Judas Iscariot walked and talked and learned from the Word made flesh . That Judas wrestled within himself , and experienced great anguish on account of what he had done – this shows us that Judas was no devil , but rather was human .
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Some examples will illustrate the nature of conscience . If someone has in his possession someone else ’ s goods , without the owner ’ s knowledge , so that he can enjoy them without fear of legal action or losing his honors or reputation , but still gives them back to the other person , because they are not his , such a person has a conscience . (# 133 , 136 , emphasis mine )
Could it be that Judas was not so single-minded in his betrayal of Jesus as the Gospels paint him to be ? While it is undeniable that he did a terrible thing , perhaps he could still be redeemed from his sin . Based on the above passages , that Judas felt anguish on account of the evil that he did , this is a strong indicator that he did indeed have a conscience . A person ’ s conscience is formed :
Judas Iscariot walked and talked and learned from the Word made flesh . That Judas wrestled within himself , and experienced great anguish on account of what he had done – this shows us that Judas was no devil , but rather was human .
. . . by the truths of faith he learns from the Word , or by teaching from the Word , depending upon how he receives them in his heart . For when someone knows the truths of faith and grasps them in his own manner , and so comes to will and do them , then he develops a conscience . Receiving them in the heart means in the will , for a person ’ s will is what is called the heart . ( New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrine 131 )
Judas Iscariot walked and talked and learned from the Word made flesh . That Judas wrestled within himself , and experienced great anguish on account of what he had done – this shows us that Judas was no devil , but rather was human .
Judas Redeemed ? Judas did not live to see the fullness of the injustice that Jesus endured . He did not stand in the wings , watching the public trial before Pilate . He did not walk in the press to Golgotha to witness the crucifixion . He did not see the pain on the faces of Jesus ’ family as the soldiers and priests mocked Him . He did not see the sacrifices made and the risks taken by those who buried Him .
Judas did not tremble in fear with his brothers , the disciples who stayed hidden , lest they be arrested and executed for being part of Jesus ’ mission . And he was not present when Jesus made His return and marked His triumph over death . How might things have played out if Judas had found the strength to carry on in the face of what he had done ? Could Judas have been redeemed ?
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