That’s a great and important theological question—was Judas Iscariot ever truly a believer, like Peter and the other disciples, or even the thief on the cross? Or was he a pretender all along? Let’s compare these two views clearly, using Scripture as our authority.
Was Judas a Believer Who Had Remorse for His Sin?
Some argue that Judas Iscariot started out with sincere faith, followed Jesus like the other disciples, preached the kingdom (Luke 9:1–6), and even performed miracles. He showed deep regret after betraying Jesus—returning the silver and saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4). According to this view:
- He might have truly believed at one point, like Peter or the thief on the cross, but faltered under the weight of guilt.
- His suicide is seen as the tragic result of a believer who gave in to despair rather than trusting in grace.
- Some might liken his remorse to Peter’s denial, arguing that Judas could’ve been restored had he turned to Jesus in faith.
While this position is often well-meaning, it lacks biblical support when we look closely at what the entirety of Scripture says about Judas.
- Judas did feel remorse (Greek: metamelomai, Matt. 27:3), but this word indicates emotional regret—not true repentance (metanoeo), which involves a change of heart and turning to God.
- Nowhere in Scripture is Judas described as believing in Jesus as Lord or Savior.
- Jesus Himself calls Judas a “devil” in John 6:70-71 and says, “It would have been better for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24)—a very strong statement not said of Peter or any true believer.
- John 17:12 refers to Judas as the “son of perdition”, a phrase used only one other time in Scripture—to describe the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
In other words, while Judas expressed worldly sorrow, he never expressed godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Was Judas an Unbeliever Who Never Repented?
This is the stronger biblical view and the one supported by a literal understanding of Scripture. Judas was never born again. Though he followed Jesus externally and participated in ministry activities, his heart was never transformed. He represents those who are near to Jesus but never truly belong to Him.
- John 6:64, 70–71 – “But there are some of you who do not believe… Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him… ‘Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?’”
- John 12:6 – Judas was a thief, and he didn’t care for the poor, showing ongoing sinful behavior without evidence of regeneration.
- Luke 22:3–4 – “Then Satan entered Judas…” The indwelling of Satan is never recorded of any true believer.
- Acts 1:25 – Judas went “to his own place,” a phrase commonly understood to refer to hell or eternal judgment.
- 1 John 2:19 – “They went out from us, but they were not of us…” This describes people like Judas who were among the believers but not truly one of them.
This leads me to the conclusion that Judas Iscariot was never saved. He was never a believer. He was never justified. He was never born again. Jesus knew this all along yet still treated Judas with kindness and patience.
Was Judas Iscariot Predestined to Betray Jesus?
The question of free will versus predestination, especially in the case of Judas Iscariot, is often a hot theological topic. But when approached from a biblical, literal, perspective, the evidence from Scripture shows clearly that Judas acted freely, with full moral responsibility, despite being foretold in prophecy.
How Do We Reconcile Prophecy with Free Will?
God’s foreknowledge is not the same as foreordination in the Calvinistic sense. God, in His omniscience, knew what Judas would freely choose. He didn’t force him. Judas wasn’t a programmed robot. He had real opportunity to repent, believe, and follow Christ—but he chose not to.
God’s sovereignty and man’s free will are not in conflict—God’s plan includes human choice. Judas is a perfect example.
Did Prophecies About Judas Remove His Free Will?
Let’s look at some of the key prophecies and what they mean:
- Psalms 41:9 – “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”
- Fulfilled in John 13:18.
- This foreshadows betrayal—but it doesn’t mean Judas had to be the one to fulfill it. Someone would betray Jesus, but God did not coerce that person.
- Psalms 109:8 – “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.”
- Quoted by Peter in Acts 1:20.
- Again, this points to the consequences of his betrayal, not divine determinism.
- Zechariah 11:12-13 – A prophecy about 30 pieces of silver and the potter’s field, fulfilled in Matthew 27:3-10.
- God foreknew these details but did not force Judas to act.
Prophecy is God revealing what will happen—not what He is forcing someone to do. Judas freely walked the path that prophecy described. And he could have repented at any point, but he chose not to.
Clear Warnings and Opportunities to Repent
God gave Judas repeated opportunities to choose truth. This shows that he had hardened his heart (like Pharaoh) by his own unbelief.
- John 6:70-71 “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”
- Jesus gives a clear public warning—Judas heard this.
- He had time to reflect and repent.
- John 13:10-11 “You are clean, but not all of you … For He knew who was to betray Him…”
- Jesus distinguishes between those who are “clean” (born again) and Judas.
- He still washes Judas’ feet—an act of grace and humility. That is not what you’d do to someone you’re forcing into damnation. It’s a call to humility and repentance.
- Matthew 26:21-25 “Truly I say to you, one of you will betray Me…” Judas: “Is it I, Rabbi?” Jesus: “You have said so.”
- Jesus confronts him directly.
- Even at the Last Supper, Judas could have broken and said, “Lord, I’ve sinned”—like the thief on the cross did!
- But instead, he hardens his heart and persists.
- John 13:27 “Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’”
- This isn’t divine coercion—it’s Jesus confirming Judas’ free-willed decision.
- He’s essentially saying: “If you’ve made your choice, then go ahead.”
God did not force Judas’ hand. Judas opened the door. Satan merely walked in.
Digging Deeper:
- Can Satan read minds and influence thoughts? – image of Judas Iscariot fleeing in agony toward the Mediterranean field where he will hang himself. It captures the emotional torment, desolate terrain, and ominous atmosphere of the moment.
- Have you hardened your heart against God like Pharaoh? – Don’t be like Pharaoh who chose to deny God, so God hardened his heart to bear the plagues until the destruction was complete.
- What is predestined? (God’s plan or people’s actions) – This Bible study describes the differences between what is predestined and who has free will in Romans and Ephesians.
- What about demon possession and evil spirits? – If Christians can be oppressed by demons, can they also be demon possessed? What is the Biblical difference?
- What about demon oppression? – Yes, the Bible clearly speaks about demons and evil spirits. Here are several accounts of demon oppression than can happen to a Christian.
- Simple “Romans Road” to salvation – These verses in Romans give the clearest gospel message because it is the only Commentary of Salvation by Grace that was written by the Apostle Paul.
- The Sinner’s Prayer – Every sinner’s prayer involves repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, confession of sin, surrender to God, and humility.