How about a Judas question?

[rkymtnjesusfreak]

We had kind of a weird discussion in our bible study last night. Each week our study walks us through a study of a different one of the apostles, last night was Judas Iscariot. In the midst of the discussion, it was discussed about whether or not he could have truly repented at the very end and been saved before death. Some were very adament that this could not have happened and said that there are verses that back this up but could not provide the references right at that moment. I am planning on trying to do a study on this single point as now I am quite curious, but wondered what any of you might think on this subject. This maybe should have been posted elsewhere, but I always like to see what my fellow Baptists think on an issue first!! Thanks (and please ignore my spelling, it's still early!!)!

[mlqurgw]

I think Christ answered the question.

Mat 26:24 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.
Mat 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

[Athanasian Creed]

John 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 term son was given by the Hebrews to those who possessed the character described by the word or name following.
Thus Judas is called a son of perdition because he had the character of a destroyer. He was a traitor and a murderer. And this shows that he who knew the heart regarded his character as that of a wicked man--one whose appropriate name was that of a son of perdition. (Barnes)

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...
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,
The word rendered repented himself, it has been observed, does not of necessity denote a change for the better, but any change of views and feelings. Here it evidently means no other change than that produced by the horrors of a guilty conscience, and by deep remorse, for crime at its unexpected results. It was not saving repentance; that leads to a holy life: this led to an increase of crime in his own death. True repentance leads the sinner to the Saviour: this led away from the Saviour to the gallows. Judas, if he had been a true penitent, would have come then to Jesus, confessed his crime at his feet, and sought for pardon there. But, overwhelmed with remorse, and the conviction of vast guilt, he was not willing to come into his presence, and added to the crime of a traitor that of self-murder. Assuredly, such a man could not be a true penitent. (Barnes)

Acts 1:16-25 (Peter speaking) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 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. 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. 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...which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
"...go to his own place" denotes habitation, abode, situation in which to remain, one which is used by the ancient writers to denote going to the eternal destiny. (Barnes)

Hope that helps some,


Ray :wave:

[JPPT1974]

Judas IMO was a greedy man
Who was in being a disciple
For fame and greed it seems
And that he care about nobody
Not even Christ Jesus the Lord
Except for one person
Who was in it for himself
Sad but true though!:sigh:

[constance]

I think it's time to redirect the Bible Study!

There is not much in the Bible which leads us to believe that Judas might be saved, except the verse that the Gospel was preached to those who were dead.

Maybe the poor sod got a second chance?

Constance

[DawnTillery]

IMO, I dont think he was considered a "disciple" any longer, but again NONE of us know what was in his heart at that time.. but in Acts it speaks about Matthias being numbered with the 11, so i was thinking they no longer considered "judas" as one..
Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.