While discussing faith and works with a reformed friend of mine, I was struck by a lesson that I hadn't picked up in the gospel of Matthew.

Everyone knows that in the gospel of Matthew Judas betrays Christ for 30 pieces of silver, and then afterwards feels remorse and ends up hanging himself in his grief.

We also know from other scripture that Judas is extremely likely to be in hell, at least as much as we can say about any human.

How do Protestants square the knowledge that Judas "believed" in Christ, and even felt remorse for his actions, yet still went to damnation?

As a Catholic it seems like the perfect example of the difference between remorse and repentance. Whereas St.Dismas realized the error of his ways, and turns towards Christ confessing his iniquity, Judas merely feels bad, and rather than using it as an opportunity for improvement, kills himself instead.

I think this is a great example of James' "faith without works is dead". Remorse- faith without works.

The devil and the demons believe in Jesus. They refuse to submit to Him. Many around us are the same. Judas had his own vision of the Messiah and Jesus wasn't matching his own beliefs. Look at his reaction to the perfume used on Jesus' feet. I'd say many fall into this camp as well.

Quo Vadis? said:

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While discussing faith and works with a reformed friend of mine, I was struck by a lesson that I hadn't picked up in the gospel of Matthew.

Everyone knows that in the gospel of Matthew Judas betrays Christ for 30 pieces of silver, and then afterwards feels remorse and ends up hanging himself in his grief.

We also know from other scripture that Judas is extremely likely to be in hell, at least as much as we can say about any human.

How do Protestants square the knowledge that Judas "believed" in Christ, and even felt remorse for his actions, yet still went to damnation?

As a Catholic it seems like the perfect example of the difference between remorse and repentance. Whereas St.Dismas realized the error of his ways, and turns towards Christ confessing his iniquity, Judas merely feels bad, and rather than using it as an opportunity for improvement, kills himself instead.

I think this is a great example of James' "faith without works is dead". Remorse- faith without works.

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Not sure I'm seeing the difference between Catholic and Protestant belief on this one. He was remorseful but not repentant. He didn't have true saving faith and was not redeemed.

If you've never noticed it or heard it before, U2's "Until The End of the World" is told from Judas' view. Really great lines in that song.
"You were talking about the end of the world"
"You were acting like it was the end of the world"
"I reached out to the one I tried to destroy but you said wait..till the end of the world"

What do you mean when you say Judas "believed in Christ"?

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder!
James 2:19

Judas was a vessel of wrath.

Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil."
John 6:70

10andBOUNCE said:

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What do you mean when you say Judas "believed in Christ"?

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder!
James 2:19

Judas was a vessel of wrath.

Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil."
John 6:70

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Many of the Protestants I've spoken with believe that "belief in Christ" is the only prerequisite needed for salvation, due to John 5:13, despite all the other verses in the Bible to the contrary.

Where do we find Judas having "belief" or saving faith in Christ?

One comment and I will leave again.

I do not think it is our place to assume anyone's eternal destination. Especially damnation. I am not God.

And I truly hope for God's mercy on Judas and us all.

Merry Christmas!

10andBOUNCE said:

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Where do we find Judas having "belief" or saving faith in Christ?

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His remorse at what he'd done, it drove him to suicide.