A Warning to All Who Pretend to Follow Christ

[PS95]

Judas did repent. Matthew 27:3-5. He did not know what his role was in God's plan of redemption and his new covenant.

It is important I think to also note from the cross Jesus forgave Judas and all of "them" responsible for his crucifixion.

There is a discrepancy about what Judas did in the scriptures. One account has him full of regret and bringing the money back before taking his own life. The other in Acts has Judas buying the field himself, and Peter saying it will remain deserted. See below -

Either way, It is a stretch to say that Jesus forgave Judas given that he called Judas the son of perdition. That means son of destruction. It is used again by Paul in
2 Thes 2:3
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Acts 18

At this time Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters (a group of about 120 people was there together), and said, 16“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19And it became known to all the residents of Jerusalem; as a result that field was called Hakeldama in their own language, that is, Field of Blood.) 20“For it is written in the book of Psalms:

‘MAY HIS RESIDENCE BE MADE DESOLATE,

AND MAY THERE BE NONE LIVING IN IT’;

and,

‘MAY ANOTHER TAKE HIS [t]OFFICE.’

Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22beginning ]with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen 25to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.

 

[bdavidc]

The scripture doesn't state Judas was lost.

The scripture says none were lost but the son of perdition.
The son of perdition is Satan.

That is because Satan ,as scripture states,possessed Judas so he would betray Jesus.

I figured you’d reply, since you’ve been quick to defend Judas. But honestly, it would be far better to defend the truth of the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ instead. That’s the side that matters.

I’ve answered from Scripture, plainly and in context. If you're not actually here to learn or consider what the Bible says, but just want to keep pushing your own view no matter what, then I'm not continuing the discussion. I'm here to help those who genuinely want to understand God’s Word, not to argue in circles with people who reject clear answers. Titus 3:10 gives the instruction, “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.” That applies here. You've had your answer. I won’t be responding again.

I have put you on ignore.

 

[Sister-n-Christ]

There is a discrepancy about what Judas did in the scriptures. One account has him full of regret and bringing the money back before taking his own life. The other in Acts has Judas buying the field himself, and Peter saying it will remain deserted. See below -

Either way, It is a stretch to say that Jesus forgave Judas given that he called Judas the son of perdition. That means son of destruction. It is used again by Paul in
2 Thes 2:3
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Acts 18

At this time Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters (a group of about 120 people was there together), and said, 16“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” 18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19And it became known to all the residents of Jerusalem; as a result that field was called Hakeldama in their own language, that is, Field of Blood.) 20“For it is written in the book of Psalms:

‘MAY HIS RESIDENCE BE MADE DESOLATE,

AND MAY THERE BE NONE LIVING IN IT’;

and,

‘MAY ANOTHER TAKE HIS [t]OFFICE.’

Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out Acts 1 New American Standard Bibleamong us— 22beginning [v]with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen 25to [w]occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.

You misrepresent the scriptures.

Jesus did not call Judas the son of perdition.

Further, Judas returned the 30 pieces of silver to the temple therein repenting of his sin.
Matthew 27:3-4 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied.

Further, when Judas returned those 30 pieces of silver he could not have used that money to buy the field.

Also,we cannot say Jesus did not forgive Judas from the cross.
"Father forgive them they know not what they do.''

Which clearly includes Judas given the Matthew 27 verse. And, we must recall Jesus commanded Judas to go and do what he must do.
Because Jesus had foreknowledge of it. John 13.
Which is how he was able to fulfill his mission of dying on the cross.

The what if's and could have are irrelevant. Jesus knew Judas' mission. Of course he would forgive the innocent Disciple whom he shared communion with in the upper room. Because,as we know, Satan entered Judas so to accomplish the betrayal plot of the temple elders against Jesus. Luke 22.

 

[ScottA]

Wow, I honestly didn’t expect to see so many people on a Christian forum defending Judas. That’s really sad. Most people wouldn’t even name their dog Judas, but it seems like some here would name their child Judas because they think he was just a misunderstood guy. That’s not just concerning, it shows how far people are willing to go to twist Scripture and excuse betrayal.

You’re saying Judas was just “carnal and religious,” but Jesus said far more than that. In John 6:70, Jesus said, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” Verse 71 makes it crystal clear He was talking about Judas Iscariot. That’s not symbolic language, that’s Jesus stating exactly what Judas was. Luke 22:3 says, “Then entered Satan into Judas.” The Bible doesn’t say Judas was just deceived or confused, it says he was indwelt by Satan and used as a willing tool to betray the Son of God.

And the claim that “no one knew Jesus was the Christ until He went to Heaven” is simply false. Peter said in Matthew 16:16, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus confirmed that Peter’s confession came from the Father, not man. Nathanael said in John 1:49, “Thou art the Son of God.” The woman at the well believed He was the Messiah (John 4:29). So yes, people knew, because God revealed it to them. Judas never had that revelation because he never truly believed. Jesus said, “There are some of you that believe not,” and He was speaking about Judas (John 6:64).

Trying to downplay Judas’s guilt by blaming the religious leaders or saying he was just carnal doesn’t line up with what Jesus said. Judas made a choice. He walked with Christ, saw His miracles, heard His teaching, and still betrayed Him. And Jesus said it would have been better for that man if he had never been born (Mark 14:21). That is not said about a saved man or someone who was just confused. That’s the final word on Judas.

I’m not going to pretend Judas was misunderstood when the Bible says he was lost. Let Scripture speak, not opinions.

Indeed, there is no condoning what Judas did. At least by us.

However, as sin goes--we all are every bit as guilty and responsible for Jesus going to the cross. In which case, your warning was/is quite appropriate.

 

[PS95]

Judas did repent. Matthew 27:3-5. He did not know what his role was in God's plan of redemption and his new covenant.

It is important I think to also note from the cross Jesus forgave Judas and all of "them" responsible for his crucifixion.

I was speaking about when Judas was with the Lord and the apostles. Judas had not repented of his sin of stealing or he would not have been stealing money all along.

 

[Sister-n-Christ]

I figured you’d reply, since you’ve been quick to defend Judas. But honestly, it would be far better to defend the truth of the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ instead. That’s the side that matters.

I’ve answered from Scripture, plainly and in context. If you're not actually here to learn or consider what the Bible says, but just want to keep pushing your own view no matter what, then I'm not continuing the discussion. I'm here to help those who genuinely want to understand God’s Word, not to argue in circles with people who reject clear answers. Titus 3:10 gives the instruction, “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.” That applies here. You've had your answer. I won’t be responding again.

I have put you on ignore.

You can put me on ignore. I appreciate it.

I am responding because you and others like you seem to rewrite scripture or insist on arguing what are invalid points because you and others like you electively omit parts of scripture you disagree with. And then claim to be defending the Gospel.

Which is not possible when you and others like you deny parts of the Gospel through exercise of such tactics you are offending the Gospel.

 

[Sister-n-Christ]

I was speaking about when Judas was with the Lord and the apostles. Judas had not repented of his sin of stealing or he would not have been stealing money all along.

What is often missed by you and others like you is, when Jesus gave Judas communion,knowing what was to come,and then forgave all who put him on the cross, every sin was forgiven them.

Also, while The Book of John refers to Judas as a thief the Books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke report nothing of the sort.

 

[PS95]

You misrepresent the scriptures.

Jesus did not call Judas the son of perdition.

Excuse me? Once again- John 17:12 and then compare 2Thes 2:3 perdition means destruction.

Further, Judas returned the 30 pieces of silver to the temple therein repenting of his sin.
Matthew 27:3-4 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied.
Further, when Judas returned those 30 pieces of silver he could not have used that money to buy the field.

I have supplied Acts 12 for you already. All that you had to do was read it. Maybe you didn't like what you read?

Also,we cannot say Jesus did not forgive Judas from the cross.
"Father forgive them they know not what they do.''

Judas KNEW what he did. He was a pretender all along who stole from Jesus.

Which clearly includes Judas given the Matthew 27 verse. And, we must recall Jesus commanded Judas to go and do what he must do.
Because Jesus had foreknowledge of it. John 13.
Which is how he was able to fulfill his mission of dying on the cross.

Yes Jesus knew what Judas was going to do. So?

The what if's and could have are irrelevant. Jesus knew Judas' mission. Of course he would forgive the innocent Disciple whom he shared communion with in the upper room. Because,as we know, Satan entered Judas so to accomplish the betrayal plot of the temple elders against Jesus. Luke 22.

You are oddly speculating & avoiding scriptures unto your own conclusions. IF Judas had been sincere all along-- Could Satan have entered him?!! Do you think Jesus would have allowed his satanic possession? look at Peter-
I would advise you rather than perpetuating useless arguments and making Judas into your hero for betraying Christ- it would be a good idea to remain silent on the subject.

 

[PS95]

What is often missed by you and others like you is, when Jesus gave Judas communion,knowing what was to come,and then forgave all who put him on the cross, every sin was forgiven them.

Also, while The Book of John refers to Judas as a thief the Books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke report nothing of the sort.

So now Judas wasn't a thief either.??!!... good grief girl. You know no bounds. I'm done!

 

[Sister-n-Christ]

So now Judas wasn't a thief either.??!!... good grief girl. You know no bounds. I'm done!

Thank you.
When your animus overshadows your ability to read in context, that is pathetic indeed.

 

[Helen]

A question I have seen posed on forums before yet is never answered.

But for Judas,whom Jesus instructed to go and do what he must do, just before Judas left to "betray" him to the Sanhedrin,how would Jesus have fulfilled the mission for which he was born? To die on the cross.

Since ‘forever ‘ I have pondered on that.
To me…it was his destiny , someone fleshly had to do it to fulfil Gods word . Satan made the bigrdt mistake while thinking that he was destroying God Plan. We know that he knows God word, yet he still went ahead and used Judas , ( “ even the devils believe and tremble …” )

‘Tis a mystery I will eagerly wait to have revealed .
……H

 

[Helen]

We can condemn …but a good reminder here to some who seem to have a bit of a “holier than thou” attitude , when actually for all of us …” there , but for the grace of God go I “….

Some seem to think that by and through their own strength we can walk this walk , but without His amazing grace , none of us would make it!

God rebuked Elisha when he said - “ I , and only I , have not bowed the knee to Baal…..”
yet God rebukes him with a spiritual slap and said - “ I have yet 7,000 that have not bent the knee …”

when we point the finger, be it Judas or anyone …we forget that three fingers are pointing back at us! “ It’s by grace we are saved , not of ourselves , it is a gift of God …”

Me thinks we are not as holy as we think we are!

 

[PS95]

Thank you.
When your animus overshadows your ability to read in context, that is pathetic indeed.

Also, while The Book of John refers to Judas as a thief the Books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke report nothing of the sort.

Sister,
I told you that I was done with this subject so why did you persist? You are terribly insistent that you are in the know on this. I have shown you two different accounts about Judas straight from the scriptures. Matt and Acts. I offered no opinion on which is accurate. How could anyone know for sure? You ignored Acts 1. Why?

Then, you tell me that only John reports of Judas being a thief. So, are you saying that since Matt, Mark and Luke didn't mention it that John made it up? Or it is a mistake? I can not think of any other reason for you to tell me that. Do you normally discount passages that are only in the scriptures once? I hope not. That will be a real problem for you , so I caution you not to do that.

Prior to Passover- Judas went to the chief priests to ask how much MONEY he could get for betraying Jesus. This indicates that we can't say Judas made that decision because Satan entered him at the Passover meal. This was prior to Passover.
When you couple that with what John said about Judas stealing money all during the ministry- it's pretty clear that Judas was a lover of money .
I understand that you think Jesus forgave him and why but, just be careful- we can not serve 2 masters, correct? God and money- ? It's obvious who Judas was serving all along. It appears that he never served the Lord. Now- are we all sinners? Yep. Does Jesus forgive sinners- yes, upon repentance. That's where confusion is. Acts doesn't agree with Matt. Do we all have some level of responsibility to serve Jesus? Of course. Did Judas? He knew he was the Christ. He heard Him teach. It appears that he served mammon while pretending to be faithful to Jesus. Are some in churches that way? Are they saved?
So, if I were you I would not be dogmatic about this. Nothing was said by anyone in the scriptures to indicate that you are correct.- on the contrary- we do have very harsh statements-
Peter's words were quite harsh. John's words were harsh. Jesus DID call Judas the son of perdition aka destruction which is what Paul does also calls the man of lawlessness. Lawlessness is used by Jesus in Matt 7. not good. Jesus also called him a devil- and said He lost him in John 17. It doesn't sound good for your argument. Notice, I have not ever said it's impossible that he could be forgiven- I don't occupy my mind with judging, since that's Jesus' job.
But, I caution you- to not be so sure. I hear how you are very passionate about this, and it's not the first time you've argued with people about it on here. Maybe ask yourself why you have this need to be right over it. It's just not up to us nor can we know with 100% certainty. His situation is unique. He lived with Jesus, spoke with Him, heard his teachings, ate with Him etc.. and betrayed Him.
Since you enjoy bringing it up often- my advice would be if you do bring it up again don't insist that you are right with people who are opposed to your opinion. Read all that there is to say about the issue in the scriptures without only clinging to only some of it. You are fully aware that most people wont agree with you- and you are very insistent about only your view, so is bringing it up again a good idea? I thought you were tired of the arguing.
This does not sound like satan made him do after entering him at Passover. It flies in the face of your argument. Seems he was a devil all along, as Jesus said.
This is premeditation.
Prior to Passover-
Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

 

[PS95]

We can condemn …but a good reminder here to some who seem to have a bit of a “holier than thou” attitude , when actually for all of us …” there , but for the grace of God go I “….

Some seem to think that by and through their own strength we can walk this walk , but without His amazing grace , none of us would make it!

God rebuked Elisha when he said - “ I , and only I , have not bowed the knee to Baal…..”
yet God rebukes him with a spiritual slap and said - “ I have yet 7,000 that have not bent the knee …”

when we point the finger, be it Judas or anyone …we forget that three fingers are pointing back at us! “ It’s by grace we are saved , not of ourselves , it is a gift of God …”

Me thinks we are not as holy as we think we are!

Hi Helen,
Point taken of course.
But if you directed that at me, I would not call it holier than thou when I am merely pointing out scriptures that could happen to suggest otherwise to sister's insistence that she does know Judas is saved. Her replies to the scriptures I gave her were either non existent or flat out denying Jesus' own words. --That is very unwise-- Then she raised an issue with John's words. Have you read my encounters with her on this thread? I would advise you to do so. Her behavior is concerning.
No one can be 100% certain which is what I was trying to show her. This is not sister's first time bringing this topic up and insisting that she is right with others and and arguing over it.

 

[Kokyu]

@bdavidc wrote:

"The Bible gives clear and sufficient answers to all of this, not based on feelings, but on the truth of God’s Word. First, salvation is not about performing well or feeling something emotional. It begins with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15). Repentance (metanoia in Greek) means a change of mind, a turning from sin and self to God, and it results in a changed life (Acts 3:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:9). It does not mean sinless perfection, but a new direction. The one who truly repents believes the gospel, trusts in Christ alone for salvation, and is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, Romans 10:9–10)."

So, what does "changing one's mind" look like, exactly? What does "truly repent" mean?

What does "turning from sin and self" look like, practically?

How do these things produce a changed life, precisely?

@bdavidc wrote:

"You ask, “How does one know they’ve repented sufficiently or correctly?” That question is already looking in the wrong direction. The Bible never says to examine the quality of your repentance, but rather to examine whether you are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). The focus isn’t on how well you repented, but on whether you have truly believed the gospel and whether there is any evidence of the Spirit in your life (Galatians 5:22–23). The root of salvation is faith, but the fruit is transformation. If someone claims to believe but lives in continual rebellion without conviction, correction, or growth, they have no biblical assurance they are saved (1 John 3:6–10)."

Surely, you must have some boundary on what is and isn't repentance. You don't call just anything repentance, right? I had a man in a disciple course I was teaching divulge his sin to the discipleship group every week, often tearfully, asking for prayer and swearing he was not going to continue in his sin any longer. But he did. Week after week, the same sin, confessed with tears and vows never to repeat again his sin, continued. Would you say this man was truly repenting of his sin? He certainly thought he was. So did other Christians. In light of this example, can you see why I've asked the question I have about repentance?

I agree with you that conviction of sin and spiritual growth are important "tells" indicating one is truly born-again. But I know many Christians who can't distinguish the conviction of the Spirit from mere pangs of guilty conscience. They think these are one and the same thing, actually. They aren't the same thing, though the Spirit's conviction may use pangs of conscience initially to do his convicting work. And so, Christians are going around feeling the same pricks of conscience, the same shame and guilt, that an atheist, or Buddhist, or Hindu might feel when they violate the "law of God written on their hearts" (i.e. conscience) and think its the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

@bdavidc wrote:

"As for the carnal believers in Corinth mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:1–4, Paul did call them “brethren,” “babes in Christ,” and “God’s building.” He acknowledged that they were saved, but immature. However, that wasn’t an excuse, it was a rebuke. Paul didn’t condone their sin, he warned them that their envy, strife, and divisions were signs of carnality. Throughout the letter, he calls them to repentance and spiritual growth. In 1 Corinthians 6:9–10, he warns that those who practice unrighteousness will not inherit the kingdom of God. In chapter 11, he tells them that because of their sin, some were sick and some had died, a clear sign of God’s judgment on His own people (1 Corinthians 11:30). Hebrews 12:6–8 confirms that God disciplines those who are truly His. If someone lives in unrepentant sin and never receives correction from God, they are not a child of God at all."

I've not suggested that Paul's descriptions of his Christian brethren at Corinth as "babes in Christ," "temples of God," and "brethren," etc. excused their sin. But his description does illustrate that genuine Christians may live with serious sin in their lives. Yes, Paul warned that they who make a practice of sin (which he lists), will not inherit the kingdom of God, but he also made it clear that those to whom he wrote had been maintaining sinfulness in their lives. So, then, what is it to "make a practice" of sin, exactly? It can't be doing as the believers at Corinth had been doing, carrying on in divisiveness, jealousy and gross sexual sin, as Paul charged them with doing, or he would not have repeatedly indicated they were fellow believers, right?

I agree that God disciplines His children (He. 12:5-11) and that this is a sign of their membership in His family. But what is this discipline, exactly? How is it distinguished from the troubles common to all who live in a fallen, sin-cursed world? How does a Christian recognize they are being disciplined by their heavenly Father rather than just enduring the effects of sin in the world?

@bdavidc wrote:

"So yes, a true believer may fall into sin and act carnally for a time, but they will not stay there unbothered. They will experience God’s chastening, and they will be convicted by the Spirit. The assurance of salvation doesn’t come from a perfect track record, but from the presence of genuine faith that results in ongoing transformation by the Spirit (Romans 8:9, Philippians 1:6). Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9), not by works, not by emotion, and not by performance. But true saving faith always results in a changed life that seeks to follow Christ (John 10:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17)."

I don't know what you mean by "the presence of genuine faith that results in ongoing transformation by the Spirit." What constitutes "genuine faith," exactly? Where does God make our transformation by the Holy Spirit contingent upon our faith being "genuine"? And how does the Spirit transform us? What does it look like to be so transformed? What, precisely, does he do to us to change us?

I agree with you that salvation is a gracious gift of God offered to us in the Person of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we trust in him as our Savior and submit to him as our Lord (Ro. 10:9-10), we're saved. But, as the believers at Corinth, and in the province of Galatia, and in the churches of Sardis and Laodicea demonstrate, a changed life (practically-speaking) does not necessarily follow immediately upon one's being saved. If one doesn't know how to "walk in/by the Spirit" (Ga. 5:16, 25; 6:8; Ro. 8:9-14), if one doesn't understand what it is to live the crucified life (Ro. 6:1-11; Ga. 2:20; 5:24; 6:14; Col. 2:8-15, etc.), godly transformation simply won't occur (though, fleshly counterfeits of this transformation abound in the Church).

 

[Helen]

Hi Helen,
Point taken of course.
But if you directed that at me, I would not call it holier than thou when I am merely pointing out scriptures that could happen to suggest otherwise to sister's insistence that she does know Judas is saved. Her replies to the scriptures I gave her were either non existent or flat out denying Jesus' own words. --That is very unwise-- Then she raised an issue with John's words. Have you read my encounters with her on this thread? I would advise you to do so. Her behavior is concerning.
No one can be 100% certain which is what I was trying to show her. This is not sister's first time bringing this topic up and insisting that she is right with others and and arguing over it.

Hi there ,
I actually had no one particularly in mind , I was just addressing the overall tone of the thread .
Including myself , obviously .
Some do come across as if - ‘ I and I only , understand what God is saying “ ( followed with , ‘ so I’m telling you that you are wrong ‘ lol )

As I mentioned on a different thread , I first joined here in ‘07 ….The names may be different , but the attitude is the same.
I believe that Forum life would be a lot better if discussion stuck to - “ This is how I see it “ , and not trying to tell other they are wrong . But that’s just my opinion .
If things haven’t changed in all this time, it won’t change now.
God is the great humbler , and soon or later we will all see it clearly .

What a great change there would be , if we prayed more , and said less …speaking is much easier than praying. I wonder how much real prayer gets done! And that too, is for me , the Father reminded me of that yesterday!
But, here I am saying rather than praying! Haha!
Ahh, the flesh….

blessings …H

 

[Eternally Grateful]

You misrepresent the scriptures.

Jesus did not call Judas the son of perdition.

Jesus did

John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

the one who was lost was Judas.

 

[bdavidc]

So, what does "changing one's mind" look like, exactly? What does "truly repent" mean?

What does "turning from sin and self" look like, practically?

How do these things produce a changed life, precisely?

“So, what does "changing one's mind" look like, exactly? What does "truly repent" mean?”

Changing one’s mind looks like rejecting your former view of sin and embracing God’s view. It means acknowledging that sin is rebellion against God, not just a personal failure. It is when a person no longer excuses or defends their sin but confesses it for what it is, wicked and deserving of judgment. Biblically, it is when someone sees their need for salvation, stops trusting in themselves, and turns to Christ. Jesus described this in the parable of the prodigal son, where the son “came to himself” and returned to the father (Luke 15:17–20). True repentance is not just a moment of regret, but a Spirit-led turning, where the sinner turns from their way and submits to God’s way (Isaiah 55:7). It includes godly sorrow that leads to change, not just temporary remorse (2 Corinthians 7:10).

“What does "turning from sin and self" look like, practically?”

Turning from sin and self means a deliberate break from living according to your own will and desires, and instead following God’s commands. It means saying no to the flesh and yes to the Spirit. Paul wrote, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12). A practical example is someone who once lived in sexual immorality choosing now to flee temptation and pursue purity (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). It’s not just behavior change, it’s heart change that shows up in behavior. A person who once lied starts telling the truth. One who once hated begins to forgive. It is an ongoing choice to deny yourself daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23), fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13).

“How do these things produce a changed life, precisely?”

These things produce a changed life because God changes the person from the inside out. When someone truly repents and believes, God gives them a new heart and His Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26–27). The Spirit begins to convict, teach, and lead them into truth. Their desires begin to change, and their life begins to reflect the character of Christ. This transformation is called sanctification, and it is the will of God for every believer (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Over time, their life bears the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest listed in Galatians 5:22–23. The Word of God renews their mind (Romans 12:2), and obedience flows from that renewal. It is not self-improvement, it is the evidence that they have passed from death to life (1 John 3:14).

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Since ‘forever ‘ I have pondered on that.
To me…it was his destiny , someone fleshly had to do it to fulfil Gods word . Satan made the bigrdt mistake while thinking that he was destroying God Plan. We know that he knows God word, yet he still went ahead and used Judas , ( “ even the devils believe and tremble …” )

‘Tis a mystery I will eagerly wait to have revealed .
……H

I think Jesus answered

John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

He was chosen for one reason. to fulfill the scriptures.

ps 41: 9-
Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted,
Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Hi there ,
I actually had no one particularly in mind , I was just addressing the overall tone of the thread .
Including myself , obviously .
Some do come across as if - ‘ I and I only , understand what God is saying “ ( followed with , ‘ so I’m telling you that you are wrong ‘ lol )

As I mentioned on a different thread , I first joined here in ‘07 ….The names may be different , but the attitude is the same.
I believe that Forum life would be a lot better if discussion stuck to - “ This is how I see it “ , and not trying to tell other they are wrong . But that’s just my opinion .
If things haven’t changed in all this time, it won’t change now.
God is the great humbler , and soon or later we will all see it clearly .

What a great change there would be , if we prayed more , and said less …speaking is much easier than praying. I wonder how much real prayer gets done! And that too, is for me , the Father reminded me of that yesterday!
But, here I am saying rather than praying! Haha!
Ahh, the flesh….

blessings …H

I second this notion!!