The Scripture consistently places Judas as a genuine participant in Jesus’ ministry before his fall. Every verse that shows him learning, following, or ministering directly challenges the idea that he was always a devil. To prove that Judas was never saved to begin with, one must do the following, but doing so contradicts the very words of Jesus.
1. Prove that Judas was never a child of the bridechamber — which would contradict Matthew 9:15, where Jesus calls His disciples “the children of the bridechamber,” including Judas.
2. Prove that Judas was never sent to the lost sheep of Israel — which would contradict Matthew 10:1–13; Mark 6:7–13; Luke 9:1–6, where Judas is explicitly sent out among the twelve to minister and teach.
3. Prove that Judas was never warned about judgment for rejected ministry — which would contradict Matthew 10:14–15, where Jesus speaks to His disciples, including Judas, about the consequences of rejection.
4. Prove that Judas was never a sheep among wolves — which would contradict Matthew 10:16, where Jesus warns His disciples to be wise and innocent among adversaries, a group that includes Judas.
5. Prove that Judas was never part of the “little flock” promised the kingdom — which would contradict Luke 12:32, where Jesus addresses His disciples’ relationship with the Father.
6. Prove that Judas never heard and followed the Good Shepherd — which would contradict John 10:27, which describes the sheep knowing the shepherd’s voice, applicable to all twelve apostles, including Judas.
7. Prove that receiving Judas would not have been receiving Christ — which would contradict Matthew 10:40, “He that receiveth you receiveth me,” showing that Judas’ participation as a disciple implied a genuine connection to Christ.
8. Prove that Judas was never part of Christ’s family — which would contradict Matthew 12:48–50, where Jesus refers to His disciples as His brothers, sisters, and mother in a spiritual sense.
9. Prove that Judas was never acknowledged in the Father-Son relationship — which would contradict Matthew 10:20; 5:16, 45, 48; 6:1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 18, 26, 32; 7:11, where Jesus speaks to His disciples in terms of their relationship to God the Father.
10. Prove that Judas never received instruction in the mysteries of the kingdom — which would contradict Matthew 13:10–11, where the disciples are taught to understand parables; Judas is present among them.
11. Prove that Judas never saw or understood the teachings of Christ — which would contradict Matthew 13:16, which states that the disciples’ eyes see and ears hear, indicating comprehension.
12. Prove that Judas never recognized Jesus as the Son of God — which would contradict Matthew 14:33, where the disciples worship Jesus after the miracle, and Judas was present.
13. Prove that Judas was never promised a throne as a follower — which would contradict Matthew 19:27–28, where Jesus promises that those who follow Him will sit on twelve thrones judging Israel. His failure to remain faithful does not negate the original promise.
14. Prove that Judas never partook of the Passover with Christ — which would contradict Matthew 26:18, 20; Luke 14:25–35, where Judas is present at the Last Supper with the twelve.
15. Prove that Satan was always in Judas, removing his free moral choice — which would contradict John 13:2; Luke 22:3–4, where Satan enters Judas at specific moments to execute betrayal, showing a progression rather than an eternal condition.
Also, you cannot betray someone if you never followed them. And if Judas was never a follower of Jesus, then how could his actions be considered a betrayal, and why did Jesus refer to him as friend (Mt. 26:50).
In short, to argue that Judas was never a follower of Christ, one would have to deny virtually every verse that depicts him as part of Jesus’ ministry, teaching, family, and discipleship. That approach would directly contradict Scripture at almost every turn.
People who say Judas was never a follower, never faithful etc etc, simply haven’t studied and read their New Testament bible.
Nope.
All we have to do is prove that Judas NEVER believed Jesus was Messiah, the Son of God.
You need to juxtapose Judas with Peter. Peter DENIED that he even knew Jesus. Judas didn't do that.
So what is the difference between them?
Why was Peter forgiven and not Judas?
THIS is why:
Matthew 16 NKJV
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some
say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed
this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
NOWHERE will you find judas referring to Jesus as Messiah, Lord, or Son of God.
He only refers to Jesus as Rabbi and teacher.
Every one of your citations in no way means that Judas was saved.
There are MANY today claiming Salvation yet not truly believing, or believing a heresy about Jesus. Like He isn't God in the flesh, or is the brother of Satan, etc...
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
They supposedly did works and preaching too. Just like Judas. Unfortunately, they NEVER were born again, because they NEVER believed who Jesus was, and what Jesus did.
NONE of them said ANYTHING like "Lord did we not believe on Your Name, and trust Your Sacrifice for our sin?"
And Jesus NEVER said ANYTHING like, ' I knew you at one time, you were born again, and now you forfeited it"
No. He NEVER knew them. That term "knew" is similar to Adam knowing his wife and Eve conceiving and bearing a child.
Judas, and these guys WERE NEVER BORN AGAIN.
