Brother Judas Iscariot

[jeremiah1five]

Perserverance of the saints only applies to those who ARE saints. Judas was..well, Judas. Sorry, brother, you're not tracking on this one.

Jesus called these twelve disciples apostles.

Was Jesus lying?

Last I knew is that to be an apostle called of Jesus Christ means they are members in the Body of Christ. And if you are a member in the Body of Christ means you are saved. Not even Jesus unequally yokes Himself to unbelievers.

 

[Fireinfolding]

John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

2Titus 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Acts 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.


Heres a few

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

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[Terene]

Hello and Good Morning.
My best to you on your exams. The first rule of learning is repetition.
But I hope you don't have to take the exams again

Terene, I am a Biblical Christian. I had been born-again many, many, years ago. I was born-again by the Word of God (1 Pet. 1:23).

When I was called by the Lord I didn't know anything about the things of God. But I went consistently to Church and God had not only given me desire to do that, but also put inside of me a desire for Him and His Word. He does this with ALL His people. As I look back to my early years I learned that I grew up on Arminian-brand theology concerning salvation. I was taught that each of us are called to be apostles having inserted ourselves into the Great Commission that was given to the eleven disciples specifically by Jesus Christ (Matt. 28 : 19-20 ). I was also taught that men can "accept Jesus into their heart" or reject Him by exercising their will independently to refuse to be saved. And a great many other things that are revealed in Scripture and commanded of God to know.

It's been in the last decade that my spiritual growth and knowledge grew exponentially that as I learned how to study God's Word on my own that teaching from its pages would rise up and take hold of me as my understanding became more attuned and focused. I began to see the Biblical doctrines contained in the Word began to mature, then take shape over and over and over again. I understood the doctrine of sin. I understood the doctrine of angels, and the doctrine of man, and of the Person of Christ; I understood the doctrine of prayer, of mercy, and repentance, and conversion, of salvation...I began to learn the Word of God. And I also say this...that in my studies I found out that what things I had been taught in church were not the things I was being revealed through the Holy Spirit from God's Word. I found I needed to change MY thinking and the doctrines in my mind that were not the doctrines that I would read in the pages of Scripture.

As my Biblical understanding became more aligned with Scripture, and my deeper studies going into both Hebrew and Greek languages became better understood, I saw that the life of Judas Iscariot was a life that touched many major doctrines of the Bible. One passage led to another as I applied the iron-clad doctrines to his life and began to see a different conclusion than the ones I was taught in church. Looking honestly at the Scripture completely revolutionize my thinking on the question of Judas Iscariot. The Scripture was revealing to me that Judas Iscariot was called, chosen, elected, and saved!

Now, if you back up to comments that went before your arrival you will see the answers to your statements. If you are honest with the Scripture, are possessed of the Holy Spirit, and have a good Bible translation, the time to study, a desire for truth, then I can see no stumbling-blocks before you that will hinder or prevent your ability to answer for yourself the question about the salvation of the disciple who is called apostle by Lord named Judas Iscariot.

And if you need assistance I am here to serve.

Thank you for sharing with me your story brother, and praise the Lord that He has given us understanding.

But as with regards to Judas' case, it is disputable perhaps in your case, and I would follow what the Word says that:

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (Romans 14:1)

I am not saying your faith is weak, I indeed do not know the strength of your faith, but I believe that arguing about Judas will get us nowhere and certainly does not create the unity we ought to have in Christ. Let God be true and every man a liar, amen.

But I do hope to raise a few Scriptures that does not agree with your understanding, and hope you can tell me your understanding about them. Here they are:

Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

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.

Why does the Lord call Judas a devil if he is saved? Or why does the Lord say none is lost BUT the son of destruction (Judas) if he is saved? Even more so, if the Word says Judas was a THIEF and that thieves shall NOT inherit the Kingdom of God, how can he be saved?

You cannot deny these Words, brother. Consider them again and be corrected.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Thank you for sharing with me your story brother, and praise the Lord that He has given us understanding.

But as with regards to Judas' case, it is disputable perhaps in your case, and I would follow what the Word says that:

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (Romans 14:1)

I am not saying your faith is weak, I indeed do not know the strength of your faith, but I believe that arguing about Judas will get us nowhere and certainly does not create the unity we ought to have in Christ. Let God be true and every man a liar, amen.

But I do hope to raise a few Scriptures that does not agree with your understanding, and hope you can tell me your understanding about them. Here they are:

Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

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.

Why does the Lord call Judas a devil if he is saved? Or why does the Lord say none is lost BUT the son of destruction (Judas) if he is saved? Even more so, if the Word says Judas was a THIEF and that thieves shall NOT inherit the Kingdom of God, how can he be saved?

You cannot deny these Words, brother. Consider them again and be corrected.

Fair enough. Why put forth understanding if one cannot defend it. If you sincerely desire to know how I see these things then I will share my understanding with you. I hope you are honest with the Scriptures and will seriously consider theses things:

QUOTE: Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

RESPONSE: First, notice the election. Jesus declares He chose them (Lk. 6:12-13; Jn. 15:16). Jesus chose all twelve without distinction. In others words, Jesus chose Judas in the same capacity as He chose Peter, or Andrew, or James. There is no distinction. It does not say Jesus chose Peter, Andrew, and James for salvation, and Judas He chose for damnation. They were all chosen the same. This is election. Election doesn't save you, but it does mark you out for salvation (Rev. 13: 8 ).

The English word (KJV "devil") is the Greek word "diabolos" and it means "a traducer," or more commonly, "false accuser." Jesus is saying, "Haven't I chose you twelve and one of you is a false accuser." I can relate to that, can you? Jesus chose me and I was a drug abuser, or liar, or thief, or disobedyed my parents, etc. Judas was at the time falsely accusing Jesus to the priests for monetary gain.[/font]


QUOTE: While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

RESPONSE: Again, dealing with the KJV which is 400 years old (happy birthday 1611-2011), we have to look at definitions. I prefer the Strong's Exhaustive and Vine's Dictionary.

The English word (KJV "perdition") means "ruin," or "destruction." And there are three senses in which the context where this word is found defines it: "physical" ruin or destruction, "spiritual" ruin or destruction, and "eternal" ruin or destruction. Given that Judas committed suicide it can only apply to his physical ruin or destruction. Again, being honest with Scripture I have not enough to say Judas under-went spiritual destruction (Holy Spirit not yet given), or eternal destruction (not enough for this either). But there is enough to say Judas physically ruined himself. Suicide qualifies. And suicide does not "pluck" you from the Father's hand or the Son's hand. We are saved by what God does, not what we do. Salvation is wholly of God. It is monergistic, not synergistic.

Judas committed suicide under the Law.

Matthew 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, 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.

No doubt about Judas' betrayal. And what was that betrayal? Judas revealed the secret place where Jesus took His disciples to get away from the multitude for rest (Jn. 18:2). I am not into "degrees" of sin, to me sin is sin. But if you were to compare Judas' betrayal against Peter's betrayal, Peter's was greater. One, Judas did not deny Him. Judas took the soldiers to where they would find HIM. While Peter three times denied HIM. One, Judas clearly said this is where they would find Him, and Peter denied the Person of Him (Jesus).

In the passage above in Matthew 27 it is clear what happen: Judas SAW that Jesus was condemn (to die) something he did not expect. Next, Judas confessed his sin to the priests and tried to return the money to buy back the life of Jesus. This is repentance, isn't it? And Scripture says Judas repented.

Now, if these priests were in obedience to the Law of Moses they would have received Judas' sin and offered a sacrifice to atone, or they would have instructed him in the Law what to do for his mischief in assisting in wrongly condemning a man. Instead, they told him to "take care of it himself." So, he did. Being under the Law there was only one thing available to him to bring restitution to his sin: He needed to die.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Judas was obeying the Law which says:

Exodus 21:23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Life for life. Judas was told to "do it yourself" and "take care of it yourself." He did. He hung himself.

QUOTE: He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

RESPONSE: I agree. Judas was a thief. And a false accuser.

QUOTE: 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.

RESPONSE: What is the "kingdom of God?" The answer: Romans 14:17.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

The "kingdom of God" is righteousness, peace, and joy. And the Holy Spirit is who gives it to you. These are fruits that we experience now in this existence. And Jesus said, "the kingdom of God is within you."

One more thing: Jesus is the kingdom of God. It is not a realm but a Person. Jesus is the kingdom of God.

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Jesus is casting out devils. That's what He is doing. Jesus is saying "I am the kingdom of God" because I am casting out devils in front of you and since I am castinmg out devils in front of you, then the kingdom of God (Jesus Christ) is come unto you. There are no subjects, no servants, just Jesus. And He is casting out devils.

If you are honest with Scripture you will consider this.

Let the Word of God tell you what to believe. Don't tell the Word of God what to say. I used to believe Judas was in hell. But when I began to understand doctrine such as repentance, confession, salvation, election, calling, gifts, ministry, apostleship, prophets, sin, man, all these doctrines which touched the life of Judas there were things I needed to do. I had to change what I thought was true concerning this man named Judas. I believe Jesus can save him. And I believe He did. Judas was called apostle by the Lord. In order to be an apostle you must be a member of the Body of Christ, right? And if you are a member of the Body of Christ, then you must be saved. Not even Jesus is unequally yoked with unbelievers.

 

[theWaris1]

RESPONSE: First, notice the election. Jesus declares He chose them (Lk. 6:12-13; Jn. 15:16). Jesus chose all twelve without distinction. In others words, Jesus chose Judas in the same capacity as He chose Peter, or Andrew, or James. There is no distinction. It does not say Jesus chose Peter, Andrew, and James for salvation, and Judas He chose for damnation. They were all chosen the same. This is election. Election doesn't save you, but it does mark you out for salvation (Rev. 13: 8 ).

The election of disciples isn't the same as the election as the saints for salvation.

Judas was a devil or adversary, an obvious tare.
Jesus knew it when he chose him, imo. It was part of the plan just as it was planned for his adversaries to put him to death which he chose to do for our sakes..

Judas was the only follower from below Galilee which may mean little to many here.. Many of those were not Hebrew or of Abraham but had taken over the land in Ezekiel's time while Judah was captive in Babylon and also during the time of Maccabees about 160 b.c. That is the reason Jesus couldn't reach many of these false teachers that were spreading a false religion that Christ called "traditions of the Elders" or traditions of men..
Who he called "offspring of vipers" several times and he said were of their Father, the Father of lies and associated them with Cain the first murderer who killed Abel and every prophet God had sent..

Judas was a deceiver, a tare and proved Not to be a child of God but of the adversary, the devil.

 

[Terene]

Fair enough. Why put forth understanding if one cannot defend it. If you sincerely desire to know how I see these things then I will share my understanding with you. I hope you are honest with the Scriptures and will seriously consider theses things:

QUOTE: Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

RESPONSE: First, notice the election. Jesus declares He chose them (Lk. 6:12-13; Jn. 15:16). Jesus chose all twelve without distinction. In others words, Jesus chose Judas in the same capacity as He chose Peter, or Andrew, or James. There is no distinction. It does not say Jesus chose Peter, Andrew, and James for salvation, and Judas He chose for damnation. They were all chosen the same. This is election. Election doesn't save you, but it does mark you out for salvation (Rev. 13: 8 ).

The English word (KJV "devil") is the Greek word "diabolos" and it means "a traducer," or more commonly, "false accuser." Jesus is saying, "Haven't I chose you twelve and one of you is a false accuser." I can relate to that, can you? Jesus chose me and I was a drug abuser, or liar, or thief, or disobedyed my parents, etc. Judas was at the time falsely accusing Jesus to the priests for monetary gain.[/font]

I never said Judas was not chosen, I do believe Jesus chose him to give him a chance to hear the Gospel and be saved. But the correct understanding is that Judas forsook his salvation by being a thief and loving money more than the Lord. He is an apostate, someone who fell away and became lost. He had so much evidence that Jesus was the Savior, and yet he sold Him for thirty pieces of silver to achieve his own purposes (whatever that may be). His apostasy is inexcusable, and God will not relent such a person who saw Jesus' miracles and heard His teachings and yet chose to betray Him. God is just, and Judas is without excuse. Judas' sin of betrayal and suicide are both not repented of, and that would be enough to being about spiritual death to Judas.

It's late here so I'll answer the rest of your post tomorrow.

 

[jeremiah1five]

The gifts and calling of God is without repentance.

As I said, having your doctrine rightly divided upon all the doctrines that the life of Judas touches and you will conclude as I have that Judas is with the other apostles elect, called, and chosen.

Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

At the time that the apostles were chosen Jesus was the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. You cannot place Matthias here for Jesus had risen a Lion.

 

[Terene]

QUOTE: Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

RESPONSE: First, notice the election. Jesus declares He chose them (Lk. 6:12-13; Jn. 15:16). Jesus chose all twelve without distinction. In others words, Jesus chose Judas in the same capacity as He chose Peter, or Andrew, or James. There is no distinction. It does not say Jesus chose Peter, Andrew, and James for salvation, and Judas He chose for damnation. They were all chosen the same. This is election. Election doesn't save you, but it does mark you out for salvation (Rev. 13: 8 ).

The English word (KJV "devil") is the Greek word "diabolos" and it means "a traducer," or more commonly, "false accuser." Jesus is saying, "Haven't I chose you twelve and one of you is a false accuser." I can relate to that, can you? Jesus chose me and I was a drug abuser, or liar, or thief, or disobedyed my parents, etc. Judas was at the time falsely accusing Jesus to the priests for monetary gain.[/font]

Another thing I hope to point out here is, Judas is labelled as a devil right from the beginning, even before he has done anything against Christ. The devil himself is called "the accuser of the brethren", and the Lord associated Judas with the devil because of what he will ultimately do.

You must realise that I am not saying Jesus called Judas to damnation, I never said that. Jesus called all the apostles to apostolic work and salvation, but Judas was the one who apostasised and fell away. Moreover, the way the Lord called Judas a devil was not because He is pointing out his sins. Peter, John and all the twelve apostles had sins in their lives, but the Lord specifically called Judas a devil, because he is the son of perdition and not a son of God. The Lord singled out Judas and revealed his true identity, because Judas' identity and fate are different from the rest of the apostles.

QUOTE: While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

RESPONSE: Again, dealing with the KJV which is 400 years old (happy birthday 1611-2011), we have to look at definitions. I prefer the Strong's Exhaustive and Vine's Dictionary.

The English word (KJV "perdition") means "ruin," or "destruction." And there are three senses in which the context where this word is found defines it: "physical" ruin or destruction, "spiritual" ruin or destruction, and "eternal" ruin or destruction. Given that Judas committed suicide it can only apply to his physical ruin or destruction. Again, being honest with Scripture I have not enough to say Judas under-went spiritual destruction (Holy Spirit not yet given), or eternal destruction (not enough for this either). But there is enough to say Judas physically ruined himself. Suicide qualifies. And suicide does not "pluck" you from the Father's hand or the Son's hand. We are saved by what God does, not what we do. Salvation is wholly of God. It is monergistic, not synergistic.

Judas committed suicide under the Law.

Judas sinned already by betraying the Lord and he sinned again by committing suicide. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness and removal of sins. Judas did not repent of his sins, both of which are grievous enough to bring about spiritual death. In fact, Judas never had a repentant heart, he was a thief and remained a thief until he died. Did not the Lord say, "Unless you repent, you will likewise PERISH"? Judas did not repent of his sinful lifestyle, so he could not be saved.

The fact is, those who are in the Father's Hands are those who have true saving faith in Christ. Judas did not put such a faith in Christ (perhaps), because he did not repent and forsake his sins. We do not know all the details of Judas' life, but the fact remains that he sinned and died without repentance.

Matthew 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, 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.

No doubt about Judas' betrayal. And what was that betrayal? Judas revealed the secret place where Jesus took His disciples to get away from the multitude for rest (Jn. 18:2). I am not into "degrees" of sin, to me sin is sin. But if you were to compare Judas' betrayal against Peter's betrayal, Peter's was greater. One, Judas did not deny Him. Judas took the soldiers to where they would find HIM. While Peter three times denied HIM. One, Judas clearly said this is where they would find Him, and Peter denied the Person of Him (Jesus).

In the passage above in Matthew 27 it is clear what happen: Judas SAW that Jesus was condemn (to die) something he did not expect. Next, Judas confessed his sin to the priests and tried to return the money to buy back the life of Jesus. This is repentance, isn't it? And Scripture says Judas repented.

Peter denied the Lord three times, yes, but he did it under a condition of extreme pressure and fear. He was witnessing his beloved Lord getting arrested and condemned, and he himself has the danger of being arrested with Him as well. Under such confusion and fear, Peter's flesh was weak and he stumbled. But when Peter was with the Lord, did he not say he is willing to die for the Lord? The Lord did say "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Peter loved the Lord, but he still stumbled because he had not fully understood how weak he was and he did not pray for strength to overcome the fear and pressure that would come upon him. When Peter came to his senses, he was so heartbroken from his sin that he went out and wept bitterly for denying Him. It is his love for Jesus that prevented him from falling away and from truly denying the Lord in his heart. It was this deep love for the Lord that brought Peter to true repentance and faith in Christ. Where do we see this kind of love for Jesus in Judas' case?

On the contrary, Judas betrayed the Lord when there was no pressure on him to do so, so he did it out of a willing heart and with a clear and unconfused mind. Do you really think Peter's betrayal was greater than Judas'? I don't think so, but rather, I would think Judas' betrayal is far greater than Peter's. It is a fact that Judas is a thief and loved money, and this was what led to his betrayal:

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 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. (John 12)

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 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. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26)

From the biblical accounts of the incident, it seems that Judas was the one who led the disciples into murmuring against the woman who used the ointment to anoint Jesus. But Jesus rebuked the disciples and asked them to leave the woman alone. In the account of Matthew, after that incident, Judas went to the priests and bargained with them to betray the Lord. It appears to me that Judas was unhappy with the Lord's rebuke and thus sought to take revenge. Again, this is just my guess, but it can be nevertheless clearly seen that Judas did not love the Lord from his heart like Peter did. Judas' betrayal of the Lord was from his heart, but Peter's betrayal was merely a fleshly reaction to fear and pressure.

Perhaps Judas truly wanted to repent when he saw the Lord condemned, but it was already too late. Judas had been with the Lord all along, seeing His miracles, partaking of the Holy Spirit's power and hearing His teachings for 3 whole years. Yet, he held onto his love for money and rejected the correction from the Lord, even when He said clearly that we cannot "serve God and mammon". His persistence in loving money more than the Lord was inexcusable in God's sight, and he let his own greed consume him and his conscience. He sold himself to the devil out of his own free will and choice and even betrayed the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. Do you not think that 3 whole years of mercy is not enough for Judas to truly repent? Do you think God has not given Judas enough evidences and time to consider his own sinful life and his need to turn to the Lord with a willing heart? I believe 3 years is more than enough for Judas to repent of his love for money, but he refused to do that. He himself is to be blamed and he deserved to be called a son of perdition, because that's what his actions show.

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. (Matthew 26)

If Judas is going to be saved, the Lord would never have proclaimed such a sobering statement against him.

 

[Terene]

Now, if these priests were in obedience to the Law of Moses they would have received Judas' sin and offered a sacrifice to atone, or they would have instructed him in the Law what to do for his mischief in assisting in wrongly condemning a man. Instead, they told him to "take care of it himself." So, he did. Being under the Law there was only one thing available to him to bring restitution to his sin: He needed to die.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Judas was obeying the Law which says:

Exodus 21:23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Life for life. Judas was told to "do it yourself" and "take care of it yourself." He did. He hung himself.

Again, I do not know the exact meaning why the priests rejected Judas' plea. But I believe the following understanding is logical:

1) The priests themselves wanted Jesus to be condemned and they only made use of Judas to accomplish their own wicked desires. So naturally, they could not care about the sins Judas had done and they refused to let Jesus go.

2) In this rejection of Judas' plea to release Jesus, it also shows that God has already rejected Judas and would no longer pardon him for his sins. The fate of Judas was pretty much sealed when he approached Jesus and betrayed Him with his kiss.

The following verse is worth noting:

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6)

I believe the above describes exactly the state of Judas. He was once enlightened (perhaps), he tasted the heavenly gift and partook of the Holy Spirit because he was among those sent to preach and cast out demons. But yet he fell away into perdition and thus he could not be renewed again unto repentance. He is among those who "beareth thorns and briers", "whose end is to be burned".

QUOTE: He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.

RESPONSE: I agree. Judas was a thief. And a false accuser.

And remember that the devil is also called a thief and accuser. Judas' actions showed that he belonged to the devil and will be destroyed.

QUOTE: 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.

RESPONSE: What is the "kingdom of God?" The answer: Romans 14:17.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

The "kingdom of God" is righteousness, peace, and joy. And the Holy Spirit is who gives it to you. These are fruits that we experience now in this existence. And Jesus said, "the kingdom of God is within you."

One more thing: Jesus is the kingdom of God. It is not a realm but a Person. Jesus is the kingdom of God.

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Jesus is casting out devils. That's what He is doing. Jesus is saying "I am the kingdom of God" because I am casting out devils in front of you and since I am castinmg out devils in front of you, then the kingdom of God (Jesus Christ) is come unto you. There are no subjects, no servants, just Jesus. And He is casting out devils.

If you are honest with Scripture you will consider this.

Let the Word of God tell you what to believe. Don't tell the Word of God what to say. I used to believe Judas was in hell. But when I began to understand doctrine such as repentance, confession, salvation, election, calling, gifts, ministry, apostleship, prophets, sin, man, all these doctrines which touched the life of Judas there were things I needed to do. I had to change what I thought was true concerning this man named Judas. I believe Jesus can save him. And I believe He did. Judas was called apostle by the Lord. In order to be an apostle you must be a member of the Body of Christ, right? And if you are a member of the Body of Christ, then you must be saved. Not even Jesus is unequally yoked with unbelievers.

I do not know the exact details about what the Kingdom of God entails, but let's leave it at that and concentrate on Judas instead. I have carefully considered the verses you gave me and still maintain that Judas is lost and not among the saved.

I do not consider myself an apostle, but I do believe that it is very dangerous if I start relying on my own understanding to what needs to be spiritually discerned. Again, I may not always be correct, but in the case of Judas, your understanding is definitely not consistent with the Word. Do be careful not to believe in every spirit but rather seek God's guidance in understanding the truth. Pray fervently as you read the Word, and ask God to guide you into all truth. Amen.

 

[Terene]

The gifts and calling of God is without repentance.

As I said, having your doctrine rightly divided upon all the doctrines that the life of Judas touches and you will conclude as I have that Judas is with the other apostles elect, called, and chosen.

Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

At the time that the apostles were chosen Jesus was the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. You cannot place Matthias here for Jesus had risen a Lion.

Yes, God's calling and election are without repentance, but that does not mean people cannot reject God's calling and election, right? Judas was called to be an apostle, but his unrepentant state of heart showed that he did not deserve that calling and he rejected it by ultimately betraying the Lord Jesus Christ.

I do believe Matthias' name will be found on the "wall of the city" not Judas'.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Yes, God's calling and election are without repentance, but that does not mean people cannot reject God's calling and election, right? Judas was called to be an apostle, but his unrepentant state of heart showed that he did not deserve that calling and he rejected it by ultimately betraying the Lord Jesus Christ.

I do believe Matthias' name will be found on the "wall of the city" not Judas'.

Church history began on the Day of Pentecost.

Do you know who Jacob Arminius is?

He was a professor in the Dutch Church in 1609 when he began teaching students a new theology. Such teaching contradicted the Belgic Confession which is orthodox and Biblical.

He was given opportunity to prove his assertions and before a synod which held 154 sessions in about seven months he was branded a heretic.

This conference was called the Synod of Dordt.

Take a reading of this time in our history. You are believing many things that Arminius taught. As I said, if you have your doctrine rightly divided and not tainted by heretics you will see the Word of God and the truth about Judas.

That's all I can give you for now.

Also, look up Finney. He is the one that taught one can "accept Jesus into their heart."

Another heresy.

 

[Terene]

Church history began on the Day of Pentecost.

Do you know who Jacob Arminius is?

He was a professor in the Dutch Church in 1609 when he began teaching students a new theology. Such teaching contradicted the Belgic Confession which is orthodox and Biblical.

He was given opportunity to prove his assertions and before a synod which held 154 sessions in about seven months he was branded a heretic.

This conference was called the Synod of Dordt.

Take a reading of this time in our history. You are believing many things that Arminius taught. As I said, if you have your doctrine rightly divided and not tainted by heretics you will see the Word of God and the truth about Judas.

That's all I can give you for now.

Also, look up Finney. He is the one that taught one can "accept Jesus into their heart."

Another heresy.

Sorry, I am not much of a history person, neither am I into theologies. Perhaps some of my understanding resembles Arminius' teachings, but that is not because I read his works or anything. I personally did not listen to any of Arminius' teachings so I don't know what he taught. From the first time I read about Judas, I already understood that he was going to be condemned, and that was what I got from reading the Word itself.

Nevertheless, are you able to show me why I believe in heresy from the Word itself? I did seriously consider what you quoted me and when I did not know what it meant, I used words like perhaps to say it is just how I see and understand. Can you now consider what I said and tell me where I might be wrong?