 | Blogs > Tropical_Man > Mercy > Is Judas really in Heaven or Hell? Closer look |
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I find this groups answers interesting~~ For the last 1900 years, many Christians have placed Judas in a special category of evil. To sell Jesus into the hands of Israel's Priesthood is a sin most Christians feel they would not be capable of doing. Most Christians seem to categorize sins. In doing so, it allows them to separate themselves from the worst of sinners like Judas. The Bible says the wages of sin is death and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The purpose of this article is to raise Judas up from the false representation he has received from the self-righteous Christian and to bring down our self-righteousness to where we can look at the Judases of the world in the eye and be able to say, "I am the guilty one. I put Jesus on the tree of crucifixion. He died for my sins." Christians must do away with their scapegoats. In Germany, Christian Catholics and Protestants put thousands of Jews into ovens calling them Christ killers. Early in the church, the Jews became associated with Judas. They, along with Judas, have been the scapegoats for this desire of mankind to blame shift. It seems the world is obsessed these days to put the blame for the problems of the world on someone, any one except themselves. It is time to stop. We are all guilty. We have given ourselves a pardon, but we have not pardoned the world. We therefore, have put ourselves in an exalted position which has produced devastating results. We must be humbled. The purpose of this article is to bring us down to a place where we might be of benefit to the world. Our self-righteousness and pride has made us almost useless in changing the world for the good. If the world is getting darker, it is because our light is going out. May this article put a spark back into our Christian witness. |
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3/18/2008 4:54 am |
Facts about the History and Geographical Location of Judas Judas is the Greek form of the Hebrew Judah, which means praise. Iscariot means "man from Kerioth," a city in the Negev of the region in Jesus' day which was called Judea. Judas was the only one of the twelve apostles, the scriptures record, not coming from Galilee. Galileans were looked down upon by Judeans. Judea is where most of the priests lived since all the sacrifices had to be performed in Jerusalem. The 30 pieces of silver was a small sum of money, the value of a slave (Exodus 21:32). ($15 according to the American Tract Society Dictionary). If Judas were really covetous and greedy, why didn't he barter for much more? Jesus chose Judas, not the other way around. Jesus knew them before He picked them. Prior to the betrayal, Judas' only recorded sin was stealing from the money box. The other eleven apostles had accounts recorded of them of sins which included unbelief, lust for position and power, not being mindful of the things of the spirit but of man, all the disciples left Him, Peter denied Him three times in one night, falsely condemning people to fire when Jesus said He came to save, etc., etc.. Judas threw the 30 pieces of silver on the ground in the "naos" (Holy Place) part of the temple (Matthew 27:5). Only a priest could enter that part of the temple. Even Jesus could only enter the courtyard because he was not from the tribe of Levi. This fact is very important. Judas repented and made restitution (Matthew 27:3) then declared Jesus innocent and confessed his sin (Matthew 27:4). All these things happened to fulfill prophesy that the Creator planned to be fulfilled at this time. Judas was called "friend" (hetairos) by Jesus at the "betrayal" (Matthew 26:50). A word for friend indicating partnership, comrade, companion as opposed to "philos" indicating endearment. In other words, there was a partnership of some sort involved in this "betrayal."
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3/18/2008 4:58 am |
Facts about the History and Geographical Location of Judas Judas is the Greek form of the Hebrew Judah, which means praise. Iscariot means "man from Kerioth," a city in the Negev of the region in Jesus' day which was called Judea. Judas was the only one of the twelve apostles, the scriptures record, not coming from Galilee. Galileans were looked down upon by Judeans. Judea is where most of the priests lived since all the sacrifices had to be performed in Jerusalem. The 30 pieces of silver was a small sum of money, the value of a slave (Exodus 21:32). ($15 according to the American Tract Society Dictionary). If Judas were really covetous and greedy, why didn't he barter for much more? Jesus chose Judas, not the other way around. Jesus knew them before He picked them. Prior to the betrayal, Judas' only recorded sin was stealing from the money box. The other eleven apostles had accounts recorded of them of sins which included unbelief, lust for position and power, not being mindful of the things of the spirit but of man, all the disciples left Him, Peter denied Him three times in one night, falsely condemning people to fire when Jesus said He came to save, etc., etc.. Judas threw the 30 pieces of silver on the ground in the "naos" (Holy Place) part of the temple (Matthew 27:5). Only a priest could enter that part of the temple. Even Jesus could only enter the courtyard because he was not from the tribe of Levi. This fact is very important. Judas repented and made restitution (Matthew 27:3) then declared Jesus innocent and confessed his sin (Matthew 27:4). All these things happened to fulfill prophesy that the Creator planned to be fulfilled at this time. Judas was called "friend" (hetairos) by Jesus at the "betrayal" (Matthew 26:50). A word for friend indicating partnership, comrade, companion as opposed to "philos" indicating endearment. In other words, there was a partnership of some sort involved in this "betrayal."
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3/18/2008 5:00 am |
Let us begin to weave all these pieces together and see if we can see some things we have never thought about before. Perhaps we can get a glimpse of the wisdom of our Father which will leave us amazed and a little more humbled. In reading about Jesus in the New Testament, we must always keep in mind that He came to "fulfill the law." First, He fulfilled it by adding the Spirit back to it which the religious leaders had removed by their "letter keeping." The next aspect of "fulfilling the law" dealt with eliminating laws added to Moses' law which had nothing to do with Moses. The Jews added thousands of laws which were impossible to remember or keep. Some of the laws added actually made it possible to break Moses law' for self gain. For example, when making an agreement, one had to face Jerusalem and say twice "Amen, Amen." If one said "Amen" only once, the agreement was not lawful and therefore could be broken. Knowing the "Law" at this point in Israel's history actually became profitable. Many foreign people were swindled by these kinds of acts. The modern church has copied those swindlers, and has actually exceeded many of the "lawful" schemes perpetrated in Jesus' day by "religious people." The widow, orphan, and poor were greatly oppressed by the religious leaders. Today, the use of the unlawful "tithe" is an example of the greed of religious men and women who use this money to build their own kingdoms.
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3/18/2008 5:02 am |
The third way Jesus dealt with the Mosaic Law was to fulfill every type and shadow contained in all the sacrificial ceremonies. Many people were predestined to participate with Jesus in His fulfillment of these ceremonies. One of the leading participants in fulfilling these ceremonies and Scriptures was Judas. These laws can be seen on at least three levels. The actual performance of them by Israel. Seeing how Jesus would physically perform and fulfill them in the flesh. Seeing the spiritual reality behind it all.
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3/18/2008 5:03 am |
Most of us who have studied the scripture for any length of time know that Jesus was the "lamb of God," the "lamb slain before the foundation of the world." We know Jesus, the Innocent Lamb's blood, was shed for us that the Death Angel would "pass over" our house, that is, our life. But we have been very shallow in our studies and have not looked at how the Lamb was determined to be an "innocent lamb." We have looked to Pontius Pilate as the judge who determined whether Jesus was guilty of death or not, but Jesus had to fulfill the Laws of God, not the laws of Rome. The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus guilty, not innocent. They would not declare the lamb innocent. So how was Jesus lawfully determined to be the "innocent" Lamb? The answer: Judas! As we begin to gather all these pieces together, keep in mind that Judas was predestined just as Jesus being born at this time was predestined. Jesus chose Judas knowing his purpose; that prior to Satan entering Judas, his sins were really not much different than the other apostles. Be very careful in how you judge Judas for as you judge, perhaps, so shall you be judged.
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3/18/2008 5:05 am |
Inspecting the Lamb As early as the Book of Genesis, there are references to proper sacrifices. All of these Old Testament sacrifices obviously pointed to the reality of Jesus Christ. I believe every sacrificial type and shadow will find it's reality wrapped up in Jesus Christ and His Body. This article will not deal with all of the types. We are concerned with the role Judas played and so we will have to stay focused as much as possible on Judas' role in prophesy being fulfilled. Jesus was crucified in the Passover season. Did you know that a young goat was just as acceptable as a lamb? (2 Chronicles 35  , Leviticus 22:19, Exodus 12:5). Somehow, due to our false teachings of the separation of the sheep and goats (derived from the parable in Matthew 25:31-34, 41), we have pictured the goat as an unclean animal. This is not so, at least according to Scripture. Many of our perceptions of the Creator and His Plan come from our religious traditions and not from the Scriptures. In the original Passover, the lamb (or goat) was selected on the 10th day of the month of Abib (Deuteronomy 16:1) . This month was to be their first month since that was the month they were delivered from Pharaoh (Exodus 13:3-4). This lamb or goat was kept for 4 days and inspected to make sure it was spotless and without blemish. In subsequent Passovers, the Priest had to inspect the lamb or kid to make sure it was without blemish.
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3/18/2008 5:07 am |
Most of you know all the ceremonies of Israel were types and shadows which were to point to realities which would come later on. While most Christians are very unskilled in dealing with the Old Testament, they have received enough to know that Jesus Christ was the true Passover Lamb pointed to by the first Passover in Egypt and its commemorative Passovers which were to be kept each year by Israel. The Passover lamb or goat pointed to the true Sacrificial Goat, Jesus Christ. Did you just get a little flustered? Yes, the goat represents Jesus just as much as the cute little dumb lamb. Remember, on the Day of Atonement, two goats were selected; one to be killed and the other to be set free (Leviticus 16 ). These also pointed to the work of Christ. This animal had to be inspected by the Priests. Jesus had to be inspected by the Priests! The problem was that the Priests of the temple declared Jesus guilty of blasphemy which was punishable by death! How could Jesus be the innocent lamb or goats if they declared Him blemished with sin?
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3/18/2008 5:08 am |
Orthodox Christianity puts it in the hands of the true secular authority of Israel which was Pontius Pilate. He asked Jesus a number of questions and after doing so found that Jesus was not guilty of anything worthy of the death penalty (Matthew 27). He washed his hands of the whole affair and said he found no fault with Jesus and wanted to set him free. The people, prodded on by the priests, wanted Him to be crucified. Pontius Pilate made another attempt to free Jesus by using a tradition Romans used on special occasions. On certain important days they would release a prisoner as a sign of mercy or good will. Pontius Pilate gave Israel a choice of freeing Jesus, who claimed to be the Son of God, or Barabbas. Some ancient manuscripts called him Jesus Barabbas. Barabbas, in Greek, means "Son of a Father or Master." Abba, in Aramaic, means father. So the choice presented to Israel was a very interesting choice. Which do you want freed...Jesus (which means God's deliverance) or Barabbas (son of a Father or Master). This is the scapegoat offering.
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3/18/2008 5:10 am |
The people picked Jesus to be sacrificed and Barabbas to escape into the wilderness of humanity. At this point, Pilate ceremoniously washed his hands of the whole thing and turned the whole thing over to the Jews. He said "Ye see to it" (Matthew 27:24). The people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children" (verse 25). Now dear reader, I want you to think through very carefully what we are about to discuss. It is vitally important for our witness and our ability to demonstrate the love of Christ. It is also vitally important to understand in order to rightly divide the Word. Honestly, in your heart, between Peter and Judas, who do you identify with most? For whom do you find more love, Peter or Judas? What about those Jews who yelled, "Crucify, crucify, let His blood be on our heads." Do you identify with them or despise them? James 1:23-24, "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." Matthew 16:21-23, "From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
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3/18/2008 5:12 am |
Please note that the text does not say "Satan entered him" as with Judas (John 13:27). Jesus directly called Peter "Satan," which means adversary. Peter was unwilling for the dark side of the Word to be fulfilled. Death must precede life. Peter was not "mindful of the things of God." Trying to be the nice guy and saving Jesus' life was not the will of the Father. Jesus being betrayed, becoming the Lamb slain, being valued at 30 pieces of silver, and the purchase of the "field of blood" was "being mindful of the things of God." Please get this one point. Peter was directly called "Satan." Satan had to enter Judas in order for him to fulfill the Scriptures (John 13:27). In other words, Judas was not capable of betraying Jesus by himself! He had to be taken over. Peter did not need the help of Satan to not be mindful of the things of God. It was perfectly natural for him. When Satan wanted to "sift" Peter, Jesus prayed for Peter. Why didn't Jesus just pray for Judas? Because Judas had to do what he did to fulfill Scripture that the redemption of the whole world from its bondage to sin might be accomplished! Judas was not a hearer only, as Peter was, but a "doer of the word." Not only was he a doer, but Jesus hastened Judas along to get it done. "What you are doing, do more quickly" (John 13:27). Judas fulfilled his purpose for being born.
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3/18/2008 5:14 am |
The reason we are spending so much time on Judas is because we have found among some of the "elect" a disdain for "Jews" who have been called "Christ killers" for almost 2000 years. Martin Luther hated Jews and recommended they be killed. If right now you have an uneasy feeling, or feel a little blood rush to your head, you probably need to come to the place of the true realization that you and I are the Christ killers. If there were no Jews, our sins would still have put Jesus on the Tree of Crucifixion. What I am trying to say is that we, as bondservants of Christ, have no business looking down upon any man, race, or nation. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, nay, not one, including Judas, you, or myself. It is time for us to be able to look everyone right in the eyes, not looking down or up to anyone. When we humble ourselves, then He will allow us to see things in the Scriptures we have never seen before. His Holy Spirit will remove the veil over our eyes and we will behold wondrous things
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3/18/2008 5:15 am |
Redeemed We speak so often of the "Lamb who takes away the sin of the world." This takes us back to Exodus to the Passover lamb. Israel was to put the blood of a lamb older than eight days and less than one year which was unblemished on the door of their house. The death angel or God was going to kill every first-born male in Egypt. Only those houses marked with the blood would be "passed over." But the death angel was not going to kill everyone in the unmarked houses, only the first born males. Later on, we find out that the God of Israel wanted every male that opened the womb as His own, whether it be from the domestic animals, or people. The first-born male children of Israel had to be redeemed, that is, bought back. In other words, when they were born, they belonged to God. The parent had to purchase him back from the Levites for a certain price. A first born-male jackass, an unclean animal, had to be redeemed with a lamb. Money in this case was not accepted.
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3/18/2008 5:16 am |
Our Father and His Son are not hypocrites. They live by the laws They set. Under the Mosaic Law, an owner of land and animals is responsible for what happens on that land. If he digs a pit and doesn't cover it and a neighbor's animal falls into it and dies, the owner of the pit is liable. If someone builds a house with a roof and doesn't put up a railing and someone falls off, you must flee to a city of refuge until the death of the High Priest. The following Scriptures may not seem to fit this article, but they are very important. I cannot go into full explanation of all of this because it would take too much space. I hope the gaps will cause you to study this out for yourselves. Exodus 21:28-32, "If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death. If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him. If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned." Zechariah 11:12-13, "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD." Matthew 27:3-10, "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, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple (naos), and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."
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3/18/2008 5:17 am |
The Creator of the Universe must abide by His own Laws. He created Adam, placed him in a place where he could be deceived by a Serpent which the Creator also created. Adam and all his offspring fell into a pit and all died. In Adam all died, including you. According to the Mosaic Law, the Creator was responsible for Adam's death and must make restitution. According to the Law, the owner of a beast that has been known to gore in the past, must die along with the beast. However, if a ransom price has been placed upon that man, he may be redeemed. The value the Priest of Israel placed upon Jesus was 30 pieces of silver, which Judas put into the temple. Judas threw the 30 pieces of silver on the ground in the "naos" (Holy Place) part of the temple (Matthew 27:5). Only a priest could enter that part of the temple. Even Jesus could only enter the courtyard because he was not from the tribe of Levi. Therefore, Judas was a priest. This is where the phrase "Judas Priest" comes from.
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3/18/2008 5:18 am |
Lawfully, Jesus, who the Father gave all things to, and who all things are of, to, and through (Romans 11:36), must die because of allowing the serpent to kill Adam and his offspring, but Jesus was redeemed with the 30 pieces of silver. Not only that, but the 30 pieces of silver purchased the Potter's field, which became the "Field of Blood," which became a proper burial place in the land of Israel for foreigner, gentiles, that is non-Israelites. This "field of blood" was located in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, known as "Gehenna" to the Greeks and better known as "hell" in many misleading Bible translations, including the King James Bible. For those of you who want to translate Gehenna as "hell," you should know that Judas purchased that field called "hell" which the Potter's field is in.
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3/18/2008 5:19 am |
Conclusion Jesus came to fulfill the Law. I believe we are just beginning to understand what that is all about. I know I left many things out; there is just too much to cover. I just hope I have at least brought you to the place where you can look Judas eye to eye instead of down on him. If I have failed to do that, I hope I have cracked a few doors which at least will keep you from making a final judgment of Judas. I am trying to do this not so much for Judas' sake, but for your sake. The next generation of Christians villainized Judas so much that Papias, Bishop of Heirapolis in about 140 A.D., claimed that Judas was so swollen that where a wagon could go through easily, he could not go through; nay, he could not even insert the mass of his head. His genitals were repellent and huge beyond all shamefulness. From his whole body flowed blood mixed with worms. According to this "Bishop" who claims to have known John, the apostle, Judas died in his own place, which, because of the stench, has remained deserted and uninhabitable to the present day. This kind of gross exaggeration to the point of lying is not unusual of Christian circles, ancient or present day. To summarize, be careful where you place Judas. He did the will of the Father and fulfilled the Scriptures. Peter, who we all love, tried to prevent Jesus' crucifixion and was called "Satan" by our Lord. Peter, who was not mindful of the will of God, was restored. Was it not Jesus who said, ""For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:50)? Be careful about placing Jesus' brother, Judas, in Christendom's "hell." One day you may have to look up to Judas, instead of looking down on him. Peter denied him three times in one night while Judas declared Jesus innocent in front of the High Priesthood. Judas had a very important job in the Kingdom of God. For three and one half years, as a Priest he inspected the Lamb of God as an unbiased man. He was not "one of them" a Galilean. He was the outsider. He did his job perfectly. If Judas really wanted to mess things up, he could have agreed with the High Priesthood and called Him a "blasphemer" who claimed to be the Son of God when He really wasn't. But Judas declared the Lamb spotless and unblemished, the Perfect Passover. Thank you, Judas, for not only being a hearer of the Word, but also a doer of the Word. Thank you, Judas, for giving the redemption money which purchased the Potter's field; a place for strangers in the land of Israel and the silver which speaks of the redemption of the family of Adam who sold himself as a slave to sin. You may not like how Judas got that money, but you should rejoice in what it did for you. I hope these words have you stirring. I hope they have rekindled a desire to study the Scriptures more. Most importantly, may these words cause you to give more freely what our Father has so freely bestowed upon you. . . mercy. Is there more room in your heart for mercy for yourself? If there is, then there is also more room for you to have mercy on others, especially those vessels of less honor in our eyes. Lift up the Judases of the world to our wonderful Father who freely forgives, Who bestows mercy upon the undeserving
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 3/18/2008 4:29 pm |
I read every word. I too have been exploring the temple online, enjoyed your breaking down into greek various words; glad you repeated some things for memory purposes; been reading Deuteronomy myself, lots of strange laws, if I must say so; did you use the KJV to study from? Because I see you also mention, without gleaning back into your writing, that the KJV misquotes; and last but not least...I'm blessed when I happily tithe! Great post! - Pat -BigChurch finally came through !! My Testimony ... Updated.
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3/19/2008 3:39 am |
jeremiahifive did a post on this in the magazine quite awhile back.At that time I agreed with him that Judas was saved but now that I have thought it over,I just don't think so.Personally I would prefer that Judas was saved but thats not what I'm gleaming from the Word.Truthfully I don't really know for sure. Did you read my reply about Romans9:14-24? It would be interesting to see what people interpret the Word to say about that.
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3/20/2008 3:26 pm |
I will look at it You dont do the will of God and go to hell for doing so. Thats why when it is studied, you will find that he was alive after Christ rose from the dead. He and Jesus were fine. Jesus knew what would happen, but Judas did not.
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3/20/2008 7:19 pm |
If you were to use this reasoning that Judas was doing the will of God by betraying Jesus, you would probably also say that Joesph brothers were doing the will of God when they sold him into slavery. Joesph was willing to forgive his brothers, but he did not condone their actions. His comment was that what they intended for evil God used for good. God is capable of using all things to accomplish his purposes. Thus God used Judas betrayal to accomplish his purpose, but that does not justify his actions. If Judas had not betrayed Jesus, God would have found some other way. I have heard it said that Judas was a zealot and that he thought that by betraying Jesus, he thought he would force Jesus to set up his earthly Kingdom. When he realized that the priest would kill Jesus and that Jesus would not resist he was sorry, but being sorry isn't always the same thing as repenting. Though it is possible for Jesus death to cover Judas' sin, Judas killed himself before the resurrection. I doubt that he had the faith to believe Jesus could save him. I do agree that we should not judge the Jews by what Judas or the priests did. We all have selfish motives and many of us might have done the same thing if we were in Judas shoes, but no sin should be justified or considered God's will. Sin just proves that we are all in need of Jesus grace.
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3/20/2008 7:23 pm |
Daine. No he didnt do this before the resurection. Check out my blog on when he died.It scripturally shows he was with the other 11 when Jesus appeared to them.
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3/24/2008 8:33 pm |
Judas was called the4 son of perdition.. and Satan entered into the heart of Judas. He was an evil person,, and he was a thief, it says in the Word, that he did not care for the poor,, he was only thinking of himself,, and he committed suicide.
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3/24/2008 8:41 pm |
entered into him to do what he did. Has satan ever entered into you when you did something bad? Suicide does not send a person to Hell. Once Christ rose, Christianity started. Judas was present and with the other disciples. He repented. I seriously doubt you read all of this. It is well documented and very sound.
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3/26/2008 9:59 am |
Hi, I read this through twice, to try to make sure I understood it all. If I have missed anything, please forgive me. Do I hate Judas? No, I never have done. I always thought he was used as an instrument to fulfill both the scriptures and the Will of God. Jesus knew he would be the Betrayer and He still called him, still loved him and still called him friend. - because He knew that Judas' possession by Satan was a vital part in God's plan. I feel sorry for the pain and anguish he must have felt when he realised the enormity of what he had done and the grief that drove him to his suicide. I love Peter because, to me, he is the epitome of most Christians. We try, we fall down and fail, then we get up and try again. Jesus forgave Peter for his denial three times and continued to forgive him his failings right through his life. I do not love either one of them more than the other - Who I am to judge them, I am very far from perfect myself - who am I to question Christ's certain knowledge that they were BOTH worthy of loving. I do not condemn the crowd that bayed for the blood of Christ. Imagine a political rally, a football cup final, a demonstration about a deeply felt social issue - it is easy to induce "mass hysteria" when people are in a highly charged emotional state. Remember, this was also part of God's plan! This would have happened to the crowd whether it was made up of Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, Romans etc, etc. So I do not view the whole of Judaism as Christ Killers. I personally think that Judas is, right now, in Heaven with Our Lord, how could a merciful, just, loving and compassionate God send him anywhere else as a reward for doing HIS Will. Love, Liz xxxx God Bless You and keep you in the palm of His hand.
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3/26/2008 10:44 am |
I agree Liz. The thing is. Before the atonement... the Holy Spirit did not reside in him. So satan entered in. Doesnt mean he stayed. and Judas was alive when Christ appeared. Christ stayed several weeks with them. So Judas was present.
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3/27/2008 5:16 am |
Satan wouldn't stay would he? He would have withdrew and enjoyed the pain and anguish of Judas, as the real man realised what physical torment and suffering his "friend" was going through. Thank God for the love of Christ who would, surely, have eased the pain of His friend and instrument. Lots of love, Liz xxxx God Bless You and keep you in the palm of His hand.
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3/27/2008 5:39 am |
Yeah one could not imagine the turmoil this man faced. He and Jesus were very close.
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3/27/2008 9:22 am |
Yeah one could not imagine the turmoil this man faced. He and Jesus were very close. God Bless, Love, Liz xxxx God Bless You and keep you in the palm of His hand.
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4/11/2008 1:37 pm |
Very well put. Good job! To me personally it enhances my faith thinking someone doing God's will is not damned.
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4/11/2008 1:38 pm |
Why would Judas not be forgiven? Was his sin so grievous and unforgivable? Was he the worst sinner of his time? Peter, despite being warned by Jesus, still denied him at three separate time-intervals, of which I believe, within each of these time-intervals, he had enough time to recollect and understand what he was doing. The only reason why Peter denied Jesus was fear of his own life. Later, he was not only re-instated, he was put in charge. Why would Judas not be forgiven? He acted out of ignorant rather than wickedness of the heart. He knew and belief with all his heart that Jesus is the Messiah. He also knew that Jesus has come to deliver the Jews from their Roman-Masters but he thought its by Sword. Besides, the betrayal of Jesus has been prophesied even before the coming of Christ, meaning that somebody has to do it for the Scripture to be fulfilled. It's true, to sin is a free-will decision. It's also true, Satan is a very cunning/crafty being, humanbeings are weak and imperfect, not a match to his craftiness. If Judas has not done it, someone else has to. Thank God its not our own time, who knows whom it could have been. When Judas saw Jesus going about preaching love, forgiveness and reconcilliation, he thought he is becoming too weak, the hope of deliverance slipping away,therefore had to take action. Peter's denial and Judas'betrayal fall into same category of forgivable sin, therefore should be treated alike.[/I]
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4/19/2008 6:31 pm |
Do you realize that Jesus, like the scapegoat was sent out into the wilderness by God? Do you know that there are only two people in the Bible that are referred to as having their bowels spilled out? One of them was murdered in the OT and the other was Judas when he supposedly hung himself. The simialrities in the descriptions raise a question for me. Was he murdered after his denying that the right thing was being done? I have always thought that he was caring out God's will cuz' without his betrayal, they didn't know who to kill. Do you know that besides Jesus, the Priests also wanted to have Lazarus killed? They saw Lazarus as a threat cuz of his popularity with the people and the connection of Jesus having raised him from the dead. Note who the people were that were present when Jesus raised him and who the people were at the triumphal entry. Also note who they came to see. Both Jesus and Lazarus. What would keep them from killing Judas too? Isn't it great to explore God's Word and find out that there is far more to Him than we realize!? Spiritualbud, Always blooming in His Love! Spiritualbud, Always blooming in His Love!
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4/19/2008 7:32 pm |
interesting  thanks for stopping by
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4/21/2008 3:11 pm |
Ooops! I just remembered something else. Jesus was a Levite through his mother's blood line. Elizabeth and her were cousins and Zechariah and Elizabeth were both Levite's. The other reason that we see this as important is cuz of the referrence to the order of Melchizedek, both king and high priest of Salem. (later known as Jerusalem) Jesus is both king and high priest! Bless you and your being so open as to really pay attention to the Word of God and not to Words of Men. Psalm 118:18 Spiritualbud, Always blooming in His Love!
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4/21/2008 9:09 pm |
Thanks for stopping by GBU Dennis
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4/30/2008 5:34 am |
Not only did Judas confess his sin, he claimed that the innocent blood was shed on account of his sin. Matt 27:4 When I made that claim I was "SAVED". Why is it good enough for me and not for Judas? I am an ambassador for the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, washed in His blood.
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4/30/2008 6:00 am |
very good point Bob! Thanks for stopping by
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4/30/2008 12:17 pm |
Do you remember that when Jesus ressurrected the Chief Priests and the Scribes conspired to cook-up a lie that his body was stolen while the soldiers were asleep? They were prepared to go to any length to silence the reign of Christ. If Judas had not taken his own life, he would have been a living witness. There is high probability that he could have been murdered too. I never given thought to Lazarus after ressurrection. You are right, he is not only a key witness, he must have attracted much popularity, therefore a threat to them. 2heads is always better than 1 CALY2000
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4/30/2008 2:29 pm |
interesting thoughts and Judas had high connections with the Priests and was allowed into the innermost part of the sanctuary where only select Priests were allowed.
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 7/13/2008 4:34 am |
Hi TM, 2) The Lord Jesus called Judas "a devil" Judas was a devil before he ever agreed to betray the Lord. John 6 0-71 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. So, it wasn't a case of Satan entering him, he was from Hell which is why Jesus said he would go back to when he came. I'll now send you an article that explains this more fully than I can. Personally, we all have compassion on one who was destined to betray Christ, but at no time did God take over Judas' free will, he made the choice to betray Christ. I am not even sure how long Hell will perpetuate as if Satan and all his angels are to be cast into the lake of fire, then, who's going to man it? We are not more loving and compassionate than God, so God will always do right. Even if we are predestined to do act in a certain way, God has never treated us like a Robot, we are predestined according to foreknowledge as God lives outside of time so there is no past, present or future, His knowledge of us is like a complete circle of our whole life, as if it was already over. I agree that I don't want Judas to be in Hell, but it's not our decision, it was as it is with all of us sinners, between God and the idividual. The Lord knoweth them that are His... June
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7/13/2008 4:36 am |
Hi, TM, this is an article, not written by me, hope it's Ok to post it here, it's not my personal opinion, just an article that complements your own wonderful article. 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 11:4  2) The Lord Jesus called Judas "a devil" Judas was a devil before he ever agreed to betray the Lord. John 6 0-71 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 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. 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".
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7/13/2008 6:48 am |
I am sorry. I no longer wish to debate.
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