Was Judas Forgiven?

Q

My question is regarding Judas. Do you believe he was saved? If he was so grieved that he took his own life I can’t imagine him not being truly repentant. The last time I asked a pastor about this was maybe 20 years ago and he got very angry! Is it possible Jesus could even forgive Judas this grievous sin?

A

The Bible doesn’t say whether Judas sought forgiveness, but we do know this. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Aside from the sin of rejecting the pardon He purchased for us on the cross, there is no other sin for which we cannot be forgiven. Jesus said every one who asks receives (Matt. 7:7-8).

In Matt. 26:23-25 Jesus seemed to imply that Judas would not seek His forgiveness, and John 17:12 agrees. However, like any other murderer, if Judas did seek forgiveness, he would have received it and been saved.