Judas Iscariot: Saved for a while.

[atpollard]

John 10:26 "but you do not believe because you are not my sheep." [NIV]

This was not spoken to Judas Iscariot.

Yet is applicable to Judas if he NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.

Judas Iscariot was one of His disciples, when this was spoken by the Lord.

... but NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.

Judas Iscariot heard His voice, and followed the Lord for 3 1/2 years, then fell away.

... but NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.

Matthew 7:15-20
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. [NIV]

So what sort of fruit did Judas produce that we may know him by? Good or Bad?
HINT:
John 12:6 Judas stole from the group's funds.
Matthew 26:16 Judas watched for an opportunity to betray him.
Luke 22:48 Judas betrayed him with a kiss.
Matthew 27:5 Judas hung himself.

Perhaps Judas was not a lost sheep, because Judas was never one of the Lord's Sheep ... LIKE the Pharasies in John 10:26, Judas did not believe because he was not one of Jesus' sheep ... Jesus chose as an apostle a wolf in sheep clothing, the 'son of perdition', the 'one of you is a devil' in order to fulfill the prophecy that Jesus would be betrayed by a 'friend'.

 

[JLB]

Yet is applicable to Judas if he NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.

The scriptures teach us just the opposite.

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it.13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!


16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:1-16


This was spoken to the twelve.

Judas Included.


JLB

 

[GodsGrace]

John 10:26 "but you do not believe because you are not my sheep." [NIV]

Yet is applicable to Judas if he NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.


... but NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.


... but NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.

Matthew 7:15-20
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. [NIV]

So what sort of fruit did Judas produce that we may know him by? Good or Bad?
HINT:
John 12:6 Judas stole from the group's funds.
Matthew 26:16 Judas watched for an opportunity to betray him.
Luke 22:48 Judas betrayed him with a kiss.
Matthew 27:5 Judas hung himself.

Perhaps Judas was not a lost sheep, because Judas was never one of the Lord's Sheep ... LIKE the Pharasies in John 10:26, Judas did not believe because he was not one of Jesus' sheep ... Jesus chose as an apostle a wolf in sheep clothing, the 'son of perdition', the 'one of you is a devil' in order to fulfill the prophecy that Jesus would be betrayed by a 'friend'.

You repeat that Judas did not believe.
What exactly did he not believe?
Please expound.

Wondering

 

[JLB]

Perhaps Judas was not a lost sheep, because Judas was never one of the Lord's Sheep ...

The scriptures teach us just the opposite.

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it.13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:1-16

Judas was one of His disciples: one of His sheep, that was sent out among wolves.


...when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits,

His disciples: His sheep



JLB

 

[JLB]

... but NEVER believed ... because he was not a sheep ... because he was always a wolf in sheep clothes.

Matthew 7:15-20
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. [NIV]

Again, this scripture is not a reference to Judas, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ, when these words were spoken.


Your taking the scripture out of context, that has nothing to do with Judas Iscariot, and trying to apply it to Judas, totally discredits your case from being credible.

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it.13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:1-16


Judas also baptized people along with the other disciples.



JLB

 

[MarkT]

Again, this scripture is not a reference to Judas, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ, when these words were spoken.


Your taking the scripture out of context, that has nothing to do with Judas Iscariot, and trying to apply it to Judas, totally discredits your case from being credible.

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it.13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:1-16


Judas also baptized people along with the other disciples.



JLB

Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Mt. 9:36 says Jesus had compassion for the crowd because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep ie. looking for a shepherd to lead them.

But Mt. 10:16 says he sent the twelve out as sheep in the midst of wolves ie. defenceless. “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Mt. 10:16

So there is a different understanding. "Like sheep without a shepherd" ie. lost, and 'as sheep in the midst of wolves' ie. defenceless

So what do you mean by Judas was a sheep, and what does it prove?

 

[atpollard]

You repeat that Judas did not believe.
What exactly did he not believe?
Please expound.

Wondering

Romans 10:9-11
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” [NIV]

Judas was put to shame. Judas did not endure to the end. Judas is not one of those that the Father gave to the Son that Jesus had lost none of ... Judas was always the exception. (Except the son of perdition ... But one of you is a devil ... Not all of you are clean ...).

The OP suggests that Judas was saved for a while, but there is no evidence of the fruit in Judas life or the belief of Romans 10 to suggest that Judas was saved. That is the 'belief' that I see lacking. What sort of 'belief' inspires a man to follow Jesus for a season stealing from the purse, looking for an opportunity to betray him, betray the Christ and commit suicide as the evidence of this transformed life? It sounds like the dead faith James speaks about or the 'belief' one would expect of a child of the devil ... a false Apostle and a wolf in sheep clothing. David sinned greatly and repented, running back to the feet of God for forgiveness. Peter failed and repented, returning to the feet of Jesus. Where is a proclamation of faith by Judas? Where is an act of faith by Judas? The best we have is general statements that he was empowered along with the other Apostles ... given love and every opportunity ... which only makes his betrayal more damnable and more an indication of "one of you is a devil" (as Jesus said of Judas in correction to Peter's claim that all twelve believed).

So the short answer, in summary, is that Judas did not believe in his heart unto righteousness. Whatever he believed, it did not lead to trust in Jesus Christ.

 

[atpollard]

Again, this scripture is not a reference to Judas, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ, when these words were spoken.

Irrelevant.

The principle that good trees bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruit is universal. It could be applied to Adam, Cain and Able, John the Baptist or Billy Graham.

Apply the principle to Peter and see the good fruit produced in his life. The boldness that started out as brashness but was transformed into the man speaking to the crowd at Pentacost and the Sanhedron. See the work of the Spirit in the revelation and statement of Peter "You are the Christ, Son of the Living God." See the extra-Biblical account of his crucifixion.

Apply the principle to Judas. Where is the good fruit? Only veiled references that he may or may not have had it. These are counterbalanced with numerous verses expounding on the bad fruit of Judas' life. That is why I posted the statement and additional verses that you have chosen to ignore.

It is irrelevant that Matthew 7:15-20 was not written about Judas, it was about how to tell real disciples from false disciples which makes it 100% relevant to testing if Judas was a false disciple as Christ repeatedly claimed.

 

[daninthelionsden]

I think Judas had to have believed at some point. He also bore good fruit toward others as he received power to heal the sick and order demons about. He just didn't persevere to the end. He fell among the thorns and he fell among shallow ground. It just didn't stick. As he fell away and realized his error while Jesus was away on trial, Judas had no option for repentance other than through the Temple. They turned him down so he had no hope.

 

[JLB]

Irrelevant.

The principle that good trees bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruit is universal. It could be applied to Adam, Cain and Able, John the Baptist or Billy Graham.

Apply the principle to Peter and see the good fruit produced in his life. The boldness that started out as brashness but was transformed into the man speaking to the crowd at Pentacost and the Sanhedron. See the work of the Spirit in the revelation and statement of Peter "You are the Christ, Son of the Living God." See the extra-Biblical account of his crucifixion.

Apply the principle to Judas. Where is the good fruit? Only veiled references that he may or may not have had it. These are counterbalanced with numerous verses expounding on the bad fruit of Judas' life. That is why I posted the statement and additional verses that you have chosen to ignore.

It is irrelevant that Matthew 7:15-20 was not written about Judas, it was about how to tell real disciples from false disciples which makes it 100% relevant to testing if Judas was a false disciple as Christ repeatedly claimed.

You have taken what Jesus taught His disciples about false prophets, and attempted to apply it to being a true or false disciple.

Jesus was teaching and warning His disciples about "false prophets", that's the context, not "false disciples.

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15-20

Of course this "principle" apply's to all men.

This principle apply's to all of us, which is the point of this thread.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:1-6

Those branches that are connect "in Him", and produce no fruit, will be removed, and cast into the fire and burned.

"In Him", being the key phrase.

The testing will reveal who is real, and who is not.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9


Some will depart from the faith:

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1


JLB

 

[JLB]

I think Judas had to have believed at some point. He also bore good fruit toward others as he received power to heal the sick and order demons about. He just didn't persevere to the end.

 

[JLB]

Judas did not endure to the end.

That's my point exactly.

This is what Jesus taught.

11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:12-13

The point is, the devil didn't take the seed out of Judas's heart, so that he never believed.

If he never believed at all, after having the seed taken out of his heart, then he would have never followed the Lord as a disciple.

• Claiming that Judas never believed, as those whom the devil had taken the seed out of their heart, yet he followed the lord for 3 1/2 years, and was sent out as an apostle, is utterly ridiculous.

Judas believed for awhile, then fell away.

24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” Acts 1:24-25



JLB

 

[JLB]

Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Mt. 9:36 says Jesus had compassion for the crowd because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep ie. looking for a shepherd to lead them.

Judas had a Shepherd, His name is Jesus.

Judas was a disciple of Jesus, being one of His sheep.

But Mt. 10:16 says he sent the twelve out as sheep in the midst of wolves ie. defenceless. “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Mt. 10:16

So there is a different understanding. "Like sheep without a shepherd" ie. lost, and 'as sheep in the midst of wolves' ie. defenceless

So what do you mean by Judas was a sheep, and what does it prove?

It proves Judas was one of Jesus sheep, who fell away, and was lost.



JLB

 

[JLB]

You were doing good up until this. The inheritance in the parable of the prodigal isn't the point. Jesus was using an earthly story to make a heavenly point. The parable is about fellowship between father and son. The relationship CANNOT BE SEVERED. They will REMAIN father and son forever.

However, being a son of God, does not prevent you from being cast down to hell, like the sons of God, the angels who sinned during the days of Noah, and Lucifer, who became Satan.

4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 2 Peter 2:4


Case Closed.



JLB

 

[Randy]

Belief is one part of the equation. Repentance is the other part. Jesus stated if you love Him you will obey Him then He and His Father would make their home with such a person. Those that continue to sin after coming to the knowledge of the truth love other things more than they love God.

I would think many do believe but are busy with other things and love other things more than they love God and His ways.

Judas clearly loved money and material things more then Jesus. He was tempted by his own evil desires.

 

[WIP]

Here is something that I found that seems relevant but my expertise lacks so I'll throw it out there for discussion. Maybe I will learn something.

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them." Job 1:6 NKJV

As I read this, Satan is a son of God. Satan certainly is not in fellowship with God but is he saved?

 

[smaller]

Here is something that I found that seems relevant but my expertise lacks so I'll throw it out there for discussion. Maybe I will learn something.

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them." Job 1:6 NKJV

As I read this, Satan is a son of God. Satan certainly is not in fellowship with God but is he saved?

Sentence structure can entice the mind into thinking your sight is so, but that is not actually stated. Scripture is somewhat unique in this way, to see what the heart/mind of the reader may insert on their own rather than what is actually stated.

Does that scripture state that Satan is a son of God? Nope. It says the sons of God came. Point 1. And that Satan was among them. Point 2. But it does not follow that Satan was a son of God.

A herd of elephants came before God and a tiger was among them. Similar structure.

Our own insertions and suppositions are quite easily read into the scriptures, to say what is not actually there to be had. Common problem.

Just as this subject entails. Nowhere in the scriptures do we see, outright, that Judas was the "son of perdition." But people easily read that into the scriptures.

Nowhere do we see outright, that Judas is now or will ever be in the LoF. But people easily read that into the scriptures because their own MIND/HEART wants it that way. Even when there actually isn't any hardline proof.

Heb. 4:12.

 

[smaller]

In Matt. 16:23 we see Jesus speaking to Peter, yet addressing Satan.

Matt. 16:
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

There are 3 separate parties in the above sentence. Jesus, Peter and Satan.

IF we don't read properly, we'll end up with Peter being Satan. Kind of a ridiculous conclusion, but some people actually end up with that conclusion.

The obvious and far more likely conclusion is that Peter and Satan are in fact "TWO DIFFERENT PARTIES."

So, reason follows, that of these TWO parties, ONE OF THEM is a devil. Uh, that would be Satan.

Now, apply this same principle to this scripture:

John 6:70
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

Not all that difficult IF we understand the underlying scriptural principle here:

Mark 4:
15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

We have the SAME 3 PARTIES in Matt. 16:23 and John 6:70.

Scripture is one of the most uniquely delivered writings on the planet, BECAUSE of this underlying principle, that TWO parties, unique and DISTINCT from each others are being addressed by God.

Anyone who doesn't pick up on this Divine Principle isn't going to be seeing the WHOLE PICTURE. They'll only see IN PART. Even if they see the whole picture they'll STILL only see in part because THE READER is also subject to the 'terms and conditions' that scripture is pointing out. 2 Cor. 12:7, 1 John 3:8.

And this difficulty is compounded when any reader sees that there is a 'resisting' party to the disclosures, who is actually 'with them.' That's the oh oh moment.

So, yeah, good luck with all of that.

 

[smaller]

Scripture is very unique in this way:

IF any reader is not a believer in Jesus Christ, they really won't and can't see or perceive anything from His Words.

IF any believer doesn't submit to certain conclusions of scripture, personally, they won't see large swaths of scripture. For example, it's not a big leap of logic to connect Mark 4:15 and 1 John 3:8 to see that reality and submit to it personally.

When that happens, then other scriptures will OPEN for the readers. For example they will no longer see their own sins as any better than the sins of Judas and may even see them worse. Romans 3:9, 1 Tim. 1:15 for example. They might even get REAL generous with their sights of Judas and come to understand and apply Roman 11:25-31 to Judas. And come up with a diametrically opposed conclusion to the majority who have not done their personal scriptural homework or submitted to certain facts, personally. Scripture does LOCK OUT people from understandings. It's just a fact.

It's always more interesting than how it appears on the surface, particularly if you buy into half the nonsense spouted from others without actually checking for yourself. Buying positions from someone else and actually having personal familiarity with His Words are two different subjects altogether.

 

[atpollard]

I think Judas had to have believed at some point. He also bore good fruit toward others as he received power to heal the sick and order demons about. He just didn't persevere to the end. He fell among the thorns and he fell among shallow ground. It just didn't stick. As he fell away and realized his error while Jesus was away on trial, Judas had no option for repentance other than through the Temple. They turned him down so he had no hope.

Possibly.
I will grant that Matthew 10:1-16 is the strongest evidence for Judas being a true follower and not always a wolf in sheep's clothing. If it said specifically that Judas performed those acts, I would not bother arguing against this point. However, note carefully what it actually does say. It says the Apostles collectively received power and collectively performed miracles. It does not explicitly state that each and every Apostle performed each and every act. Were 12 demons cast out of 12 people, one by each Apostle? Is it possible that one apostle cast 4 demons out of 4 different people and each of the other apostles cast out no demons? Were 12 sick people healed, one by each apostle? Is it possible that two apostles healed 100 people between them and the other 10 had no opportunity to heal anyone?

I am simply applying what we know about how the Holy Spirit dispenses gifts among the body and asking if it is reasonable or unreasonable to think that the Holy Spirit might have done the same among the apostles. Does the wording in the verse support this as a possibility?

It seems to me that it is at lest a possibility in Matthew 10 that Judas was always a wolf on sheep clothing, outwardly appearing as one of the faithful, but inwardly never being a believer. This is why over and over, Jesus points out that one of the 12 is unsaved. Jesus lost none EXCEPT THE SON OF PERDITION (John 17:12) that scripture might be fulfilled. Peter exclaims 'We believe' and Jesus respond ONE OF YOU IS A DEVIL (John 6:69-70). When Jesus says 'You are clean' he quickly adds BUT NOT ALL OF YOU (John 13:10).

So it seems at least plausible from the scriptural evidence that Judas did nothing more than proclaim the news that the Messiah had arrived while others of the 12 performed the collective miracles that we are quick to ascribe to the man that Jesus singled out as one of the 12, but not a true follower ... the 'son of perdition', 'a devil', and 'unclean'.

The question has been asked 'does God ever empower an unbeliever to perform miracles?' The assumption being 'no' and the implication being that if Judas was empowered then he must have been 'saved' (per the OP title) 'for a while'. Respectfully, I believe that I can demonstrate the answer is YES, God does empower unbelievers and, therefore, even if Judas was empowered as an Apostle, it does not guarantee his being 'saved for a while'.

Was Balaam's Donkey saved when God worked miracles through the donkey? (Numbers 22)

What we know Judas did, with complete certainty is:
(John 12:6) Judas stole from the group's funds.
(Matthew 26:16) Judas watched for an opportunity to betray him.
(Luke 22:48) Judas betrayed him with a kiss.
(Matthew 27:5) Judas hung himself.

Placing the veiled references to what Judas may or may not have done on one side of the scale, and Jesus statements about him and what we know he did with certainty on the other side of the scale it doesn't really seem like a close call to me.

Could Judas have been a faithful believer at some early point? Sure, anything is possible.
Does scripture prove that he was? No, not even close.
He was a disciple, following Jesus around. He was an Apostle, one chosen by Jesus for a special honor. He appears always to also have been a thief and a puppet of Satan sent to betray the Christ.
A wolf in sheep clothes. Son of perdition, a devil, unclean.