Sam's Biblical Insight, Exploring the Word, Faith, Theology, Doctrine, and Christian Life in the Spirit

Text: John 6:70-71 (NET)

Jesus replied, “Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is the devil? (Now he said this about Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for Judas, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.)

Jesus’ statement in John 6:70b, “And yet one of you is a devil,” uses the Greek verb ἐστιν (estin). Does this verb imply that Judas was always aligned with evil, or does it point to a later state of becoming a “devil”? What are the theological implications of interpreting the text either way?

1. The Meaning of ‘One of You is a Devil’ in Context

The Greek verb ἐστιν (estin) is in the present indicative tense, emphasizing a current and ongoing state. In this context, Jesus declares that Judas is, at that moment, embodying the characteristics of a “devil.” This interpretation aligns with Judas’s moral and spiritual progression, as seen in other passages:

• John 6:71: Judas is identified as “the one who was going to betray Him.”
• John 12:4-6: Judas’s greed and dishonesty are highlighted when he criticizes Mary’s use of expensive perfume.

The term “devil” (διάβολος, diabolos) does not imply that Judas is Satan himself but rather that he is acting as an adversary, one aligned with Satan’s purposes. This understanding is consistent with other scriptural examples where individuals are described as being influenced by Satan:

• John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.”
• Matthew 16:23: Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me.”
• Acts 5:3: “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?”
• 1 John 3:8: “The one who practices sin is of the devil.”

Despite Jesus offering Judas opportunities to repent, Judas ultimately chose to betray Him. His remorse led to despair rather than repentance, unlike Peter, who denied Jesus but repented and remained faithful.s, which was available even to him.

2. Theological Implications: Choice vs. Predestination

This passage raises significant theological questions about Judas’s actions and their implications for human agency and divine sovereignty.

Key Points

• The present tense ἐστιν suggests that Judas’s alignment with evil was not innate or predestined but developed over time as he succumbed to greed and betrayal.
• Moral Responsibility: Judas serves as a cautionary example of how proximity to Jesus does not guarantee spiritual faithfulness. Alignment with God requires an ongoing commitment to resist evil.
• At the Last Supper, Jesus washed Judas’s feet, offering a moment of grace and an opportunity to turn back. Judas, however, chose his path of betrayal.

Connection to the True Vine Parable

After Judas departed, Jesus taught the parable of the True Vine (John 15:1-6), emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Him. Jesus warned:

“If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire.”

This underscores that salvation is not static. Spiritual failure is possible for anyone who does not remain faithful.

3. Conclusion: Perseverance and the Danger of Falling Away

Contrary to the Reformed doctrines of Predestination and Perseverance of the Saints (“once saved, always saved”), this passage demonstrates the reality of falling away:

1). Adam and Eve disobeyed God despite being created sinless.

2). King Saul fell from grace despite being chosen as Israel’s first king.

3).The Israelites repeatedly rebelled against God even after being delivered from Egypt.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of endurance:

• Matthew 24:13: “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”
• Revelation 20:15: “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The syntax here, when read in light of Revelation 13:8 (“written in the book of life from the foundation of the world”) and Revelation 3:5 (“I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life”), implies that names written in the Book of Life must not be blotted out but remain through faithfulness. This reinforces the biblical teaching that salvation is contingent on an enduring commitment to Christ.

The warning in Revelation emphasizes that names in the Book of Life are not guaranteed to remain without perseverance. Believers are called to guard their hearts and steadfastly persevere in their relationship with Christ. Yet, as demonstrated in the cases of Peter, the Prodigal Son, and the Israelites, when we falter, the opportunity to repent—turn back to God—is always available. God’s forgiveness is extended to all who seek Him in humility and faith.

Sola Scriptura! solar Gratia!