Is Judas in Heaven or Hell?

October 14, 2024

In the Italian writer, Dante’s Inferno, we are taken on a journey into the depths of hell. The worst place in hell is the Fourth Ring of the Ninth Circle, where we find lucifer, who personally tortures those who commit the worst sin of all - betrayal. This is where we find Judas being eaten by lucifer continually, while never being consumed, so Judas is tormented for eternity. Though it seems a fitting end to Judas, is it true?

It is a fair assumption that Judas is in big trouble when we read Matthew 26:24, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” But Jesus doesn’t directly condemn Judas for doing what he seemed destined to do. We read in Luke 22:3-4, “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.” Without Judas, the series of events that lead Jesus to the cross and the salvation of the world may not occur.

Peter encountered a similar destiny as Jesus told him in Luke 22:31-32, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus tells Peter he will deny Jesus three times, which he does, fulfilling Jesus’ words that satan not only sifted, but won this battle. However, the scripture shows us how Peter is forgiven by Jesus and restored to leadership in John 21.

God shows the apostle John a vision of His throne room in Revelation 4:1-4. As John shares the glorious scene, we read this in verse 4, “Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.” Jesus would prophecy this scene in Matthew 19:28, “Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

In Matthew 27:3-4, we see how Judas responds to what he has done by confessing his sin. We read, “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood… So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”

Let’s take a look at what we know about Judas. He was personally chosen to be an apostle by Jesus Christ, left all behind to follow Jesus, spent 3 years traveling with Jesus, saw all the miracles, heard all the teachings, watched all the healings, and was sent out with the other disciples and did all those things in Jesus’ name, and none of the other disciples suspected him of treason. Finally, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:28-30, “Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

We saw the power of forgiveness when Jesus forgave Peter on the beach (John 21). Jesus couldn’t forgive Judas on earth because of his suicide, but I think He would do so in heaven. The reason I believe this, is because I know the power of forgiveness. Jesus never said betrayal or even suicide are the worst of all sins, even though it feels like it when we are betrayed or live through someone’s suicide. He said blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the only unforgiveable sin (Matthew 12:31-32). From Judas’ confession of sin in front of the Pharisees, I think we can believe that Judas asked God to forgive him, though making such judgements is way above my pay grade. I will trust in the mercy and plan of God on these matters.

Judas’ eternal destiny is not my primary concern as I write this article. I want to impress upon each of us that trusting in the power of forgiveness can have eternal implications and rewards. God wants us to clear up brokenness in our relationships, and to choose brokenness over forgiveness can inhibit our ability to experience God’s love and forgiveness.

Who do you need to ask for forgiveness? Who do you need to forgive? Don’t wait. Start praying for God to open doors to experience the power of forgiveness. Thank you, Jesus, for redeeming us from our sin!