What would have Happened?

I just finished Matthew’s gospel, and as I got to this text in the 27thchapter, I stopped for a few moments to reflect on the scene: “Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” (Matthew 27:3-4)

If you know the rest of the story, a very remorseful Judas went out and hung himself.

Did you ever wonder what would have happened if Judas had not repented to the wrong people, but instead repented to the One whom he betrayed?

If you have even an iota of doubt as to what Jesus would have done for Judas, then that might explain why you still have doubts about Christ’s forgiveness after you repented to Him of your sins.

OF COURSE, Jesus would have forgiven Judas. There should be no doubt whatsoever about that. So, listen, please. This is important:

Jesus forgave Peter for denying three times that he knew Him. And the Lord forgave Saul (later known as the apostle Paul) who at one time ravaged the fledgling Church, dragging men and women off to prison and tried to force them to blaspheme Christ (see Acts 26:11). And Christ’s mercy has continued through the era of Church history, to this present moment.

OF COURSE Jesus would have forgiven Judas if he’d repented to the right Person. And of course, of course, of course – Jesus will forgive ME and YOU and anyone else who repents to Him and to Him alone.

Murderer? Denier of God? Adulterer? Blasphemer? Fornicator? Read what God promised the penitent sinners in Corinth: “Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Listen, please! No sin is so deep that Christ’s mercy and forgiveness is not infinitely deeper.

But Satan wants us to believe that Christ’s atoning blood is insufficient to cleanse our sins – especially our darkest sins. Don’t listen to the devil. Remember what Jesus said of him: “Whenever he [Satan] speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44b).

Yes, Judas’ sin was a horrible, horrible act of betrayal. But when he realized his sin, he repented to the wrong people. And THAT was his undoing.

Please, don’t YOU do that. Whatever sin it is that troubles you, whatever is that sin which you believe is beyond Christ’s forgiveness and mercy – listen once more to what God promises you: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

So? Will you believe God? Then what are you waiting for? Repent – tell God you are so very sorry for what you have done. Ask His forgiveness. And then immediately thank Him for that forgiveness.

He will NEVER break His promises.

Never.