Where Did Judas Go — Heaven or Hell?

This is a question that has puzzled many Christians. Some believe that Judas Iscariot’s remorse — which led him to take his own life — was an act of repentance, and therefore he might have been forgiven. Others think that because Judas was chosen as one of the twelve apostles, he must have been destined for salvation. After all, why would Jesus appoint someone who was already condemned?

But to answer this question properly, we must turn to Scripture — not opinion — and examine what the Bible actually says about Judas, his character, and his ultimate destiny.

1. Jesus’ Own Words About Judas

In Matthew 26:24 (NIV), during the Last Supper, Jesus says:

“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

This is a chilling statement. If there were hope for Judas after death, it’s hard to imagine Jesus saying it would have been better if he had never existed. This implies eternal loss — not temporary judgment.

2. The “Son of Perdition”

In His high priestly prayer, Jesus refers to Judas again:

John 17:12 (NIV)

“While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”

The phrase “doomed to destruction” (Greek: ho huios tēs apōleias, literally “son of perdition” as translated in KJV) is also used for the Antichrist in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV) — someone entirely opposed to God. This suggests that Judas’ fate was not just tragic, but spiritually catastrophic.

3. Judas’ Role and Destiny Confirmed by the Apostles

After Judas’ death, the apostles needed to choose a replacement. When praying for guidance, they said:

Acts 1:24–25 (NIV)

“Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.’”

The phrase “go where he belongs” strongly implies that Judas’ destination was fixed — and not favorable. Given the context of judgment, this again suggests hell rather than heaven.

4. Was Judas Ever Truly Saved?

Some argue that Judas must have been saved at some point, having been chosen as an apostle. However, Scripture presents Judas in a different light:

• John 6:70–71 (NIV)

“Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)”

Here, Jesus identifies Judas as “a devil” — not merely someone who made a mistake, but someone whose heart was never truly aligned with God’s kingdom.

• John 12:6 (NIV) also tells us Judas was a thief:

“He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.”

5. What About Judas’ Remorse?

In Matthew 27:3–5 (NIV), it says:

“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… So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”

While Judas was clearly remorseful, remorse is not the same as repentance. True repentance leads to turning back to God and seeking forgiveness (as Peter did after denying Jesus). Judas turned away — and ultimately took his own life, overwhelmed by despair rather than faith.

The Apostle Paul later writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV):

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Judas’ sorrow, it seems, fell into the second category — one that leads not to life, but to death.

6. Satan Entered Him

Finally, it’s important to note that Judas became completely overtaken by the devil:

Luke 22:3 (NIV)

“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.”

This wasn’t just temptation — it was possession. At this point, Judas was acting under direct satanic influence. Scripture gives no indication that he ever turned back to God after this.

Final Thoughts: A Warning to Believers

Judas’ life is a sobering reminder: proximity to Jesus is not the same as relationship with Jesus. Judas heard every sermon, saw every miracle, and walked with the Savior — and yet he fell away because he gave room to sin in his heart.

It’s a warning especially for those in ministry or leadership. Being used by God doesn’t guarantee salvation. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV) reminds us:

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Are You Ready?

Have you given your life to Jesus? These are the last days — and the signs of His return are all around us. Don’t wait. Examine your heart. Turn away from sin. Seek Christ while there’s still time.

Romans 10:9 (NIV) says:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

If you’re ready to commit your life to Christ, pray a prayer of repentance — honestly and sincerely — and begin walking with Him today.

God bless you.

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