by Jane Daniels

Created on: November 29, 2010   Last Updated: December 01, 2010

Did Judas Iscariot go to heaven or hell?

The answer to that question is...neither.  Why do I say that? Let's examine some of the facts that we know about this man, Judas Iscariot so as to ascertain from the scriptures what his destiny actually was.

Firstly, some background information....There were two apostles named Judas. Luke confirms this in listing the names of the twelve; "Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Barthol'omew, and Matthew and Thomas, and James [the son] of Alphae'us, and Simon who is called “the zealous one,” and Judas [the son] of James, and Judas Iscar'iot, who turned traitor " (Luke 6:14-16)

Despite the fact that Judas Iscariot was the one who betrayed Christ, we should not assume that God foreordained him to do so and is therefore responsible for his defection. Christ's betrayal was foreseen, not orchestrated.
It was not always in the heart of this man to do the wrong thing. He was trusted enough in the beginning to be assigned to take care of the finances of the group, even though Matthew was possibly more qualified as a former tax collector.

Like Satan, Judas was tempted by a strong personal desire which was acted upon and led him to sin. At some point in the early part of Jesus' ministry, Judas was overcome by this sinful desire. (James 1:13-15) He became thoroughly and inexcusably corrupt. Jesus said of him, "“I chose you twelve, did I not? Yet one of you is a slanderer.” He was, in fact, speaking of Judas [the son] of Simon Iscar'iot; for this one was going to betray him, although one of the twelve." (John 6:70, 71)

Jesus spent all night in prayer before choosing his apostles. These would be his closest and most trusted companions. ('Apostle' means "one sent forth")

Jesus knew from prophesy that he would be betrayed by someone close to him. (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18, 19)  It was also foretold that the "office" or position of the betrayer would be given to someone else. (Psalm 109:8)

What did Judas witness as he travelled with his master and the other apostles? How many miracles did he personally observe right in front of his eyes...even at his own hand? (Matthew 10:5-9) How amazing would it have been to participate in miracles and have personal training sessions from God's own son? What kind of a wicked heart could remain unaffected by these things and the close bond that Jesus had with his chosen ones?

The Bible does not give us

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