Where Did Judas Go?

Orthodoxy is important. The word literally means “right belief” and it is vital to a growing Christian’s life. Some “Christians” today shrug off orthodoxy as though it were merely conservative stuffiness, embraced only by those who believe they have everything together and that their way is the only way to do something.

But I say again, orthodoxy is important. The excesses of certain traditionalists who make everything a matter of orthodoxy should not be used as an excuse for permitting and even embracing unorthodox belief. Not all teachings are equal, so while there may be some leeway in the style of music we play, the clothes we wear, or the type of church we attend, there should be little to no leeway for matters of salvation. Affirming the Bible as the inspired, inerrant word of God is not the a trifling matter like whether or not to preach from behind a pulpit.

I came across an article some time ago on CNN’s belief blog. It was written by Craig Gross, the founder and “pastor” of XXXchurch.com. His “ministry” seeks to help men and women break free from addictions to pornography. A noble pursuit, though his methods have been criticized by many others (they set up booths at porn fairs and I’ve never heard of them wanting for volunteers).

Gross’ article wasn’t about porn however. It was about Judas. Back when the internet was all abuzz with Rob Bell’s book Love Wins, everyone was asking about hell and who goes there. Gross tried his hand at answering the question, “Is Judas Iscariot in hell?” His response is seriously unorthodox and causes me to question what kind of gospel he proclaims (see Galatians 1:8-9).

Here’s part of what he says:

Let me tell you a little bit about what the Bible says about Judas:

He was personally chosen to be an apostle by Jesus.

He spent 3 1/2 years traveling with Jesus.

He saw all the miracles of Christ in person.

He watched as Christ healed the sick, raised the dead and cast out demons.

In terms of experience with Jesus, whatever you can say about Peter, James and John, you can say about Judas.

On top of all this, he handled the money, which is most of the time the most trusted one in the bunch. No one suspected that Judas would betray Jesus, which tells me he was a believer.

He further states:

Peter left the room and denied Jesus three times.  Judas left the room and sold Jesus out for 30 coins.

One committed suicide, and one went on to build the church as we know it today. Both Peter and Judas committed the same sin. They both denied Jesus. But why do most people think one goes to heaven and one goes to hell?

Gross may be able to spin a few facts about Judas, but he ignores the most important ones. Why do most people think one goes to heaven and one goes to hell? I don’t know why most people do, but I know why I do: Jesus says so!

The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born (Matthew 26:24, ESV).

John records Jesus praying in his gospel,

While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled (John 17:12).

Add to these unequivocal statements from the mouth of Jesus the fact that Judas didn’t repent of his sin (that’s what distinguishes him from Peter), and we have a pretty airtight case from the pages of Scripture that Judas is not in heaven.

The important thing here is not whether Judas went to hell or not, though the answer is pretty clear. The important thing is whether the Bible is true and authoritative for all matters of faith and practice, and if it tells us how we can know for sure if we are going to heaven or not. Gross ends his article in the negative saying, “And I believe that where you end up, God only knows.”

The essence of the gospel says otherwise.

Orthodoxy is important.

Osama bin Laden, Judas Iscariot, and Justice

News outlets show video of celebrations in New York and D.C. People are happy. Osama bin Laden, wanted terrorist and mastermind of the September 11 terrorist attacks has finally been brought to justice.

In a scene Americans have anticipated since shortly after the attacks, U.S. Special Forces conducted a night raid on bin Laden’s hideout, killing him and extracting his body. His grave is the sea, and if a shrine or memorial is erected, it will not be over his tombstone.

I will not betray an air of humility or hyper-spirituality by saying I mourn for Osama bin Laden. I have prayed for his salvation. I prayed that he would realize the deep wickedness that he had plunged into and turn and repent. I would have gladly rejoiced in his salvation.

Osama bin Laden has taken on the personification of evil in our day, compared to the devil on many occasions. However, if we are to think biblically about this man and his recent death, I think it appropriate to compare him not to the devil, but to another man who was quite literally controlled by the devil: Judas Iscariot.

Just as the name “Osama bin Laden” conjures up images and thoughts of evil, treachery, and wickedness, so too does the name “Judas Iscariot.” In fact, as bad as bin Laden was, he will never replace Judas as the man most associated with treachery.

The gospel writers make it clear that Jesus knew from the outset of his ministry that Judas would betray him (cf. John 6:64). He says in John 6:70, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”

Judas was a thief (cf. John 12:6). He handled the money that supported Jesus’ ministry and helped himself to it. As a matter of fact, he even criticized Mary for “wasting” her expensive perfume, arguing that it could have been sold and the money gone to the poor. He didn’t say it because he cared for the poor, but because he wanted to have access to that kind of money.

In all of the New Testament there is not one positive reference to the man. Even when the gospel writers are merely listing off the twelve disciples, Judas comes last and always has some form of the moniker, “who betrayed him.”

Despite modern attempts to portray Judas as misunderstood, there is nothing of any historical credibility that suggests the man was anything other than a traitor. He betrayed Jesus, was struck by regret, and decided to end his life at the end of a rope.

There is no indication that Judas was saved and every indication that he was not (regardless of what Rob Bell or Craig Gross says). Jesus himself says, “For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born” (Mark 14:21). I can’t imagine that Judas is in heaven right now thinking, “I wish I hadn’t been born.”

So Judas and Osama are alike in the relative confidence we have that they did not trust in Christ and are not in heaven. Given Jesus’ testimony about Judas, it is more likely that Osama could have repented at the last minute than Judas did.

But let’s not kid ourselves. We’re not at the funeral of a loved one here saying, “Maybe he believed right before the end.” We’re talking about someone in whom we have absolutely zero confidence that he saw the light at the end.

So given that Judas and Osama are likely facing the same end, I think our thoughts about the one can inform our thoughts about the other. In Acts, the last reference to Judas Peter calls on the believers to select a person to replace the apostate apostle. There is no mourning over Judas’ fate. There is no rejoicing either. Hence, I am hesitant to do either in the case of Osama bin Laden.

Perhaps that tension is necessary when we consider the fate of the wicked. In the end, is Osama bin Laden any more deserving of hell than the nice old lady who’s an atheist down the street? Is she any less deserving? God’s pronouncement in Ezekiel is one we should consider, “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (18:23).

I do not rejoice in bin Laden’s death. I prayed. I hoped for a miracle. In the end bin Laden went on to the end he was destined for (1 Peter 2:8).

Revelation 6:10 speaks of believers in heaven pleading with God, “They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’” This longing is in my heart as well and can only be partially satisfied this side of heaven. A gunshot wound is not justice. Justice will only be meted out by God. So the death of bin Laden is only partial justice.

It is only when Christ comes and establishes His kingdom that I can truly rejoice in God’s judgment of the wicked because it will be complete and God-glorifying. I plan to withhold my rejoicing until then.