Double Predestination 2

For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”
(Luke 22:22 ESV)

The above verse records Jesus telling of how his crucifixion was determined ahead of time. This also tells of his betrayal by Judas Iscariot. The statement of woe to the man that betrays Jesus is seen as a decree that Judas goes to hell.

It was prophesied that Messiah would be betrayed by a close associate. What was the reason the woe was pronounced on Judas? After all during his trial all of his disciples forsook Jesus. Peter betrayed Jesus by lying for fear for his own life. However, these men were forgiven;

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

(John 20:19-23 ESV)

We see after the Resurrection of Jesus the disciples are still fearful of his enemies. Jesus comes and tells them peace be with you. This greeting shows these men have peace with he whom they all betrayed by action of leaving Jesus alone at his trial. The difference for these men is that Judas did not truly repent and trust in Christ for forgiveness. It is not the activity of sin that condemns but rather unbelief. 

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
(John 3:18 ESV)

Double predestination would have it that Judas was not condemned due to his rejection of Jesus but rather that God did not want him saved. Does the scripture really teach that God has chosen some to eternally die and he will not save them?  The clear teaching that God wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This makes no sense how that a Sovereign God can have the desire that all be saved. However, do we want to disbelieve a truth in scripture because it makes no sense?

This will offend the insecure believer who, due to their sin, is in terror that salvation is even theirs. Rather teach the believer to look to Jesus only for assurance of salvation instead of whether one is predestined to believe or not. Trust in his death burial and resurrection is what receives the righteousness of God.

Believe this good news and live in its peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen. †