray the Lord,
with the religious leaders of his day. Those particular leaders also did not fear
God; for they crucified Jesus for fear that He would come and take their place.
(See John 11:48)
2) The Lord Jesus called Judas "a devil"
Judas was a devil before he ever agreed to betray the Lord.
John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one
of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was
that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
3) Judas was a thief
Judas stole money from the moneybag. Judas used the poor as a pretense to
hoard money.
John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son,
which should betray him,
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and
given to the poor?
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he
was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Judas had no fear of God to steal. For him to steal from the bag, he was stealing
from the Lord. Judas did not regard the Ten Commandments. He was blinded
by his own greed. He appeared to be religious, outwardly, so much so that the
disciples had no idea who was to betray the Lord.
4) Judas was a bad influence on the rest of the disciples
Mat 26:7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of
very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
Mat 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying,
To what purpose is this waste?
Mat 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given
to the poor.
Mat 26:10-11-13 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why
trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for
my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be
preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath
done, be told for a memorial of her.
The Book of Matthew does not record who started the argument but the Book
of John does. Judas Iscariot started it and influenced some of the other disciples
to be angry with the woman.
Matt 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the
chief priests,
Matt 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver
him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
The anointing of Jesus seems to have been the catalyst for Judas' desire to
betray the Lord. He was angry that he could not sell the ointment and receive
the proceeds. He was also rebuked by Jesus, "Let her alone..." In any case, he
saw the anointing of Jesus as "waste".
Notice that when Judas went to the chief priests he asked them, "What will you
give me?" --The motivation being one of greed.
Mark 14:10-11 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the
chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they
were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he
might conveniently betray him.
5) Judas was unclean
John 13:11 For he [Jesus] knew who should betray him; therefore said he,
Ye are not all clean.
In the above passage, the Greek word for "clean" means literally "clean,
clear or pure."
Titus 1:15 says, Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are
defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and
conscience is defiled.
John 13:16-18 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than
his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know
these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know
whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth
bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
6) Judas sought a way to betray the Lord
Luke 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto
them in the absence of the multitude.
Judas actually sought opportunity. He wanted that money so bad; he would
do anything to have it. The betrayal was premeditated. He was looking for an
opportune time to betray Jesus. He was dishonest. All the while pretending to
be Jesus' friend, yet in his heart seeking a time to betray the Lord. He did not
believe the words of Jesus, "Before Abraham was, I AM."
7) Satan entered into Judas Iscariot.
A saved person cannot be demon possessed. Only an unsaved person can be
demon possessed. Light and darkness cannot dwell together.
Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called
the Passover.
Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill
him; for they feared the people.
Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the
number of the twelve.
Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and
captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Luk 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Luk 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto
them in the absence of the multitude.
8) Judas is called the son of perdition.
Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name:
those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the
son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
The only other person called the son of perdition is the antichrist, who will also
be a man of greed, appearing outwardly pious. The antichrist too shall take
advantage of the poor and shall blaspheme God. Read the (Antichrist and The
DaVinci Code)
9) Judas came up with "the kiss" idea all by himself.
Mat 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came,
and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief
priests and elders of the people.
Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying,
Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
John 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from
the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches
and weapons.
Notice that it was not the chief priest's idea, nor one of the soldiers but
Judas, himself came up with the way in which to betray Jesus. In Middle
Eastern culture, a kiss on the cheek was a sign of friendship. Judas took a sign
of affection and friendship in which to betray the Son of God. How evil he
must have been. Notice that he also said, "hold him fast". In other words,
"seize him". No wonder Jesus called him a "devil".
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
10) Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus
Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man
with a kiss?
Psalm 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did
eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
Judas sat at the Lord's Table. Judas was with Jesus for over 3 years. He
followed the Lord and fellowshipped in the company of Jesus and the rest of the
disciples. He followed the Lord. He was a partaker in the Lord's ministry. Jesus
called
him, "Friend". Yet Judas cared nothing about his friendship with the Lord. He
cared nothing about the disciples. He cared nothing about the poor. He sold the
Messiah-- the Holy One of Israel-- for thirty pieces of silver. He willingly
betrayed Jesus for his heart was very wicked. The love of money, the evil of his
heart, the greed had consumed him so that he was blinded to reality until alas
the money was in his hand and it did not satisfy.
11) Judas did NOT repent
When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to death, he had regret. He
acknowledged that he sinned in that he betrayed innocent blood but it was too
late.
Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was
condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver
to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent
blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed,
and went and hanged himself.
Judas did not repent of his sin. He had regret for betraying "innocent blood"
but notice that he did not say, "I betrayed the Messiah...the Son of David..."
rather he only came to the chief priests in the morning; when he saw that Jesus
was condemned to death. All night long, as Jesus was being tried and beaten and
questioned, Judas held on to his money. It was only when he saw that Jesus was
condemned to die that he went to the priests. It was an act to redeem himself-- a
futile attempt to undo what he had done. Notice what he said, "I have
betrayed..." It was still all about himself. He was trying to rid himself of his guilt.
Notice he did not storm in and yell, "Jesus is innocent. He is the Messiah."
Judas' remorse (Greek word. metamelomai) does not indicate a sorrow for
sinning against God but rather a remorse for the consequences of his deed.
Kind of like someone getting a speeding ticket. "Oh, if only I did not do it...I
should have slowed down."
Rather than asking God for forgiveness, Judas chose to end his life. He did not
believe the words of Jesus concerning hell. He hung himself, thinking that
it would end it all for him--All his guilt and shame. Yet he awakened to find
himself in eternity-- from where there is no escape. The record of his remorse
lead him to suicide. Jeremiah 2:26 says that "the thief is ashamed when he is
found". Judas did not experience the "godly sorrow that leadeth to
repentance", but rather a worldly sorrow that leads to death
(see 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Contrast this with Peter, who cut off the ear of the servant in Gethsemane, and
followed Jesus from a distance. He, being let into the court yard by the apostle
John, wanted to be near Jesus but denied the Lord out of fear. Peter's denial was
not premeditated. It was spontaneous. At the Last Supper, he told the Lord,
"I will never deny you" but Jesus told him that he would. Peter's heart did not
want to deny the Savior. When the rooster crowed for the last time, Peter
remembered the words of Jesus and ran away and wept bitterly. Peter loved
Jesus and repented with a godly sorrow not for himself but because he failed to
stand up for the Lord. It was not self-pity but rather godly repentance. Peter did
not commit suicide but rather wept bitterly for his sin against the Messiah.
12) Judas' Went To His Own Place
Act 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and
falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed
out.
Act 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch
as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say,
The field of blood.
Act 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be
desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Judas' end was the end of an unregenerate man. In the Book of Acts, chapter
one, the Apostle Peter, while praying said, "Judas by transgression fell, that
he might go to his own place."
Notice that Judas did not go to God's place but rather, "his own place".
Proverbs 24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle
of the wicked shall be put out.
1Cor 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Let's review what we have learned...
Judas, of his own free will, chose to steal from the Lord. He chose to break the
commandments. He chose his own sinful way. He stole from the moneybag; he
cared nothing for the poor; he went to the chief priests of his own free will; he
agreed to betray the Lord not because he believed in the cause of the chief
priests but because he was to receive money; he sought the perfect opportunity
to betray Jesus.
"Man as of old by himself is priced. For thirty pieces Judas sold himself, not
Christ." ~ Hester H. Cholmondeley
Some Pentecostals erroneously believe that Judas was once saved because of
the miracles that he performed in the name of Jesus but the Scriptures tell a
different story. Just because one performs miracles in Jesus' name does not
make them saved. The Lord will say to those false prophets and teachers..."I
NEVER Knew you."
Jesus said in Matthew 7:20-23 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy
name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The bible records the "fruit" of Judas' heart. Had he repented, it would have
been said, as it is recorded about Peter repenting. Judas did not get saved. He
was one of those who performed many miracles and did wonderful works but...
Notice that Jesus says to the false apostles, "I NEVER knew YOU". He did not
say, "I knew you at one time..." but rather "I NEVER KNEW YOU."
So in conclusion, one must come to the realization that in light of what the
Scriptures say, Judas followed Jesus for his own personal gain but he was never
a true believer. The Bible gives us no indication that Judas was ever a believer.
A true believer cannot be demon possessed. A true believer in Christ would
NEVER do the things that Judas did.
Judas was a liar, hypocrite, thief, unbeliever, who only cared about himself and
his need for greed. He was a lover of money. He cared nothing for the poor.
He allowed Satan to possess him. An evil heart is cultivated over time-- the
hardening of his heart through the love of sin. Judas willingly, of his own free
will, betrayed the Creator of the Universe-- the Lord Jesus Christ-- with a kiss.
Judas did not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ Jesus said in John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Judas went to his "own place". He willfully chose his own path and rejected the
Messiah. Judas did not believe, which is blatantly obvious to anyone who has
read the Gospels. He traveled the wide road...the road to perdition-- the road to
destruction. Jesus called him "the son of perdition".
Many people are traveling in the way of Judas Iscariot today. They are religious.
They go to church. They are outwardly pious but inwardly far from God.
They have never received Christ as their personal Savior. They have never
had their sins forgiven. They have never been born again of God's Spirit.
They are trying to attain Heaven by their own good deeds. The Bible tells us
that our righteousness is as filthy rags. Only Jesus is righteous and that is
why one must put their total faith in Him alone. Jesus is the ONLY way to
Heaven. One must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are
as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind,
have taken us away.
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on
him.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly.
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on
me should not abide in darkness.
For those of you have not yet received Christ Jesus as personal Savior, believe
on Him today. Put your complete trust in Him today for your salvation. Jesus
shed His precious blood for your sins-- that you could be forgiven and have
eternal life through Him. Eternity is long. Click here to read God's Free Gift Of
Salvation Through Jesus Christ.
Copyright ©2005 Cobblestone Road Ministries
All Rights Reserved
RELATED LINK:
The Gospel Of Judas Is Not Truth
Further Reading:
The Free Gift of Salvation
The Greatest Sin
The Way of Cain
Demon Possessed Damsel of Acts 16
always unsaved? Where do you think Judas is right now? Heaven or hell?
Answer: No, Judas Iscariot was NEVER saved. The Bible says in the
Book of Acts that he went to "his own place". It is our firm belief that Judas
went to hell because that is where all unbelievers go.
Judas did not possess any "fruit" of being saved. He had no fear of God. He
witnessed all of the miracles that Jesus did. He saw people raised from the dead.
He, himself, may have performed miracles in the name of Jesus but Judas
Iscariot did not truly believe in Jesus. He was not a Believer. He had unbelief.
Judas heard the Lord speak about money and he cared nothing about what Jesus
said and he cared nothing about Jesus. He betrayed the Son of God with a kiss.
Judas was the treasurer of the disciples with greed in his heart and a follower of
the Lord Jesus but not a Believer. His evil heart lead him to commit the most
heinous act in all of human history...the betrayal of the Messiah-- the Lord
Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus said it would have been better if Judas had not even been born.
Mat 26:24-25 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto
that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that
man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered
and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Further Study Reveals:
1) Unbelieving Heart
Judas asked, "Is it I?" Why would Judas ask the question, knowing that Jesus
would answer? Could it be that he did not believe that Jesus knew the
answer? Judas had an evil heart of unbelief. We know this by his "fruits".
Judas broke the Eighth commandment-- by stealing from the money bag; he
broke the golden rule-- by stealing money that was meant for the poor; and he
disregarded the Lord's statement, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Judas, most likely, was testing Jesus to see if the Lord knew who would betray
Him. Could it be that Judas doubted Jesus' knowledge of things or else how
could he have stolen in the first place?
John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from
the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Judas stole because his love for money was his god. Judas did not fear the Lord
God. It is interesting that the penitent thief on the cross believed on Jesus and
rebuked the other thief by saying, "Dost not thou fear God..."
It is apparent that Judas did not fear God but covenanted to betray the Lord,
with the religious leaders of his day. Those particular leaders also did not fear
God; for they crucified Jesus for fear that He would come and take their place.
(See John 11:48)
2) The Lord Jesus called Judas "a devil"
Judas was a devil before he ever agreed to betray the Lord.
John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one
of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was
that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
3) Judas was a thief
Judas stole money from the moneybag. Judas used the poor as a pretense to
hoard money.
John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son,
which should betray him,
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and
given to the poor?
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he
was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Judas had no fear of God to steal. For him to steal from the bag, he was stealing
from the Lord. Judas did not regard the Ten Commandments. He was blinded
by his own greed. He appeared to be religious, outwardly, so much so that the
disciples had no idea who was to betray the Lord.
4) Judas was a bad influence on the rest of the disciples
Mat 26:7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of
very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
Mat 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying,
To what purpose is this waste?
Mat 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given
to the poor.
Mat 26:10-11-13 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why
trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for
my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be
preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath
done, be told for a memorial of her.
The Book of Matthew does not record who started the argument but the Book
of John does. Judas Iscariot started it and influenced some of the other disciples
to be angry with the woman.
Matt 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the
chief priests,
Matt 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver
him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
The anointing of Jesus seems to have been the catalyst for Judas' desire to
betray the Lord. He was angry that he could not sell the ointment and receive
the proceeds. He was also rebuked by Jesus, "Let her alone..." In any case, he
saw the anointing of Jesus as "waste".
Notice that when Judas went to the chief priests he asked them, "What will you
give me?" --The motivation being one of greed.
Mark 14:10-11 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the
chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they
were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he
might conveniently betray him.
5) Judas was unclean
John 13:11 For he [Jesus] knew who should betray him; therefore said he,
Ye are not all clean.
In the above passage, the Greek word for "clean" means literally "clean,
clear or pure."
Titus 1:15 says, Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are
defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and
conscience is defiled.
John 13:16-18 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than
his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know
these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know
whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth
bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
6) Judas sought a way to betray the Lord
Luke 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto
them in the absence of the multitude.
Judas actually sought opportunity. He wanted that money so bad; he would
do anything to have it. The betrayal was premeditated. He was looking for an
opportune time to betray Jesus. He was dishonest. All the while pretending to
be Jesus' friend, yet in his heart seeking a time to betray the Lord. He did not
believe the words of Jesus, "Before Abraham was, I AM."
7) Satan entered into Judas Iscariot.
A saved person cannot be demon possessed. Only an unsaved person can be
demon possessed. Light and darkness cannot dwell together.
Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called
the Passover.
Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill
him; for they feared the people.
Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the
number of the twelve.
Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and
captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Luk 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Luk 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto
them in the absence of the multitude.
8) Judas is called the son of perdition.
Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name:
those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the
son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
The only other person called the son of perdition is the antichrist, who will also
be a man of greed, appearing outwardly pious. The antichrist too shall take
advantage of the poor and shall blaspheme God. Read the (Antichrist and The
DaVinci Code)
9) Judas came up with "the kiss" idea all by himself.
Mat 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came,
and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief
priests and elders of the people.
Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying,
Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
John 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from
the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches
and weapons.
Notice that it was not the chief priest's idea, nor one of the soldiers but
Judas, himself came up with the way in which to betray Jesus. In Middle
Eastern culture, a kiss on the cheek was a sign of friendship. Judas took a sign
of affection and friendship in which to betray the Son of God. How evil he
must have been. Notice that he also said, "hold him fast". In other words,
"seize him". No wonder Jesus called him a "devil".
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
10) Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus
Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man
with a kiss?
Psalm 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did
eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
Judas sat at the Lord's Table. Judas was with Jesus for over 3 years. He
followed the Lord and fellowshipped in the company of Jesus and the rest of the
disciples. He followed the Lord. He was a partaker in the Lord's ministry. Jesus
called
him, "Friend". Yet Judas cared nothing about his friendship with the Lord. He
cared nothing about the disciples. He cared nothing about the poor. He sold the
Messiah-- the Holy One of Israel-- for thirty pieces of silver. He willingly
betrayed Jesus for his heart was very wicked. The love of money, the evil of his
heart, the greed had consumed him so that he was blinded to reality until alas
the money was in his hand and it did not satisfy.
11) Judas did NOT repent
When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to death, he had regret. He
acknowledged that he sinned in that he betrayed innocent blood but it was too
late.
Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was
condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver
to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent
blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed,
and went and hanged himself.
Judas did not repent of his sin. He had regret for betraying "innocent blood"
but notice that he did not say, "I betrayed the Messiah...the Son of David..."
rather he only came to the chief priests in the morning; when he saw that Jesus
was condemned to death. All night long, as Jesus was being tried and beaten and
questioned, Judas held on to his money. It was only when he saw that Jesus was
condemned to die that he went to the priests. It was an act to redeem himself-- a
futile attempt to undo what he had done. Notice what he said, "I have
betrayed..." It was still all about himself. He was trying to rid himself of his guilt.
Notice he did not storm in and yell, "Jesus is innocent. He is the Messiah."
Judas' remorse (Greek word. metamelomai) does not indicate a sorrow for
sinning against God but rather a remorse for the consequences of his deed.
Kind of like someone getting a speeding ticket. "Oh, if only I did not do it...I
should have slowed down."
Rather than asking God for forgiveness, Judas chose to end his life. He did not
believe the words of Jesus concerning hell. He hung himself, thinking that
it would end it all for him--All his guilt and shame. Yet he awakened to find
himself in eternity-- from where there is no escape. The record of his remorse
lead him to suicide. Jeremiah 2:26 says that "the thief is ashamed when he is
found". Judas did not experience the "godly sorrow that leadeth to
repentance", but rather a worldly sorrow that leads to death
(see 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Contrast this with Peter, who cut off the ear of the servant in Gethsemane, and
followed Jesus from a distance. He, being let into the court yard by the apostle
John, wanted to be near Jesus but denied the Lord out of fear. Peter's denial was
not premeditated. It was spontaneous. At the Last Supper, he told the Lord,
"I will never deny you" but Jesus told him that he would. Peter's heart did not
want to deny the Savior. When the rooster crowed for the last time, Peter
remembered the words of Jesus and ran away and wept bitterly. Peter loved
Jesus and repented with a godly sorrow not for himself but because he failed to
stand up for the Lord. It was not self-pity but rather godly repentance. Peter did
not commit suicide but rather wept bitterly for his sin against the Messiah.
12) Judas' Went To His Own Place
Act 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and
falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed
out.
Act 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch
as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say,
The field of blood.
Act 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be
desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Judas' end was the end of an unregenerate man. In the Book of Acts, chapter
one, the Apostle Peter, while praying said, "Judas by transgression fell, that
he might go to his own place."
Notice that Judas did not go to God's place but rather, "his own place".
Proverbs 24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle
of the wicked shall be put out.
1Cor 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Let's review what we have learned...
Judas, of his own free will, chose to steal from the Lord. He chose to break the
commandments. He chose his own sinful way. He stole from the moneybag; he
cared nothing for the poor; he went to the chief priests of his own free will; he
agreed to betray the Lord not because he believed in the cause of the chief
priests but because he was to receive money; he sought the perfect opportunity
to betray Jesus.
"Man as of old by himself is priced. For thirty pieces Judas sold himself, not
Christ." ~ Hester H. Cholmondeley
Some Pentecostals erroneously believe that Judas was once saved because of
the miracles that he performed in the name of Jesus but the Scriptures tell a
different story. Just because one performs miracles in Jesus' name does not
make them saved. The Lord will say to those false prophets and teachers..."I
NEVER Knew you."
Jesus said in Matthew 7:20-23 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy
name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The bible records the "fruit" of Judas' heart. Had he repented, it would have
been said, as it is recorded about Peter repenting. Judas did not get saved. He
was one of those who performed many miracles and did wonderful works but...
Notice that Jesus says to the false apostles, "I NEVER knew YOU". He did not
say, "I knew you at one time..." but rather "I NEVER KNEW YOU."
So in conclusion, one must come to the realization that in light of what the
Scriptures say, Judas followed Jesus for his own personal gain but he was never
a true believer. The Bible gives us no indication that Judas was ever a believer.
A true believer cannot be demon possessed. A true believer in Christ would
NEVER do the things that Judas did.
Judas was a liar, hypocrite, thief, unbeliever, who only cared about himself and
his need for greed. He was a lover of money. He cared nothing for the poor.
He allowed Satan to possess him. An evil heart is cultivated over time-- the
hardening of his heart through the love of sin. Judas willingly, of his own free
will, betrayed the Creator of the Universe-- the Lord Jesus Christ-- with a kiss.
Judas did not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ Jesus said in John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Judas went to his "own place". He willfully chose his own path and rejected the
Messiah. Judas did not believe, which is blatantly obvious to anyone who has
read the Gospels. He traveled the wide road...the road to perdition-- the road to
destruction. Jesus called him "the son of perdition".
Many people are traveling in the way of Judas Iscariot today. They are religious.
They go to church. They are outwardly pious but inwardly far from God.
They have never received Christ as their personal Savior. They have never
had their sins forgiven. They have never been born again of God's Spirit.
They are trying to attain Heaven by their own good deeds. The Bible tells us
that our righteousness is as filthy rags. Only Jesus is righteous and that is
why one must put their total faith in Him alone. Jesus is the ONLY way to
Heaven. One must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are
as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind,
have taken us away.
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on
him.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly.
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on
me should not abide in darkness.
For those of you have not yet received Christ Jesus as personal Savior, believe
on Him today. Put your complete trust in Him today for your salvation. Jesus
shed His precious blood for your sins-- that you could be forgiven and have
eternal life through Him. Eternity is long. Click here to read God's Free Gift Of
Salvation Through Jesus Christ.
Copyright ©2005 Cobblestone Road Ministries
All Rights Reserved
RELATED LINK:
The Gospel Of Judas Is Not Truth
Further Reading:
The Free Gift of Salvation
The Greatest Sin
The Way of Cain
Demon Possessed Damsel of Acts 16
| Was Judas Iscariot Ever Saved? |
