Dear Explorer,
Read John 17:12
This is a continuation of Jesus' prayer for his followers, current and future. The one “doomed to destruction” or the “son of perdition” refers to Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him. Jesus states here that he was lost or perished. What does it mean to be lost?
Unable to find one's way, not knowing one's whereabouts or denoting something that has been taken away or cannot be recovered.
Other translations use the word perish. We talk about perishable or non-perishable foods. When food perishes is becomes unusable, unfit for consumption and we throw it away.
Sometimes these words mean to currently be lost or perishing. For example, a person who has not yet invited Jesus into their core could be called lost or perishing – but that is still changeable if they chose to invite Jesus into their life. Or it could refer to a follower who is being disobedient. Their value is lost or perishing to the Kingdom of God.
But most often, and in this case, I believe that to perish or to be lost spiritually is to be thrown away or taken away from God's presence eternally. And when we are away from God's presence, we find that it is a place of utter darkness and pain.
God designed us to crave and desire a right relationship with Him. Being lost or perishing is a very painful place to be. Wherever it is, it's not a place I want to be.
Re-Read John 3:16
If we have invited Jesus into our lives and therefore are no longer empty, we will not perish or be lost, but have everlasting life with God.
Please make sure that you understand that Judas did not "perish" because he made a bad mistake and betrayed Jesus for money. Judas "perished" because even though all the outward appearances were there -- he was empty on the inside.
Judas was called by Jesus to walk and talk with Him daily for 3 years of ministry together. He was a disciple, a student of Jesus. He had personal access to Jesus day and night. He was personally tutored by Jesus. We're told in Scripture that Judas was the "treasurer" (John 13:29) of the disciples, which implies that he was a trusted and respected man among them.
I want to make sure that you understand that you can walk the walk, talk the talk, hold offices in your church, be a minister, a missionary, or an evangelist and still be a fake. The other 11 apostles didn't suspect a thing -- they thought Judas was one of them!
Who knew?
Jesus and Judas. I assure you that YOU know whether you are empty on the inside or filled with Jesus.
You don't have to worry and fret about whether you've earned enough points, or done enough good works -- the Good News is clear -- salvation is a free gift, offered to anyone who is willing to simply receive it. But it is never pushed upon anyone who decides to remain empty.
Once you've invited Jesus into your empty spot, Jesus Himself stands guard over you and keeps you in His care. Your salvation is secure -- it's not going to slip away -- even if you mess up big time. God's salvation plan is absolutely secure, and you can't mess it up!
In His service, dale
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