I’ve been reflecting on the story of Judas Iscariot and his role in the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s a complex and challenging part of the Bible, and it raises a difficult question: Did Judas go to heaven?
On one hand, Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, chosen to walk closely with Him during His ministry. But on the other hand, he betrayed Jesus, leading to His arrest and ultimately His crucifixion. After the betrayal, we know that Judas felt deep remorse and even tried to return the silver, but then tragically took his own life.
So, what does this mean for his eternal destiny? Does God’s mercy extend to Judas despite his actions, or did his betrayal seal his fate?
I’m curious to hear your thoughts, interpretations, and any scripture references that might shed light on this. It’s a tough question, and I’d appreciate any perspectives or insights that others might have on this topic. Thanks!
No, Judas did not go to heaven. And no, Judas’ betrayal didn’t seal his eternal fate. Let me explain: Judas didn’t go to heaven because, though he was filled with remorse, he didn’t repent and ask for God’s forgiveness. And Judas didn’t actually believe in Jesus; he just had proximity to Jesus.
Here’s an article that may help you in your understanding of this topic: Did Judas Repent? (gty.org)
Judas chose not to be honest and confess his sin to God. He chose to turn away and betray Christ, feeling remorseful but rejecting Christ’s gift to all of us: forgiveness. The devil tempted him to betray Christ. He gave in. I think, no, Judas did not go to Hell because he betrayed Christ. He went to Hell because he completely rejected Christ and never repented for his sin. He gave into greed and it was too late. And, God knew Judas would make that choice. The “son of perdition,” Judas, (John 17:12) had knowledge of salvation and chose to punish himself and reject God’s grace. So God knew Judas would not be redeemed for that reason. I think that is why Judas did not go to Heaven.
Let me put it like this: if Judas is in heaven, then hell is a myth, and Christ was confused.
Jesus Himself called him “the son of perdition”—not “the prodigal son,” not “the misunderstood disciple,” but perdition, as in utter destruction. Not exactly the resume of a redeemed saint.
And spare me the sob stories and revisionist pity parties. This wasn’t a momentary lapse. Judas wasn’t some misguided intern in the kingdom. He walked with Christ, heard His teaching, saw His miracles—and still sold Him out for the price of a slave. Then sealed it with a kiss.
Hebrews 6 lays it out plain: those who’ve tasted the heavenly gift and still fall away? It’s impossible to renew them to repentance. Judas didn’t just fall—he dove headfirst off the cliff of apostasy.
His remorse wasn’t repentance—it was regret without redemption. He ran to a tree instead of to the cross.
So unless you’re ready to call Jesus a liar, the Scriptures a joke, and the cross optional—no, Judas isn’t in heaven. He’s a case study in how close you can walk to the Truth and still be lost. Eternally.
Revelation 21:8
Authorized (King James) Version
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
If a person kills theirself, does this not make them a murderer?
Only if you think God grades sin like a schoolteacher with a clipboard instead of a holy Judge with flaming eyes.
Yes, suicide is self-murder. No sugar-coating that. It’s breaking the sixth commandment with your own hand. But let’s not pretend that one sin punches a ticket to hell while others get a pass with a wink and a hymn.
Revelation 21:8 doesn’t say, “All murderers go to hell—unless they murdered themselves.” It lists a whole roster of sins, and newsflash: we’ve all been on that list. Ever been afraid? That’s “the fearful.” Ever lied? That’s “all liars.” Welcome to the lineup.
The real issue isn’t whether someone committed a sin. It’s whether they died in sin—unrepentant, unredeemed, and unplugged from the saving blood of Jesus.
Judas didn’t just commit suicide. He rejected the Savior he betrayed. He gave back the silver, but never came back to Christ. Peter denied Jesus too—but he ran to forgiveness. Judas ran to a rope.
The lake of fire isn’t just for those who sin—it’s for those who choose sin over the Savior.
So let’s stop using suicide as some spiritual gotcha and start asking the bigger question: Did they know Jesus? Did they trust Him? Because the blood covers murderers—Moses, David, Paul—all of them got washed. But no one gets in without repentance and faith. Period.
