“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
John 20:31
Jesus will be the final judge for each and every person (see John 5:22 and Revelation 1:18). Jesus gave us the terms of salvation. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24. See also John 6:40). The eternity of each individual is determined by what they do with Jesus: whether or not one receives Christ as their Saviour is the deciding factor. Once one hears of Jesus, a decision must be made. That decision determines one’s destination: heaven or hell.
Jesus told us His judgment of two people while He was still here on the earth. Most people remember the thief on the cross. “42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). Jesus declared this man’s eternal fate at that time. He would be with Jesus; for this man chose Jesus.
The other man was Judas Iscariot. He is worth considering.
In the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, many followed Jesus. Consider that Judas must have been one and heard Jesus’ teachings for he was called to follow Jesus. Judas walked with Jesus for about three years listening to Jesus teach. He saw Jesus heal many and saw Jesus for who He really is: the Son of God. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Judas had just as much opportunity as the other disciples to fully commit his heart and life to Jesus. Remember the privilege he had as he walked with Jesus as the chosen twelve. “14. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” (Mark 3:14-15). Even with this, Judas needed to commit his own heart and life to Jesus. When Jesus asked His disciples a life-changing question, remember the answer given. “69. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?71. He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:69-71). Jesus knew their hearts, and He knew that Judas had not truly believed. With this information, Judas still had to make the choice for himself: believe in Jesus or reject Him. This was a perfect time for Judas to change his heart. Instead he choose to be a thief. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he (Judas) was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:6). Judas stole money from Jesus’ ministry. He decided to make money betraying Jesus to the religious leaders (see Matthew 26:14-16). “And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him” (John 13:2). The devil put betrayal into his heart. But recognize that Jesus still offered him a chance to change his mind by letting Judas know that He knew Judas’ plans. Judas still had a choice. “Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dippedit. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon” (John 13:26). Jesus knew Judas’ heart. Judas could have chosen Christ, asking forgiveness right then. However, when Judas did not repent (change his heart and mind), remember what happened. “And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him,That thou doest, do quickly” (John 13:27). Satan had opportunity to enter Judas. Judas then betrayed Jesus.
Remember part of Jesus’ prayer in the garden that night before He was crucified. “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” (John 17:12). Jesus knew that one of the twelve disciples would reject Him. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9; see also John 1:18). Yet Jesus called Judas to be one of His twelve disciples, ultimately leaving Judas the choice.
“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, 4. Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood…” (Matthew 27:3-4a). Afterward, Judas was sorry; for he saw that he was condemned. But it was too late. His choice had been made. Jesus declared that Judas was lost (the “son of perdition” see John 17:12).
Many church goers appear to be in the same condition as Judas. Some have joined the choir. Others have a great part of service in their churches. They hear the Word of God preached and many sermons on redemption of what is required for salvation. Yet they continue in the same path, never choosing Christ. Just as Judas. For some, like Judas, they may wait until it is too late.
Have you chosen to reject the sin of this world and accept Christ as your Saviour, choosing to walk with Him?
