The Son of Perdition Exposed
Dear eternal security adherent:
You cannot take one verse or passage and make a conclusion without the whole of Scripture agreeing. Judas was chosen, sent out by Christ to preach Christ’s Gospel, raise the dead, and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1-8), and was promised a throne in Heaven (Matthew 19:28) and died and went to Hell for betraying Jesus (Acts 1:25). He followed Christ and then departed from the Son of God. Jesus says that one can believe and then “fall away” (Luke 8:13). Are you going to call the Son of God a liar? Are you going to tell God He can’t eliminate transgressors from His own kingdom? See Revelation 21:8. Since when do you tell God what to do?
The truth about Judas is a death nail and nightmare to the calvinist and OSAS/eternal security adherent.
If “once saved always saved” is true, then what about Judas?
“That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, that he might go to his own place (Hell).” Acts 1:25
How did Judas fall away from the LORD? Can we let the One he fell away from answer that important question? “Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL.” (Acts 1:25) Note here that Judas did not fall because he was predestined to fall by some divine pre-selection, but because he made the deliberate and ongoing personal decision to live in sin against a holy God. The idea, as supposed by the Calvinistic mindset, that the Almighty chose Judas to transgress and betray the Son of God is obliterated by numerous Scriptures, including James 1.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
This statement of divine authority clearly and forever establishes that the LORD never leads a person to sin. The LORD may turn the unrepentant transgressor over to be deluded, but that is only after that hardened offender has intentionally lived in contempt against His holiness (2 Thess. 2:10-12). The glorious grace of God, provided through Christ’s costly sacrifice, is not a license for sin. Divine grace is rather the blessing of God for His people to enable them to fellowship with Him and to please Him fully and be fruitful in His holy kingdom. The Savior’s grace is supplied in ample and sufficient supply to those who truly choose to love and serve Him.
First and foremost, Judas was not chosen before time to betray the Son of God, but rather was one of Christ’s twelve, chosen to love and to serve Him. The LORD did not foreordain that Judas would fall but rather He simply foreknew that Judas would fall. Judas was selected to be one of only twelve men Christ would pour His life into (during His 3.5 year ministry on earth) in order to lay the foundation of the New Testament Church. I believe that it is highly offensive to a holy God for any person claiming to be His to indict Christ for purposefully bringing into His ministry a man who was a devil (originally, when chosen). The fact that Jesus “knew from the beginning who…should betray him” in no way alleviates God-given free will. Judas never lost the divinely-given freedom of choice – to choose and to continue to decide whom he would serve.
“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus KNEW from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.” John 6:64
“Jesus knew…who should betray him.” Such divine foreknowledge does not affect the moral choice He granted to every man to exercise himself for or against the LORD (Rom. 6:16). The cult of calvinism denies the foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:2). Just because God foreknew everything, in no way means He tampers with any one person’s free will (James 1:13-15). Faith is always a choice and a privilege. There are those who believe and those who “believe not.” Believing and rebelling in unbelief is a divinely-granted choice and each brings its own reward from the One who made man with the ability to choose. Those who exercise their faith toward the LORD please Him and those who don’t, displease Him (Romans 1:16-18; Hebrews 3:12-15; 10:34-39; 11:6). In the case of Christ’s original twelve, eleven chose to initially and continually trust Christ through much tribulation and one freely chose to betray Him.
“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” John 6:70-71
Of Judas, Christ told His twelve: “One of you is a devil.” Was Judas a devil because God created him to be a devil or because he “by transgression” fell from grace and became a devil? Nowhere does the Word tell us that Judas was from the beginning a devil but rather that Christ knew from the beginning (in His divine foreknowledge) that Judas would betray Him. Jesus says here that “one of you is a devil.” At the time of this statement, Judas had already betrayed Christ in his heart and was therefore a “devil.” The fact that he was a devil at that point does not mean he was always a devil.
The Almighty “inhabiteth eternity” and therefore knows all – past, present and future (Isaiah 57:15). Such divine foreknowledge (all-knowing) does not affect the free will He granted to every man to exercise either for or against Him.
How could Judas always have been a devil if he was Jesus’ “own familiar friend” and sent forth by Jesus Himself to represent Him in ministry? Satan entered Judas at the end of Christ’s ministry which proves he was not always an agent of the devil or a devil from the beginning but rather that he became Christ’s enemy by his own deliberate choices.
“The betrayal of Jesus by Judas didn’t just happen incidentally or accidentally. Satan had been working on Judas for a long time. By this tragic event recorded in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit wanted all to know what an opportunity this man Judas had thrown away. The OSAS (once saved always saved) false teaching is no different. It did not just happen. Satan sold a lie and many, like Judas, will throw away the greatest opportunity that the Lord had given them (Luke 22:3-4). Judas went his own way and not God’s way.” CB
Let’s peek into the scenario on the very night before our Jesus was crucified and observe how things unfolded:
“Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. THEN entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.” Luke 22:1-6
“THEN entered Satan into Judas” –It was only “then” –after the religious leaders sought to kill Jesus that Satan entered into Judas. This proves that Judas was not always a devil or traitor.
Here’s the same account from the Gospel of John:
“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.” John 13:1-2
Judas’ betrayal of the Son of God did not come in an instant. His hardened heart of unbelief was a process (Hebrews 3:12-15). Judas’ backsliding and heart-hardening sin was of his own doing. Like every individual, Judas made decisions in his brief earthly life which had and have eternal consequences. His refusal to believe and obey and continue to experience relationship with Christ, came through hours, days, and months of unbelief which hardened his heart. Such unbelief gave way to the infiltration of Satan (John 6:70-71; 13:2; Hebrews 3:12-15).
“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.” John 13:2
Please re-read the above verse and ask the essential question who it was that put into Judas’ heart to betray Jesus. Was it God or Satan? Note: “…the DEVIL (not the LORD) having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.”
“God cannot be tempted with evil.” James 1:13
The enemy was able to “put into the heart of Judas…to betray” Christ due to Judas’ choice to live contrary to Him. The same potential remains true for all this side of eternity.
Like every believer in the Son of God, Judas was predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ and to be glorified with Him, yet his free will was never tampered with or removed (Romans 8:29-30). Many of those who have espoused an unbiblical grace do so because they have elevated certain Scriptures above other Scriptures and yet “All (not just some) scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). One of the erroneous beliefs of Calvinism is that it elevates and aggrandizes Romans 8:29 above Romans 8:13. This is the classic reason for the belief of false doctrine – conclusion of a matter without a full investigation and faith in the full-counsel of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17).
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live…For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Romans 8:13, 29-30
God loves all people and has predestined each to be washed in the blood of and conformed to the image of the Son of God and to be glorified with Him eternally. Yet, He leaves that ultimate choice up to the individual. The God who is love has provided sufficient and glorious grace for each to love and obey Him and to overcome. His grace truly is sufficient to those who exercise their faith in Him. Every blessing of the saint was provided through Christ’s one and perfect sacrifice on the cross (1 Corinthians 1:30-31; 2 Corinthians 1:20).
Just because a father desires and leads his son or daughter to become a doctor, does not guarantee that such will happen. The fact that the LORD, who is love, desires for all those created in His image to be with Him eternally, does not guarantee that will be the case (Matthew 7:13-14; 25:41).
“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15
The Reason Hell was Created
Those who choose to believe Him and are doers of His Word will be with Him eternally in Heaven (Revelation 2-3). Each individual is the servant of the one he chooses to serve – self or Jesus (Romans 6:15-16). Those who freely choose to betray Christ as Judas did by not loving and serving Him in deed and in truth, will spend eternity with the rest of God’s enemies in a place called hell which will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10-15).
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41
The original divine intent for this horrid place called “hell” was the divine justice of “everlasting punishment” for the devil and his angels (those who depart from the LORD due to their iniquity (Matthew 25:46). The purpose for Hell did not include one precious eternal human soul spending forever there. Yet, because men have free will and some will choose to live contrary to the divine Judge, they must be imprisoned eternally as rebels (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
There are a few different schools of thought in the Calvinistic camp. Some tout the teaching they call “the perseverance of the saints” while others term their belief “once saved always saved.” In each case those who have been taught these doctrines of mere men violate the biblical truth that men have free will and never lose the free will to choose while on earth. Any time one removes the Bible truth that God never forces men to do His will, they inevitably err.
“All Scripture” Must be Considered
“All (not some) scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine…” 2 Timothy 3:16
The one who believes in and teaches a no-responsibility salvation, does not adhere to “All scripture,” but rather isolates a certain verse or two here and there to make his point. This is the way heresy and false doctrine is propagated in the church world. “All Scripture” must be taken in context with the whole of the Word of God in order to apprehend the mind of Christ (2 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 28:10; 1 Corinthians 2:13). Error is inevitable when clear Bible truths are excluded (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29; 1 Corinthians 2:13). “Precept upon precept; line upon line” learning is essential to sound biblical doctrine (Isaiah 28:10).
Judas, a man selected by the very Son of God to hold the highest office in the Church (Apostle), and promised an eternal throne, “by transgression FELL.” See Matthew 19:28. The Bible tells us that Judas was a man who was Christ’s “own familiar friend, in whom I trusted” (Psalm 41:9). Jesus not only chose Judas as one of His twelve, but “trusted” him so much so that He made Judas the treasurer of His ministry. Dare we insinuate that Jesus Christ, the very Righteousness of God, chose a devil or an evil man to be part of His ministry? Judas was originally fit for the ministry and “friend” of Christ’s, before He chose to turn from Christ. Judas Iscariot is now in “his own place (Hell)” because he refused to endure to the end or continue abiding in relationship with Christ. This very disciple of Jesus neglected to cultivate the soil of his heart and chose to live in disobedience to the clearly known will of God. Judas, like all believers, never lost his ability to choose life or death (Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 30:19; Isaiah 1:19-20, etc.).
The life of Judas is a nemesis to those who pervert, twist, and maul the true grace of God revealed in Holy Scripture. The grace corrupters are forced to downplay the apostleship of Judas and his relationship with Jesus in order to make their unconditional eternal security teaching palatable. For this same reason, they must overplay the prophetic fulfillment of the son of perdition (means utter destruction), not acknowledging that such a divine foreknowledge did nothing to remove Judas’ free will. Concerning this, Wayne Jackson writes:
“Another important fact that must be recognized is that foreknowledge does not demand predetermination. God foreknew that Judas, exercising his own free will, would betray his Son. These passages, therefore, reflect Heaven’s foreknowledge, but not a predetermined action over which the betrayer had no control. Even Presbyterian scholar Albert Barnes, in commenting on John 13:18, wrote: ‘It does not mean that Judas was compelled to this course in order that the Scriptures might be fulfilled…’
A further illustration of this principle is seen in the fact that Christ was delivered up to death by the determinate counsel and the ‘foreknowledge’ of God (Acts 2:23), and yet the ones who were involved in the Savior’s crucifixion were held accountable for their evil deed (23b; cf. 36-38).
The frequent rationalization, ‘I can’t help what I do; I was predestined to do it,’ is a false notion, but one that finds ready acceptance in a modern world that seeks to escape from personal responsibility. The Scriptures teach that men will give an account on the day of Judgment for their own conduct (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10) – not for actions thrust upon them by God. The very idea of such is an affront to the Almighty.” (Notes on Luke and John, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1954 Edition, p. 320).
Judas made volitional decisions. The LORD sovereignly created man with free will – the ability to choose the way he will go. Judas made choices to deny Christ and betray the Son of God. There was no divine influence whatsoever upon Judas to make him sin. We know this because “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
The unchanging, eternal God had nothing to do with Judas turning away from Him and to sin. God is love and God is holy and He leads no man into sin and to imagine such is to lie against the truth (James 3:14). The Almighty told us that He is “…not willing that ANY should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Of God the Word tells us:
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men.” Titus 2:11
Sin Separates – God Is Holy
“That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, that he might go to his own place (eternal Hell).” Acts 1:25
The wages of sin is still death (separation from the Lord (Romans 6:23). Even before Adam and Eve fell by their own transgression, the angel Lucifer, who apparently held the highest office in Heaven among His angels, was cast down for his sin of pride (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Luke 10:18).
Was Judas without free will? Was he helpless? Was Judas’ sin forced upon him by the foreknowledge of God? Or was it volitional? Did Judas make a choice to betray Christ? Was Judas, as the Calvinist asserts, a pawn of the evil dealings of a wicked deity? What god does the Calvinist serve since he refuses to gain his theology from the one true God who gave us His precious written Word?
“Then Judas, which had betrayed him…Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood…went and hanged himself.” Matthew 27:3-5
Judas chose to sin and therefore fell from grace. Concerning this matter, Wayne Jackson writes:
“Some would suggest that Judas was but a helpless pawn, unable to resist the invasion of Satan into his life. That certainly is not the case, as even Judas himself conceded. He never pled: ‘I could not help myself; Satan made me do it!’ Rather, he confessed: ‘I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood’ (Matthew 27:4). It is a remarkable oddity when modern man, twenty centuries removed from the event, can profess to know more about the situation than the culprit himself!”
SIN SEPARATES – God told His own covenant people: “But YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).
Of His own people who had gone back into sin after being brought out of Egypt (type of salvation through Christ), the LORD said: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33).
Not only is divine grace not a license to sin, New Testament believers are under greater responsibility to live unto the LORD than Old Testament saints were (Hebrews 10:26-29). This is such an elementary truth of Scripture that it boggles this believer’s mind that there would be those who call themselves Christian teachers and theologians who will not teach this truth and give notion that unholy living will enter the gates of His holy Heaven! What treason is this!
Like Lucifer, Judas is a prime example in all of history that the all-knowing God forces no one of His children to continue to serve Him. Judas betrayed Christ and never repented so went to “his own place” – the place justly and divinely reserved for all who turn back from following the LORD and do not return in repentance. In contrast, Peter betrayed Christ and returned and is now in eternal glory where he will forever reign with His LORD and Savior.
Judas kissed the Gate of Heaven, the very Son of God, then turned and marched deliberately into eternal Hell, where he will forever be.
Perhaps Judas expected the Messiah to come the first time as a conquering King. Like many of the Jews, he had misguided expectations, which caused his heart to misfire as the Savior came the first time as the suffering servant and sacrificial Lamb (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Christ will return the second time as the conquering Warrior and “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19) Judas failed to discern the difference between the first and second coming of the Messiah as many in Israel did. This led to unfulfilled expectations. Like all false teaching and believing, this may have had a profound and negative effect on Judas. Jesus came as a suffering Servant the first time but will come as the conquering King the second time.
The LORD is a merciful and loving Savior (Psalm 86:5, 15). Jesus wanted to restore Judas to a right relationship with God. Christ even called Judas His “friend” in the Garden of Gethsemane all the way to the point of being taken to be crucified having been betrayed by the son of perdition (Matthew 26:49-50). Having been betrayed by Judas for a small amount of money, Christ still held out hope of redemption for him, but Judas refused the divinely-extended grace and betrayed Heaven’s King for a small amount of earthly money.
“Now he (Judas) that betrayed him (Jesus) gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore (why) art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Matthew 26:48-50
Jesus called Judas “Friend” all the way to the end. There is a significant truth here. In this perhaps we see that God’s love will pursue us all the way to Hell if we choose, after knowing Him, to betray Him and refuse to turn back to Him in repentance. Might this indicate that one is not separated from God’s love and the opportunity to repent until he leaves the earth? Romans 8:38-39 is written to those who are truly “sons of God” and are living according to the Holy Spirit and not the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:1, 5; 13-14). It is when one is abiding in the presence of the LORD that he has assurance and is secure in the love of God and not separated from Him who is love.
Matthew 10:1-5 – THE ORIGINAL TWELVE DISCIPLES OF JESUS
All John Calvin’s 5-point TULIP teaching stands or falls on Judas. The Calvinist loses his whole argument if Judas was truly saved as the Bible clearly shows he was.
To those who seek to justify Satan’s “eternal security” . . . “once saved always saved” heresy by saying Judas was never saved, I would ask: “So Jesus, the Son of God, chose out a devil to the highest office in His kingdom as one of His twelve original apostles? Jesus sent a devil to preach His Gospel, to cast out devils, to heal the sick, and raise the dead? Read Matthew 10:1-8. Jesus promised Judas a throne in Heaven but Judas wasn’t His child? See Matthew 19:28.
Jesus promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven, undeniably (Matthew 19:28).
Let’s look a little deeper into Holy Writ to find out what really happened with this most dastardly character named Judas Iscariot.
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and JUDAS ISCARIOT, who also betrayed him. These TWELVE (not eleven) Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go…” Matthew 10:1-5
**According to the Holy Bible here in this passage found in the Gospel of Matthew, who were the original “twelve disciples” or apostles of the very Son of God elected and chosen and sent forth to represent Him and do His work, spreading His Gospel to the world? Let’s enumerate who these twelve special men of God were whom the infinite and eternal and Almighty God – Jesus Christ of Nazareth – specifically chose to represent Him:
1) Peter
2) Andrew
3) James
4) John
5) Philip
6) Bartholomew
7) Thomas
8) Matthew
9) James
10) Labbaeus
11) Simon
12) Judas Iscariot
These twelve men were elected and answered the call to the highest office of the church – apostleship. Can there remain any doubt whatsoever that according to the historically accurate record and documented account of the life of Jesus Christ that Judas Iscariot was one of His twelve chosen original disciples and that He sent Judas and the other eleven forth to preach His Gospel and do His ministry?
“He (Judas) Was Numbered With Us”
“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he (Judas) was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” Acts 1:15-18
Jesus Christ had died and rose again completely propitiating for man’s sins. He had instructed His apostles not to go forth yet but to wait in Jerusalem until they received the fullness of the Holy Ghost which they would need to do His work (Luke 24:49; John 16:7; Acts 1:4-8). This would be the actual birth of the New Testament Church! Here they are, gathered together waiting for the promise of their Savior (Acts 1:4-8). Wow! While the 120 disciples gathered to await the promised Holy Spirit, the apostle Peter stands in the midst and of all things, is Spirit-led to speak of this prophecy found in the Old Testament that Judas would betray the Son of God. He says that such a prophecy “must needs have been fulfilled.” It had to be fulfilled, not because God foreordained and wanted Judas in Hell or because the God of Heaven needed a pawn to use then destroy, but rather because the LORD Almighty cannot lie and knows the end from the beginning (because He alone is all-knowing). He knows all things past, present and future, yet such infinite knowledge does nothing to influence or alter the God-given moral and volitional nature and decision-making process of any individual. Such a notion paints the picture of an evil being, which must be Satan and not God who “is love” (1 John 4:8) To attribute such evil and iniquitous intent to the Almighty is a blasphemous atrocity at best. To claim that He would create any person just for the purpose of exploiting and then damning that person to an eternity of conscious torment, would be completely unbiblical and a wicked accusation to make against the LORD who “cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). Of Him the Word says “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…” (Habakkuk 1:13). Such is the doctrine of the devil and his agent John Calvin and many today who mislead others to worship at the alter of a false god (2 Timothy 3:13).
Forget John Calvin and any other heretic in church history – What does the Holy Bible say concerning this matter of Judas Iscariot?
Note here in Acts 1 (shown above) that the apostle Peter says that the “Holy Ghost” through king David had hundreds of years before foretold the betrayal of Christ – “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). This was going to be fulfilled, not because God is ruthless or had it in for Judas – No! But rather because His foreknowledge and understanding is perfect and “infinite” (Psalm 147:5) Now that’s a case for the sovereignty of God and not (the very opposite) that He would create a human being, a man in His own image – Judas or any other person – just to mislead, relegate and damn him to eternal suffering. How erroneous, ludicrous and evil a thought!
Take close notice of verse 17 here in Acts 1 – “He (Judas) was numbered with us (the original twelve), and had obtained part of this ministry.”
Judas:
1) “was numbered with us” – one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
2) “had obtained part of this ministry” – all twelve (not just eleven) were appointed and sent forth by Christ to represent Him and do His ministry work.
Another of the original twelve is speaking here – Peter. Peter was a firsthand eyewitness. He was present with Judas and the other ten when his very ears heard and eyes beheld the Son of God promise an eternal – everlasting throne in Heaven to each of the “twelve” of them, which includes Judas Iscariot – “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones (not 11), judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).
Judas wasn’t kept and Jesus specifically and irrefutably promised him an eternal throne in Heaven – Matthew 19:28. “TWELVE” not eleven~!
At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abundantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ would have never given this promise to the “twelve” which includes Judas Iscariot (Matthew 19:28). It is only after this that Judas allowed iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).
If Judas Iscariot, one of Christ’s very twelve, was not unconditionally eternally secure, then why would anyone else be since there is “no respecter of persons with God” (Romans 2:11)? Did Judas not lose out? Yes! It’s too late for Judas but not for us (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Now let’s look at Acts 1:18 in this revealing and detailed passage about the apostle Judas –“Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” How did Judas fall from grace after being chosen by Jesus Christ as one of His very twelve original apostles and sent forth to heal sick people, cast out devils and preach His eternal Gospel? The Bible tells us here that Judas “purchased” his own destiny which means he deliberately brought it into his own bosom by his own resolve to reject (after possessing) and live outside of a relationship with the LORD. He simply reaped what he sowed (Galatians 6:7-8). This word “purchase” here is strong and even more clear evidence that Judas made full provision for and utilized his full faculties and expended the energies he was given to do what he did in betraying the Son of God. The wages of sin is still death and Judas reaped spiritual and eternal death (separation from God in Hell) for his sinful betrayal of the Messiah and refusal to turn back to the LORD before it was too late, which he was free to do even to the end.
If someone jumps off a building, was that what was supposed to happen? Was that God’s will? No, it was the will of the one who chose to jump. Judas went to Hell because he rebelled against the only Savior, not because God wanted him there. Judas refused to repent and turn back to the LORD after being given ample opportunity to do such.
We have record that Judas was quite right with God but was in the end left out of the eternal blessing of Heaven. Of the apostle Judas, the Word says – “For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry” (Acts 1:17). This forever settles the issue and silences the critics who argue (without basis) that Judas was never right with the LORD. Judas Iscariot certainly was chosen to the highest office in the Church and as an integral part of the very ministry of the Son of God and yet turned against Him, betraying Him to death for a small sum and forfeiting his place in the eternal kingdom of God after being promised it (Matthew 19:28). Such a clear example alone makes it more than abundantly clear that falling from grace is utterly possible as the remainder of Holy Scripture unmistakably testifies to.
Holy Father please grant our hearts grace to be convicted and repentant that we be never hardened through the deceitfulness of sin! (Hebrews 3:12-15)
Judas’ End
“That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas BY TRANSGRESSION FELL, that he might go to his own place (eternal Hell).” Acts 1:25
Judas is in Hell. Here’s further proof. Prophetic of Judas betraying the Son of God, Psalms 55 gives us some insight:
“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me (from the outside) that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal (insider), my guide, and mine acquaintance (“mine own familiar friend” Ps 41:9). 14 We took sweet counsel together (Matthew 26:23), and walked unto the house of God in company. 15 Let death seize upon them (all betrayers including Judas), and let them go down quick (alive) into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. … 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction (eternal Hell): bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.” Psalms 55:12-15, 23
In the booklet The Eternal Security Teaching, J. L. Stauffer offers these thought-provoking words concerning Judas Iscariot:
“It should be noted that the statements that our Lord made about Judas being a devil, were made toward the close of His ministry. Note some Biblical facts:
1. Christ chose twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot. No intimations are made at the time of choosing the twelve that Judas was not a true believer the same as the others. See Matt. 10; Mark 3; Luke 6. Reference to Judas Iscariot as the traitor is made by several writers of Scripture, long years after the incident of his death to distinguish him from the other Judas. It is a mark of identification and in itself throws no light upon the character of Judas Iscariot when he was chosen by our Lord. We have a similar designation regarding ‘Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin,’ which throws no light upon Jeroboam’s character at the time the prophet Ahijah brought him the message from the Lord. (I Kings 11:26:40.)
2. If Judas was a ‘devil’ from the beginning as some claim, then you have the startling fact to face that our Lord chose a devil as an apostle.
3. Our Lord foreknew who should betray Him from the beginning, but Judas had the same teaching, call, environment, and opportunity to make good as did the others. Divine foreknowledge does not interfere with the free will God gave every man.
4. If Judas was a devil from the beginning, then such terms as were prophesied of him are hard to reconcile with the other teachings and principles of the Master. ‘Yea, mine own familiar friend in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me’ (Psa. 41:9). Would Jesus, knowing Judas was a devil, trust in him or call him His ‘own familiar friend?’ A ‘devil’ is an adversary and enemy; but if, as some eternal security teachers think, Psalm 55 is a prophetic Messianic psalm of which Ahithophel turning traitor to David was a type of Judas turning against the Lord, then we have a second witness from the Psalms that ‘it was not an enemy that reproached me.’ It was ‘a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company’ (Psa. 55:13-14). Certainly this language does not describe one who was a devil from the beginning, as eternal security teachers affirm.
5. If Judas was a devil, while the other eleven were ordinary men, then you have another contradiction; viz., Satan casting out Satan, because the apostles (Judas included) were sent out two by two to heal the sick, cast out devils, and preach the Gospel. There is no intimation in the Gospel records that Judas was a misfit on this missionary journey. Other emissaries of Satan, when they tried to cast out a demon by the use of the name of Jesus, were not at all successful. (See Acts 19:13-17.) Christ made it clear that Satan does not cast out demons. See Matt. 12:25-26; Luke 11:15-18.
6. It was not until at the last feast that the devil entered into Judas, although Christ towards the close of His Galilean ministry (John 6:70-71) announced that one of the twelve would betray Him. Christ was omniscient and knew all events that would be connected with His life here on earth. Covetousness, greed, love of money, were doubtless the besetting sins of Judas and despite the warnings of our Lord against covetousness and ‘the deceitfulness of riches,’ these sins got the upper hand of Judas and he finally went to the chief priests, and of his own free will bargained about the sale of our Lord for silver.
7. John 17 does not say that Christ only received eleven apostles from the Father. He chose twelve at the beginning of His ministry that they might be with Him, and Christ was unable to keep one. Not because of a lack of power on Christ’s part, but because Judas was unwilling and this limited Christ’s keeping power. ‘Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them (that thou gavest me) is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.’ The literal Greek of part of John 17:12 is ‘and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled.’ This implies that Judas was once saved with the rest, but not fulfilling the conditions for Christ’s keeping perished spiritually. The Scriptures prophesied that there should be a betrayer and God foreknew that Judas would be he, but God did not foreordain Judas to be the betrayer of his Lord. If Judas, against his own will, was foreordained to be the betrayer, then the one who foreordained Judas would be responsible because Judas could not have helped it.
8. Last, ‘Judas by transgression fell’ (Acts 1:16, 17, 25). Judas was a man into whom Satan entered. He was no demon incarnate. If there were no erroneous doctrine to defend, the various references about Judas Iscariot would present no difficulty at all to the eternal security teachers. The Judas episode would be simply a clear case of apostasy from the truth.”
11 Kept – 1 Lost
“That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him…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…” John 17:2, 12
The Father gave eternal life to the twelve whom He had given to Christ. Jesus kept them and they were safe except one who chose not to be kept. The fact that twelve were given Him of the Father and only eleven made it to Heaven is telling.
It is abundantly clear in Scripture that Judas was given to Jesus by the Father (as one of His very own) and then lost due to his own decision to sin in his heart and betray the Son of God (Acts 1:25). Jesus said He kept all except one – Judas. The fact that Judas was one of His and yet was not kept tells us that the LORD doesn’t keep everyone who is at one point His own child. Judas was the LORD’s “friend” (Psalm 41:9) We are “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Man has his God-given personal responsibility to continue in faith in order to be “kept” by Him.
Saint of the LORD, a study of the life of Judas is a lesson for each of us. We are all predestined to be conformed to Christ’s image and to be with Him eternally and do His work, but the LORD leaves it up to the individual as to whom he will choose to serve (Joshua 24:15). Such will determine the eternal destination of each person.
Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with My Master email sent out to edify Christ’s people.
Calvinist Nightmare: The Judas Dilemma | The Very First Apostate | The Truth About Predestination and Sealing
FEEDBACK:
Of Judas and calvinists, Robert Cox writes:
“I want to put this to rest then I’ll be quiet about it bc some of you have been taught wrong and you’ll fight the truth to death. Yes, Judas was saved at one time. Jesus picked him. He performed miracles alongside of the other disciples. He was trusted enough to be the treasurer. Satan entered him at the last supper. He was not predestined to do what he did but God had foreknowledge that he would. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. That’s the example. Not some sinner out in the world that disavows Him.
And one last thing…..Judas could have repented. Peter did and was restored. Judas chose to take his life. He wasn’t sorry that he betrayed Jesus. He was sorry that his plan didn’t work. He felt shame and guilt but he didn’t turn to the only one that can forgive us for that. Feeling sorrow is not the same as being under conviction.
And I ain’t arguing this bc it’s clearly biblical for anyone that wants to see. The rest of you keep believing what you’ve always believed. I ain’t talking to you anyway. Stiff necked people.”
Message Received:
Judas never did repent. His heart was pure evil and this why Satan entered in him.
Reply:
Hi. Well Judas was definitely right with God. He had to be. Jesus would not have otherwise chosen him to the highest office ever in the church and sent him forth to represent Him – to preach and to do His works (Matthew 10:1-8) Yet Judas allowed his heart to be darkened through “the deceitfulness of sin” and so he eventually had “an evil heart of unbelief.” (See Hebrews 3:6, 12-14) It was only then that Satan could enter him. This is the biblical explanation from a full-counsel perspective. The idolatrous calvinist HAS – must of necessity – to scapegoat Judas in order to make his deceitful doctrinal wares fit and palatable.
——————————————————————————————————–
Of this post, Nate M. wrote: “This was an awesome study. I am glad I read this because it is such an amazing refutation of calvinism and osas. This just makes it so clear. Great job. I hope many people who are in bondage to the doctrines of calvinism and osas read this and repent of their false doctrine. I pray that they may be set free from the snare of the devil.”
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Eternal Security/OSAS | Accounted Worthy to Escape [podcast] |Sealed? | The Return of Christ | Support | Lie of the Ages [podcast] | 10 Questions about Eternal Security | Is Salvation Eternal? | The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security [podcast] | The Essential of Fearing God | The KING is Coming [podcast] | Lie of the Ages (Blockbuster book exposing OSAS and calvinism)
Articles
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
“Repent and be baptized.” Acts 2:38
Water Baptism (PDF)
(Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.)
Water baptism is important. Every believer should understand and be water baptized. Yet water baptism does not save – but is only for those already saved. The blood of Jesus saves – upon repentance and faith. In short, water baptism symbolizes/illustrates the life in Christ we now have – where daily, we are dying and buried and risen in new life with Christ. Concerning water baptism, one disciple writes: “We must faith thru many mini-daily-baptisms in which we are immersed into calamities and the old self is drowned.”
SATAN wants people trusting in water and not the BLOOD of Jesus. Beware. We are saved by the blood of Jesus – water baptism is for those who have already repented and believed upon Jesus Christ. It’s an outward profession of the inward work of regeneration God has already done! (Titus 3:5-7)
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.” Hebrews 9:22
ANY person who claims sinners are justified by water instead of the BLOOD of Jesus, is an antichrist.
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9
Salvation should never be complicated.
We are saved, justified by grace through faith.
Can you find the word water in the following passage? No.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Thief on the cross. Philippian jailer. Acts 16:30-31; Faith. Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.
Raised to New Life with Christ
“Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2
The LORD seems to have given His New Testament church 2 ordinances: 1. Water baptism – to depict our own death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, and 2. Communion – where we are brought into remembrance of our LORD’s death – broken body and shed blood – which alone redeems us.
Note in this passage below that no water is even mentioned and yet this is exactly what water baptism is symbolic of:
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4
WATER BAPTISM: What it is and what it’s not. In some cases, water baptism has become a ritual among those who are a part of the visible, apostate church world. In those circles, water baptism seems to be a type of right of passage in a fleshly way. Water baptism is useless unless it’s connected with Christ, that is, in His redemption – death, burial and resurrection. He alone redeemed us and yet, He calls us to deny self, and allow Him who is the resurrection and the life to raise us upward (John 11:25; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). Water baptism – going down under that water – is meant to be the symbolism of dying, being buried, and being raised up into a new life with Christ who is “the life” (John 14:6). The old man is dead and buried! See Colossians 3:3, and read Romans 6:3-4. Water baptism was never intended to become a ritual but rather the symbol of that which begun at the instant Christ saved us. The crucified, dead, buried, and raised up life comes at the moment Jesus saves us, We are dead and He now lives in us as Redeemer, Ruler and King, Savior, and Friend. The life of the crucified believe is symbolized at water baptism (Galatians 2:20). Water baptism is a representation of what is to be a life lived allowing Christ to reign in place. It’s symbolic of the daily cross! – Where Christ alone reigns supreme!
Water baptism saves no one. No, it’s merely a picture of your life now that Christ saved you – your personal daily death, burial, resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). God saved you the moment you repented and believed on Jesus (Acts 20:21, etc.). And now He’s ordained that you “walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
“Water baptism symbolizes your spiritual identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The water does not itself join you to or identify you with Christ. It is only a symbol. It’s not even a requirement yet important due to the importance of what it is representative of. Water baptism is not a law like circumcision was. It is not essential. The thief on cross next to Christ was never water baptized but he was baptized in spiritual fact.”
One of the main points here on topics like this is priority, putting the first things first and not adding to what is essential to salvation. And yet it is biblically accurate that water baptism should be put forth as something Jesus commands, because He does.
Beware of the baptismal regeneration heresy. A thorough reading of the New Testament Scriptures reveals to us that water baptism saves no one. Saying people are saved by being water baptized is just another fake salvation – another excuse not to have to repent, lay down the life in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus – on His stated terms, right? Sinners are in darkness and the unrepentant love to hear that they are not required to repent which means to change course, to give one’s life up to the LORD who made us all.
So “saved” doesn’t mean saved in Acts 16:31? Where O Where is the water? The water baptism didn’t happen till after the jailer and his family were “saved” (Acts 16:33). “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31
“By faith” appears 37 times in the Word of God. “By water” appears 4 times.
Without what is it impossible to please God? Faith or water?
“But without faith it is impossible to please him.” Hebrews 11:6
Is salvation “by faith” in the only Redeemer, or by water? Water baptism is totally futile, a 100% complete waste without being first saved by Christ through FAITH (Romans 3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.).
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, IF thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:36-37
When the Ethiopian eunuch asked to be baptized in water, Philip told him he had to believe on the LORD Jesus Christ first – as a prerequisite! – “IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST.” Also…. many of the fake “bibles” removed Acts 8:37. The devil is a liar!!!! Let’s use the King James Bible saints!!!! Let’s trash satan’s corruption.
Recently I had an in-depth conversation with a man who was over emphasizing water baptism and after a lengthy discussion he said he’d “said enough.” To him I wrote:
“You’ve certainly told me enough and showed you are misled by what you’ve stated. And you claim it came by revelation. It sure didn’t come from divine revelation.”
REPLY:
“Notice how you lifted Acts 16:33 out of it’s context. WHAT came BEFORE the water baptism and without which the water baptism was futile?
‘And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.’ Acts 16:30-33
Christ saves by faith not water. Water baptism is only effectual if the person is first saved by the blood through faith.
‘Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;’ Romans 3:24-25
Of course water baptism is important but it’s not the essential, believing is.
Satan’s agenda is to remove the focus from Christ and His blood without which there is ‘NO remission of sins’ (Hebrews 9:22). That’s what we see here.
Those who like to focus on the water do so because they are moral cowards who refuse to truly repent which is something that must occur in their hearts.”
The thief on the cross was not water baptized, yet Jesus told him “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Water baptism is only for those already saved. Here’s a New Testament example of how these disciples were first saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, only then were they water baptized.
“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:46-48
The only value that water baptism has is in identifying you with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
One disciple wrote:
“The only way to promotion is by demotion. Are you today seeking a demotion? Do you want self to be advanced, enhanced, prominent, recognized, satisfied, aggrandized, indulged, promoted, noticed, or applauded? Or do you want self demoted, crucified, and killed to all these worldly things?”
Perhaps loving obedience and gratitude to the Lord should be the foundational motives for the believer being water baptized. When a person genuinely repents of his sins and receives Jesus Christ, He is then under the command of a new Master. He is no longer a member of Satan’s kingdom, but rather has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). His past sins have been completely washed away by the blood of Christ, and God has called him by name to serve Him in sincerity and in truth (Romans 3:25; 1 Cor. 5:7-8).
Jesus commands all of His disciples to be baptized in water. In demonstration of our love for Him, every believer should obey and follow the LORD in water baptism. He says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
1. As seen in Scripture, what does the actual act of being water baptized consist of – in the literal sense? Acts 8:38 Please read this verse in the King James Bible and check one of the following.
_____ splashing with water
_____ sprinkling with water as an infant
_____ fully submerging the body under water
Notice that Philip and the eunuch “went down both into the water” (Acts 8:38). The English word “baptize” comes from the Greek word BAPTIZO which means to dip, submerge; to make whelmed, fully wet. Baptism is a burial.
Water baptism should always be in actual water and not sprinkling or pouring water on the new believer being baptized. This is because of what it represents; not a mere sprinkling but rather a whole immersion, a going under and being completely whelmed – representing being now dead, buried, and raised up.
2. Read 1 Peter 3:21 closely. Note here that water baptism does not cleanse one from the “filth of the flesh (sin).” Trust in that which baptism is a “figure” of, does cleanse from sin and save the soul. The word “figure” is the key to understanding this verse. Read it again. Being dipped in water does not save the soul. What saves the soul is faith in what water baptism is figurative or symbolic of – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water baptism merely answers to the already blood-washed conscience of the Believer. It is an outward testimony of the inward work of God in making the repentant person completely new from the inside out (2 Cor. 5:17-18).
Christ must reign in the daily life of every believer and He is “Holy, holy, holy” and so sinfulness must be put away so that the believer can spring forth into the fullness of Christ’s resurrection life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Baptism in water is the figure of this process. It’s a death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism is symbolic of death to the sinful nature and resurrection into a life lived in the nature of Jesus and out of God’s abundant grace which fills the believer’s heart.
3. Did Jesus submit Himself to water baptism? Matthew 3:13-16
_______YES
_______NO
Water baptism was practiced by the Son of God.
4. How old was Jesus when He was baptized? Luke 3:21-23
____________________________________________________
Notice here that Jesus was a full grown adult when water baptized. Only those who are of age to understand and partake of the salvation of God are candidates for water baptism. Infant baptism or sprinkling is un-scriptural.
5. Did Jesus’ disciples practice water baptism in their ministry? John 4:1, 2
_______YES
_______NO
Jesus’ disciples and the early Church believers water baptised all new converts.
6. Jesus sent His disciples forth to “teach all nations.” What else did He command them to do? Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16
____________________________________________________
Mark 16:16 does NOT say “he that is not baptized shall not be saved.” No Jesus says “he that believeth not shall be damned.” He put the essential on believing, not water baptism. Here are Christ’s words: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The believing is the essential, not water baptism, otherwise Jesus would have said “he that believeth and is not baptized shall be damned.” He did not.
7. In what names did Jesus command His disciples to baptize? Matthew 28:18-19
____________________________________________________
The name of Jesus Christ equals the authority of Jesus Christ.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38
Here in Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus authorized baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. When Scripture speaks of baptism in Jesus’ Name, it is referring to baptism by His authority. So, some disciples safely perform water baptism by saying: “You are now being baptized in the name, in the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.” Does this not cover all basis? I think so.
8. What were the three fundamental New Testament experiences preached and practiced by the early Church? Acts 2:38
A.____________________________________________________
B.____________________________________________________
C.____________________________________________________
9. Has God changed since Acts 2:38? Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8
_______YES
_______NO
Note that God, by the mouth of Peter, commanded the new believers to “Repent and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38).
10. What experience did the three thousand new converts partake of when they received the Word of God that Peter preached? Acts 2:41
____________________________________________________
As was clearly understood by the early followers of Jesus, the first step in discipling a new convert is to baptize him in water. This is the Lord’s first commandment to new believers. God seals the faith of the new convert at the time of water baptism. The new believer makes a statement of trust toward God in his water baptism experience and is confirmed in the faith by the Holy Spirit through this New Testament practice.
11. After Phillip preached the Gospel, what did the believers at Samaria do to openly declare their faith in Jesus? Acts 8:12
____________________________________________________
12. After Philip preached Jesus, what was the Ethiopian eunuch’s immediate question? Acts 8:35, 36
____________________________________________________
The Ethiopian eunuch had obviously made a heart-felt decision to believe on Jesus. He instantly desired to be baptized in water to exhibit his new found faith.
13. What did Philip tell the eunuch that he must do before he could be water baptized? Acts 8:37
____________________________________________________
The Bible only authorizes water baptism after the born again experience. Philip told the eunuch that the prerequisite for water baptism is to be born into the kingdom of God by personally receiving Jesus Christ. Here is another proof that the early Church disciples only baptized those who had already received Jesus.
God set forth as a pattern in the first century Church, believers who were zealous to baptize new converts in water. This solidifies the new converts’ faith in Jesus. Water baptism is the first command given to the new believer, and is therefore the responsibility of the members of the Body of Christ to see that every new believer is baptized.
14. What did the apostle Peter “command” the new Gentile converts to do after they had believed on Jesus and also received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Acts 10:43-48
v48 __________________________________________________
15. What did Paul and Silas do to the Philippian jailor who believed on the Lord after the jailbreak? Acts 16:25-34
____________________________________________________
Note that Paul and Silas baptized these new believers without delay and in the middle of the night. This very act makes two authoritative statements: (1) If at all possible, disciples should water baptize new converts immediately following their salvation experience, and (2) The apostles counted water baptism very important, it was an integral part of the Gospel they preached and administered.
16. When “many” of the Corinthian’s “believed”, what followed? Acts 18:8
____________________________________________________
17. As followers of Jesus what are we baptized into? Romans 6:3
____________________________________________________
To the believer the water grave signifies that the time of living after the sinful nature of the flesh is over. This burial represents death to the nature of sin and resurrection into the life of God. Jesus Himself was baptized to signify His own death, burial, and resurrection. The follower of Jesus in like manner is to be baptized, signifying death to the old man and resurrection into the new nature of God resident within him. Sin lost its power at Calvary, and loses its dominion over the believer when he identifies with Christ in water baptism. In water baptism, the believer identifies with Jesus. All true disciples are crucified with Christ and water baptism is the marked beginning of this state of existence (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; Rom. 6:11). It is his announcement to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus.
18. What is the believer to “walk in” after God raises him from the dead? Romans 6:4
____________________________________________________
Beloved, God has called you to “walk in newness of life.” The believer must be “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Water baptism is so very important because it introduces the new believer into the life to which God has called him – a life of death and resurrection. The old person and his deeds are dead. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The disciple is to live separate from sin. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God” 2 (Corinthians 5 :17,18).
19. What are two reasons that we are to be “crucified” with Jesus? Romans 6:6
A. __________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________
Water baptism is a public announcement of your decrease and His increase (John 3:30). God can only raise up those things that are dead. To resurrect is to raise to life again – to cause something or someone once alive to live again. One must die to the things of this world to live in the resurrected life of Jesus. This is a must if one will be His disciple (John 12:24-26). To live in the resurrection life of God one must be dead to the sins of the flesh. The definition of being “dead” to sin, is living life as if sin didn’t even exist in the sense that one is separate from it – you do not partake of it in spirit, soul, or body.
Water baptism is the beginning of the life lived after the Spirit instead of after the flesh. It’s a heartfelt broadcast to the Lord, the world, and the devil that you are now going to be true to the Most High God by living in holy conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the moment of baptism God imparts a sufficient measure of grace to enable the believer to walk out his new life in Christ.
20. Why do you personally believe that baptism in water is so important in God’s eyes?
____________________________________________________
God has saved you and has set you apart to live after His nature that He has imparted to you (Rom. 6, 8). You are a new creature in Christ Jesus and God requires that you make this known (Matthew 10:32, 33). Jesus was fearless and unashamed when He came to the earth to do His Father’s will and die for the sins of the world. He requires that His disciples be bold and unashamed in testifying of His work of redemption. Water baptism should be the first act of obedience rendered by the disciple of Jesus.
21. What does Jesus do for all who “confess” Him before men? Matthew 10:32
____________________________________________________
22. What does Jesus do to all those who “deny” Him before men? Matthew 10:33
____________________________________________________
Water baptism is an open declaration of one’s identification with and faith in Jesus. Water baptism is generally the new believer’s first act of confession before men. It should be the personal and spoken testimony of the believer about to be baptized. The new convert should be given time to give account of his born again experience and God’s work presently in progress in his life.
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET BEEN WATER BAPTIZED, OBEY THE LORD BY ARRANGING A TIME AND PLACE TO PUBLICLY TESTIFY OF YOUR NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST BY BEING BAPTIZED.
ASSIGNMENT:
In 250 words or more, detail the ways that the Word of God should be incorporated into the daily life of the believer. (Tips for your essay’s content: study, performance, prayer, warfare, proclaiming, meditating upon, memorizing, etc.) Search the Scriptures as your source for this essay and use Scripture and references to validate your statements. Begin with deep and prayerful meditation on God’s Word. Write your essay neatly and in an organized manner.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: Matthew 28:19
It would be very advantageous for you to cross reference all of the Scriptures in this study. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on this same subject. Write out these verses with references on index cards – make it a priority to carry and post them where you will study and meditate upon them. These two measures will build in you a wealth of truth on each topic. This will help you to retain and become resourceful in the Word of God – ready to be used of Him. Capture the knowledge that you have learned, don’t let it slip away from you.
Capitalize on your efforts. This is preparation in earnest (2 Timothy 2:21).
STUDY GUIDES
Evangelism
Holy Word of God
The Blood of Jesus
Holy Ghost Baptism
Water Baptism
The Believer and The Word
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
Study Guides | Bible School | Bible/Word of God Category
Apostasy
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
Does John 10:27-29 Prove “Eternal Security”?
WHO are Jesus’ Sheep? Defined by, in God’s Word.
John 10:27-29
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” ~ John 10:27-29
Verse 27 is the condition necessary to appropriate the promises of verses 28-29.
Those who believe that a man can never lose his salvation, use this John 10:28-29 text but ignore the prerequisite, the divinely given condition – v27. Watch this:
Firstly, in this passage Jesus identifies those sheep whom He makes the security promise to. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” In this we see one part divine and two parts the responsibility of the individual:
- “I know them”—the divine part toward those who are truly in Christ, presently abiding (v. 27)
- Those who are His sheep “hear” His “voice” and “follow” Him—the individual’s responsibility (v. 27)
The promise to be kept is a conditional promise which requires that we choose to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” mythology.
The problem for the eternal securists is that v27 has been intentionally been ignored…. It’s the actual condition Jesus gives for receiving the assurance promises He then gives in v28-29.
Those who seek to spread the “once saved always saved” heresy use John 10:28-29 to their advantage and conveniently ignore the preceding words of Christ in verse 27. Verses 28-29 are promises of security to those who have been genuinely born again and are currently abiding in Christ – hearing His voice and following Him (John 15:1-6). Many ignore the previous qualifying words (v. 27) of Jesus where Christ tells us that only those who are hearing His voice and following Him are promised that they are secure and will never perish. There is a condition to being secure in Christ—knowing Him—which requires continuing to abide in Him, hear His voice and follow Him (see also John 15).
“Jesus will neither leave us nor forsake us, but we can leave and forsake Him by choosing our sins OVER His love, grace and mercy!” Dino Filardo
Eternal securists have been taught to selectively interpret Scripture while ignoring mountains of Bible truth, in order to come to a predetermined conclusion.
Many a false teacher has built his own ministry empire dishonestly peddling this passage. Take a closer look. Anchor the promise to be kept in verses 28-29 on verse 27 where Jesus identifies who His sheep are – those who hear and continue to hear His voice and continue to follow Him (present tense). The promise to be kept is a glorious and yet conditional promise which requires that the individual recipient of the salvation gift of God chooses to continue to hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27-29). Many today wrongly detach our LORD’s words in verse 27 from verses 28-29 of John 10. In doing so, they perpetrate their “eternal security” or otherwise called “once saved always saved” mythology. Beware as this was the first lie Satan told mankind, which led to the fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
Instead of synthesizing the whole of Scripture, false teachers isolate certain verses for their own self-serving agenda and purpose (2 Corinthians 2:17, etc.).
The sheep Jesus’ promises are going to be kept are those who endure to the end, abide (remain) with Him (John 15:1-6). The Great Shepherd defines His sheep as those who are presently hearing His voice and following Him (present tense). John 10:27-29
It’s not difficult to mislead people in the direction of the sinful nature of their hearts – because then they can evade truly repenting which is a major life change and necessity for salvation. This is why Paul foretold of this hour and how men would “heap to themselves (false) teachers having itching ears.” (2 Timothy 4:3) “Itching ears” here represents unrepentant hearts.
OSAS people make a vain attempt at redefining the words of Scripture to fit their own self-serving agenda of lukewarmness, cross-less rebellion. For example they hyper-focus on “eternal” in the term “eternal life” while intentionally refusing to synthesize the whole of what Scripture states. They hyper-focus on the word “gift” and teach that a gift could never be lost which the rest of Scripture does not agree with. They then take the word “sealed” and make it to be permanent which it cannot possibly be because the same Greek word for “sealed” is used of Jesus’ tomb which we all know was NOT permanently sealed (Matthew 27:66). In this they bear false witness against the LORD and act like some Scriptures are more divinely inspired than others. This practice reveals the evil and deceit of their own hearts. Not just some Scripture in the Bible but rather “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It must all be synthesized, put together, compared (1 Corinthians 2:13). Error will result in the hearts and lives of those who do not search, study, and revere “ALL scripture” in God’s Word.
Eternal security deceivers don’t want to talk about Bible verses that contradict and expose their proof texts. You see, they don’t want to get awaken by the truth to the scam they’ve bought into. The wolves who they gullibly believe instead of God’s Word, taught them to cry “context, context” all while THEY are the beguilers who are taking Scripture out of context. Just like the demonic democrats in America, they accuse their adversaries of the exact thing THEY themselves are guilty of (Romans 2:1-3).
YOU are defending OSAS and yet you gave no Bible verses? Self-deception. If “once saved always saved” were true, WHY O WHY didn’t God tell us? Such a term, phrase, or concept appear no where in Scripture and the verses you use to “prove” it are taken out of their context. OSAS is undeniably the very first lie Satan ever told and it led to the fall of mankind from a HOLY God (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). If OSAS isn’t a doctrine of devils, nothing is! (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Is the unchanging, Almighty God no longer “Holy, holy, holy” now that He sent His only begotten Son? (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) If He’s still holy, no unrepentant person with sin will enter His holy Heaven (Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
HOW is it that so many treat the words of JESUS recorded in John 10 more divinely authoritative than the words of JESUS recorded in John 15? False teachers.
Most of the dupes who cite John 10:28-29 to “prove” they can never lose their salvation, 1. Don’t even know what the preceding verse says (v27), and 2. Have no clue what JESUS says in John 15:6.
“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6
In this John 10 passage used by the unconditional eternal security crew to peddle their wares, some neglect to look closely at verse 27 to see who Jesus was specifically speaking to when He promised “they shall never perish.” “They” refers to those who “hear my voice” and “follow me.” According to verse 27 the promise of eternal security is conditional. Assurance of salvation is only to those who are presently following Christ. In verse 27 we learn that protection from judgment to come is only to those who are currently 1) hearing His voice, 2) known by Him, and 3) following Him. This is consistent with the message seen in the whole of Holy Writ.
“For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22
WHO did Jesus say His true sheep are?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn. 10:27). According to these words of Christ, those who “know” Jesus and “follow” Him are given the promise that they will “never perish.” As long as the follower hears His voice and follows Him, they are assured “eternal life.” This is exactly what the Son of God taught just a few chapters later in John 15 where He says that if a branch that is in Him does not remain or abide in Him, that person will be cut off and cast into the fire (hell).
Those who abide or remain under the shadow of His holy and protective wing shall remain secure in Him (Ps. 91:1). The Good Shepherd here said: “Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” No man can pluck us out of His protection except ourselves by our own decisions. We who are abiding are protected from the snare of other men drawing us away as we remain walking with the Son of God. If you’re tucked, you won’t get plucked. If you’re not tucked under the wing of intimacy with Jesus, you will, can, and are likely to be plucked out of His holy hand by your own sinful unbelief. The LORD told us “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11).
It’s also notable that those who emphasize John 10 to convince themselves and others that they are “eternally secure”, don’t even know much less acknowledge the words of the Savior in John 15:1-6.
Telling.
“If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6
Jesus taught repeatedly that some would not continue to follow Him (“abide”) and hear His voice and would consequently “fall away.” There is record of some who once believed and then stopped believing (Lk. 8:13; 13:23-30; Jn. 6:66; Acts 8:14-23).
WHY do eternal securists get all upset when their fairy tale is exposed? Well, they are hiding behind the thin veneer of this heresy, feeling all secure, emboldened to live as they please, feeling assured in their lukewarmness and sin … denying Jesus instead of self, refusing to take up the cross that Jesus commanded all who would follow Him truly (Luke 9:23-24). Christ’s apostle Paul speaks of self-serving “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19) What’s behind this myth? The Psychology of Eternal Security [book]
Another Example of the Twisting of Scripture
The eternal securists seek to justify their OSAS heresy by misusing the following passage…. but in this Paul is speaking of those who go to Heaven, the judgment of saints, and not those who fell away and won’t be there because they will be in hell. They will not be present when this happens….
“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:13-15
One More….
Common Objection to Conditional Eternal Security….
“What about Romans 8:38-39 where it says nothing can separate us from the love of God?”
REPLY:
Simple: Notice the word LOVE not life. God will love us all the way into hell if we choose not to repent. His soul will even “weep in secret places for your pride” which comes before destruction (Jeremiah 13:17). The LORD is “Holy, holy, holy,” He’s just, and He will not ever coexist with sin. See the fall of lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Luke 10:18). The wages of sin is still death and the LORD will damn every soul that dies in sin, with no exception (Psalms 5:4; Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 6:3; Romans 6:23; Revelation 4:8; 21:8; 22:11, etc.). Read Jesus’s parable of the prodigal son Lk 15. Did the father love and miss his son? Yes. Did the father (represents God) go chase him down? No. The son who departed had to choose to return. Much truth there. Speaking of Romans, read 11:20-22. Now read 2 Peter 2:20-22 and the book of Hebrews.
1 John 2:19 is often also utilized to “prove” eternal security. Not.
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:19
Interestingly, the word “never” does not appear in this verse above which is so often used to “prove” OSAS. Let’s read it again with an objective mind. And, also remember what Jesus says about the primary importance of His teaching of the seed and the soil, the sower and the Word:
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” Mark 4:13
The honest student of the whole Counsel of God’s Word knows that numerous clear Bible truths reveal that a saved person can turn away from the LORD, so we know that the apostle John could not possibly be saying that a saved person could never depart from the LORD. In my opinion, this verse is the best argument the eternal security proponent has, yet it’s not enough. There must be two or three witnesses and not just one (2 Cor. 13:1). After a closer examination of this text, one will find that verse 19 does not teach or justify “once saved always saved.” When any one verse is taken to the exclusion of the whole Word of God, one will certainly misunderstand the doctrine of the LORD which can only be apprehended by “study.” (2 Tim. 2:15) This verse is like any other verse of Scripture – it must be taken in light of the entire Counsel of God. The context to be considered is 1 John 2:18-29).
In examining the context in which 1 John 2:19 is set, we see that false teachers whom John calls “many antichrists,” had come and were telling these believers that Jesus was not the Christ (v22).
Let’s look at verses 18 and 19 together:
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” 1 John 2:18-19
Note here that it is specifically of these “antichrists” that John speaks and says that “if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
John was speaking of those who were once saved but then departed from the faith (1 Tim 4:1), they believed and then fell away (Luke 8:12-13) …. then departed from the believers in that fellowship.
Teddy Caldwell writes:
“OSAS insists that those are professing believers, but 1 John 2:18 says such people are antichrists. 1 John 2:22 says an antichrist is one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Anyone who does that isn’t a believer and isn’t even trying to look like one.”
Concerning 1 John 2:19, Donald Stamps, in the Life in the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
“‘THEY WENT OUT FROM US.’ When the antichrists departed from their fellowship with true believers, they were not in a saving relationship with Christ. This allows for two possibilities: (1) They were never true believers to begin with, or (2) they had once been in a saving relationship with Christ but afterward abandoned their faith in Christ.”
Right here in verse 24 of this passage we see the doctrine of personal responsibility to “remain” in faithful obedience to the LORD or lose one’s place with God (1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 6:9; Col. 1:23). This is a teaching found throughout Holy Writ – the divine requirement to stay saved or lose all in eternity, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 7)
“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. IF (denotes condition) that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:24-25
Verse 24 alone tells us that we cannot think that verse 19 means that someone who is at some point in right standing with God can never depart from Him and lose out. Also, verse 25 tells us that “eternal life” (not just rewards) is at stake and the promise contingent upon the believer abiding or remaining in that “which ye have heard from the beginning” which is the Gospel. “Eternal life” is assured as long as one is remaining rooted in Jesus Christ. This is the overwhelmingly consistent message of God’s Word.
In verse 26 John says “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” Verse 19 is written about the deceivers who sought to “seduce” these disciples John was addressing and not of true believers.
With all of Scripture in consideration, we can conclude that 1 John 2:19 is a specific example and not a rule of doctrine.
If you truly wish to search out this matter, let me encourage you to closely examine, break down and study this entire text (1 Jn. 2:18-29). In order to ascertain truth, one must compare the verse in question with all other related Scriptures, beginning with the context in which the verse is set (Isa. 28:9-10; 1 Cor. 2:13).
Go here for more on the misuse of 1 John 2:19.
Eternal Security / OSAS Exploded
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Peace with God | Soul-Damning Sins (book) | Hell’s Menu | Where Do We Go When We Die (audio) | Voices of Conviction Who Warn of Hell’s Horror
Articles
Laboring Fervently for Christ’s Body [podcast]
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:12-13
One source notes:
“Epaphras’ prayer is a powerful New Testament model of intercession found in Colossians 4:12. As the founder of the church in Colossae, Epaphras is described by the Apostle Paul as ‘wrestling’ or ‘laboring earnestly’ in prayer so that his congregation would stand mature, firm, and fully assured in the will of God.”
Jesus Heals the Paralytic Man who was Dropped Down to Him from the Roof
Mark 2
“1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:1-12
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Fresh Start with God | “Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast] | Resurrection Grace [podcast] | G.O.D. = Game Over Devil [podcast] | Justification | Grace and Good Works [podcast] | More on Assurance here | Eternal Security Debunked | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich podcasts for your edification in Christ.
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Laboring Fervently for Christ’s Body [podcast]
Abiding Under the Shadow of the Almighty [podcast]
The Warnings of the Book of Jude [podcast]
Attend to My Words [podcast]
Gathering Fruit for Christ’s Eternal Glory [podcast]
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee [podcast]
Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High [podcast]
The Over Population Delusion Exposed [video]
Are You Bless-able? English and Spanish [podcast]
Mexico Mission Momentum Part 41
“Cursed be the Man that Trusteth in Man” [podcast]
Modern Day Cult of Personality Exposed [podcast]
The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]
The Damning Myth of Unconditional Eternal Security! [podcast]
Calvinism’s Origins and Historical Roots [podcast]
Name Cult Warning: Beware of the Yahweh, Yahushua, Yahuah Cults!
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High [podcast]
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee [podcast]
The Warnings of the Book of Jude [podcast]
Hell’s Menu
“You Who are Troubled Rest with Us” [podcast]
Penknife Sacrilege [podcast]
Attend to My Words [podcast]
The Over Population Delusion Exposed [video]
Diminishing Returns or Divine Blessings? [podcast]
Be Not Moved Away from the Hope of the Gospel [podcast]
Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]
Favorite Eternal Security “Proof” Text? [podcast]
Laboring Fervently for Christ’s Body [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved
Michael
March 25, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Can you please point out the verses that specifically say Judas preached the Gospel? Yes, we all know Judas was sent out to do a task, but we know nothing of him ever doing it. Jesus did pick the twelve, but he also said one of you is a devil. Jesus even prayed, John 17:12 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.
right here Jesus knew before he even picked Judas, he would betray him.
👉👉and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.👈👈 Judas was never saved and you pretty much wrote a book grasping for straws saying he was. You are right on one thing, ALL scriptures must line up with other scriptures and this lines up the best about Judas, Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. If salvation can be lost as you put it, how do you lose the Holy Spirit? How can man break what God has sealed up?
Todd
March 25, 2024 at 6:06 pm
Hello Michael. Can you please point out where any of the 12 were specifically named and shown to be preaching the Gospel when Jesus sent them forth to do so? If Judas didn’t preach the Gospel, cast out devils, etc., then not one of them did. Yet this is not so. So how many of HIS disciples, apostles did Jesus send forth to minister? 11 or 12? Also, is Judas’ name listed as one of the 12? Let’s look:
“And when he had called unto him his TWELVE disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and JUDAS ISCARIOT, who also betrayed him.” Matthew 10:1-4
Then the text reads:
“These TWELVE Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:” Matthew 10:5
Are you trying to make calvinism palatable instead of following the whole counsel of Holy Scripture where ever it leads? Mark 7:6-10. Judas later, after being chosen to the highest office of Christ’s church, had a devil. Contrary to the demonic heresies of calvinism, no one on earth ever loses their free will. The fact that God foreknew that Judas would depart from the faith, in no way indicates that God broke His own Word by seducing or causing Judas to sin, to choose to rebel. What does James 1:13-15 tell us Michael? Foreknowledge never equals God leading anyone to sin. Did you realize that God is “Holy, holy, holy”? (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Apparently you are not a man of truth but one who rejects divine truth in order to uphold your heresies, as you hide behind these lies like a coward, in order to justify your sin. Repent now sinner. Proverbs 28:13 says “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” The demons that presently control your life are cleary enraged at this thorough treatment of the traitor, Judas. You love darkness rather than light and therefore have refused to repent (John 3:19-21). God warns us specifically of such “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3-4) Yep you quoted Psalms 41:9 which further proves Judas was Christ’s, His very “own familiar FRIEND.” And you dare to blasphemously assert that Jesus prayed to the Father to bring a rebel into His own ministry, to the highest office of the kingdom. You have redefined the word “sealed”….. The Sealed Scam Exposed: https://safeguardyoursoul.com/sealed-are-you-sure/