The Case for Judas

Did Judas go to heaven?

If he did, he wouldn't quite fit any of our clever little “Steps to Salvation” formulas.  However, I read where he confessed his sin and he showed remorse when he threw his blood money onto the floor of the temple (Matthew 27:3-5). And I see the mercy of Jesus on the cross when he said, “Father, forgive them….” Wasn't he including Judas?

Before the argument begins, consider this:

Why would you argue for Judas’s condemnation when Jesus argues for his salvation?

1 John 2:1-2 gives us the image of Jesus as the lawyer defending us before a judge, arguing for our redemption and release.   Do you want to be on the opposing side of Jesus?  Do you want to side with the prosecutor who is Satan, the accuser of our brethren?

Or did you want to replace the Judge?

I like to imagine a scene in heaven, where we are creatures of light. As we see each other in our true states, it might be hard to recognize everyone at first. One person especially shines with the glow of redemption, where all of his wounds have been healed and he is in his perfect state. Then we recognize him and rejoice that even Judas made it. 

The same grace that saves us saves him.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2 NIV).