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JUDAS...... NOT SUCH A BAD GUY AFTER ALLThe
title of this chapter gives away my punch line, which on this particular
subject probably was not the wisest choice. I could have lead you point by
point to my deductive conclusion, Then I would have eased you into my
alternative way of viewing this notorious traitor. But I couldn't resist the
trailer. So with most of Christianity against me on this one, I'll present my
spirit led observations. These arguments are not meant to minimize this most
dastardly deed. I am not denying it was heinous. I am purporting it is
forgivable. There
is only one unforgivable sin. That is blasphemy against the spirit. Jesus
described this when berating the Pharisees, They knew that Jesus accomplished
his miracles by the power of God, but they told the people he did it by means
of Beelzebub. They did not want to give up their power, so they attributed
something from the Holy Spirit instead to the Devil. This was blasphemy
against the spirit. So first off, Judas did not do that. Therefore his son was
forgivable. We
can have mercy on Peter, who betrayed him three times, but none for Judas who
betrayed him once. Yes, Jesus said concerning the one who turned on him,
"It would be finer if he were never born," But that could be said
about many people in many ugly or pitiful circumstances: children born
vegetables, men who try to commit murder or genocide, etc.. In some ways it
would be better if they had not been born. So the point is not really good
better, best scenarios of being born, but rather the possibility of
forgiveness. The key to which is repentance and grace. Judas's repentance, God's grace. One
earmark of repentance is confession. Judas said, "I have sinned against
righteous blood!" Another sign would be trying to undo the damage also known as restitution, He turned the money back in. And lastly was, as I see
it, the depth of his agony over his sin. He viewed what he had done as so
serious, so loathsome, that he did not deserve to go on living. The wages of
sin are death, and he imposed the death sentence on himself. I believe he
crucified himself to atone in part for his crime. So there it is! Short & Sweet. My chapter short. His Grace sweet!
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