"Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry. (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’, and, ‘Let another take his office.’(vs16-20)
Judas lost what he could have had, and it was given to someone else. How many of you will have the same fate? The gospel that you and I could have believed will be removed, because we've rejected Christ against all evidence and love to us, and then we'll perish, while someone else gets the blessing. The Jews said, “May it not be”, when the Lord promised that they'd lose the kingdom by rejecting Him, and it would be given to another (Luke 20:16).
Believe while you can, and don't squander your eternal soul. Don't be someone, like Israel of old, who had the gospel, squandered it by unbelief, and soon will suffer WORSE than Sodom and Gomorrah. Our Lord said, “But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment than for you” (Matt 11:24).
The gospel is for believing, even though it won't promise you wealth or earthly ease. Many, like Judas, come to Christ for what He doesn't promise and grow weary of salvation from sins, because they don't value their soul, don't care that God is holy and offended, and refuse to believe the simplicity and need of Christ. Paul said, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity (single devotion) that is in Christ” (2 Cor 11:3). Man is carnal minded, caring about the flesh, and seeking to live by his own way, but the Lord promises SALVATION to all who follow Him. This is what you need when you meet God: forgiveness, acceptance, and right to pass from this world, safely, into the next. He says, “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matt 16:27).
Judas' position was given to someone else, as yours also will be. Heaven will have no empty seats and God will shed no tear in the Judgment. You alone will weep for you - not mother, friend, or brother. Love will only be in heaven, and we won't care about the suffering in hell, because we'll know it is just, “For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her. Again, they said, 'Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever” (Rev 19:2-3).
Judas could have had everything: he was an apostle, could work miracles, and he would’ve been numbered among the twelve, maybe even writing scripture. Instead, he'll be in the lowest hell with Satan, and it will be the same with you. Our Lord said, “And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beating with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:47-48). If hearing about electing love, effectual atonement, and power from Above doesn't make you surrender to be saved, then this truth will haunt you eternally, as what you could have had. Be wise and think it through. The temporary pleasure of sin is not worth the eternal punishment it procures. The grace of Christ is non-optional, so grab hold while it is given.
You don't know about tomorrow. Too many think they'll get around to this at a convenient season, but they don't realize how fragile the gospel can be; it can be HERE today, and never to be heard again, for that “tomorrow” never comes. We read, “Now as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, 'Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you. Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound” (Acts 24:25-27).
Men are wise to see the fire and value the ladder of escape. They are wise to see the flotation device while drowning, and get the help they need. Yet, men hear of Judgment Day, salvation entirely by Christ's grace, and the promises of God, and they say foolishly, “I'll get to it later”, “I don't agree”, or “I don't need this really”. But, you'll be with Judas if that's the case.
Belief is rewarded abundantly. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”. There is joy, peace, and power; there is HOPE, reality, and truth; there is living for eternity and the satisfaction this brings, and then there is eternity at peace with God. You need Him for your soul's good. Unbelief will be punished, and regret adds to the grief.
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