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NASB | John 13:11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, "Not all of you are clean." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 13:11 For He knew who was going to betray Him; for that reason He said, "Not all of you are clean." |
Subject: Do you forgive Judas? |
Bible Note: Dear brother Ray: Thank you for your kind response. I agree with the principle of scripture that "the Lord knoweth them that are his". I did not intend to set myself up as judge of Judas, but rather give my observations as seen in the scripture. I agree that the sacrifice of Christ was for all but according to Romans 3:22 it is "upon all them that believe". I believe that before the cross there were many who rejected Christ as seen in many of the religious leaders of the day. "He came unto his own but his own received him not, but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name" John 1:11-12 It is interesting that the scripture gives us detail about Judas. He was a privileged man called by the Lord Jesus as a disciple. He was a thief John 12:6. He was indwelt by satan in the end Luke 22:13, John 13:27. As you have rightly pointed out, Judas was no different from any other sinner, all of these sins could have been forgiven because there is forgiveness in Christ for all who will accept him as saviour. However, as in the case of Israel the Lord Jesus mourns over their rejection of him even though he had offered himself to them Matt:23:37 and pronounces their judgment "because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation" Luke 19:44. The reason I refer to these scriptures is that it appears that people of privilege have a time of visitation and that if they slight the privilege they may miss the blessing. In John 17:12 we read the words of the Lord Jesus as he prays to his father "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." I believe the son of perdition is in reference to Judas. Ray I believe we can accept the words of John 3:36 which you have referred to "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" Upon Calvary's cross Christ died for the sins of the whole world and offers forgiveness to all who will rest in his finished work. The sad reality is that many refuse this forgiveness and remain unforgiven. The example of Judas does not give me joy, but rather a deep sense of sadness when we consider that others are following the same path in that other things are more important than Christ. God bless you Robert |