*In a recent Bible study, the question came up “Will Judas be in heaven?” Going around the room for comments, it became clear that the general consensus was “no.” It was apparent that most people do not believe that Judas who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, could enter into God’s kingdom because he did not repent.
However, the King James version of Matthew 27:3 reads: “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…”
Some preachers explain the word repent as “turning around,” “changing directions,” “changing your mind,” and even “making a U-turn.” The Hebrew word “teshuvah” is translated as repentance, and literally means return, as if turning back to something one has strayed or looked away from. Other definitions of repent include: feel remorse for; regret; be sorry for; be ashamed of; see the error of one’s ways – all of which describe the agony Judas felt after all the wondrous experiences he’d had with Jesus, because of his actions, to a large degree, Jesus had been condemned to death. How can someone be so remorseful over something they were not already familiar with?
Judas the betrayer – knowingly selected by Jesus after a fervent prayer with God – was imbued with the same spirit as the other eleven disciples to perform miracles, yet God allowed Satan to cause him to lose his way.
Judas’ anguish and regret were so unbearable, Matthew 27:3-5 records: [When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So, Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.]
Satan is powerless unless he gets permission from God. Take the case of Job. God allowed Satan to attack Job who was a righteous man (Job 1:6-22). God initiated the conversation.
In the Book of Romans 9:16-21 God says: [What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore, God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?]
So, be not dismayed; neither be discouraged. We serve a sovereign God. What may be deemed righteous for wickedness, and wicked for righteousness, remains to be seen. We walk by faith – trusting, believing, and obeying the Word of God. When we all get to heaven, the complete story will be known. There may be some surprises as to who is and who is not there.
Listen to “(Love Every Day) All Year ‘Round” ft. Paul Warren on guitar from the DerShawn Music catalog, HERE.
Larry Buford is a contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: LBuford8101@hotmail.com
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