Is Judas going to heaven?
The question of Judas going to heaven seems to be a big discussion over the years.
For those who don’t know Judas, here is a summary of who he was:
- One of the twelve disciples of Jesus’ inner circle (Luke 6:12-16 has him as the last one chosen);
- He was the treasurer for the group but was also seen as a theif of the money (John 12:4-6);
- Jesus identified him as a devil (John 6:70-71);
- A follower of Christ, but not a believer as his life provided an open door for Satan to overtake him and enter within him (Luke 22:3; John 13:27);
- Betrayed Jesus by guiding the Pharisees to his location and identifying Jesus by a kiss (Mark 3:19; Matthew 26:47-50);
- A friend of Jesus whose betrayal was prophesied in the Old Testament (Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12);
- First disciple to die (he committed suicide – Matthew 27:5);
- His actions fulfilled scripture (Acts 1:16).
What do you think? Is he going to heaven or hell?
As human beings, we are naturally knowledge seekers and as we say love saying at home “they just love minding other people’s business”.
When impressed upon with this question this week, I really had to think about it. As a woman who loves supporting the underdog, the oppressed, the ridiculed, or the sinner who thinks God can’t save them… my heart wants to reach out to Judas and the other people like him who are out there.
But as soon as that thought took root I felt as if the Lord was telling me to stop and don’t even go there! It is why we all have a choice. We can be a ‘follower’ of Jesus like Judas where we attend church every weekend, listen to the sermons, read the word and even pray. The bible says that prior to Judas betraying Jesus he was overcome by Satan. Meaning he was possessed (controlled) by him.
If Jesus hasn’t filled our heart, soul and mind in that we believe and trust that HE alone is our Savior then we are open to the devil attacks and him overcoming us.
We are encouraged in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
Food for thought: Is it important that we know whether Judas will make it to heaven? It shouldn’t be. Test yourselves and ensure YOU are in the faith!
Prayer: Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, grant us thy peace. Amen
May the God of grace, mercy and peace be with you.