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The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: JimB on April 01, 2016, 06:34:35 PM

Title: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: JimB on April 01, 2016, 06:34:35 PM
Chap. 76 - Judas


Listen to  Judas


 




     The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts. 
     A little before the Passover, Judas had renewed his contract with the priests to deliver Jesus into their hands. Then it was arranged that the Saviour should be taken at one of His resorts for meditation and prayer. Since the feast at the house of Simon, Judas had had opportunity to reflect upon the deed which he had covenanted to perform, but his purpose was unchanged. For thirty pieces of silver--the price of a slave--he sold the Lord of glory to ignominy and death.   
     Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin. 
     Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse. 
     Judas was highly regarded by the disciples, and had great influence over them. He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications, and looked upon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment and ability. They did not see their opportunities, he thought, and take advantage of circumstances. The church would never prosper with such shortsighted men as leaders. Peter was impetuous; he would move without consideration. John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ's lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier. Matthew, whose training had taught him accuracy in all things, was very particular in regard to honesty, and he was ever contemplating the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that, as Judas thought, he could not be trusted to do sharp, far-seeing business. Thus Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager. Judas regarded himself as the capable one, who could not be overreached. In his own estimation he was an honor to the cause, and as such he always represented himself. 
     Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this. As treasurer for the disciples, he was called upon to provide for the needs of the little company, and to relieve the necessities of the poor. When in the Passover chamber Jesus said to him, "That thou doest, do quickly" (John 13:27), the disciples thought He had bidden him buy what was needed for the feast, or give something to the poor. In ministering to others, Judas might have developed an unselfish spirit. But while listening daily to the lessons of Christ and witnessing His unselfish life, Judas indulged his covetous disposition. The small sums that came into his hands were a continual temptation. Often when he did a little service for Christ, or devoted time to religious purposes, he paid himself out of this meager fund. In his own eyes these pretexts served to excuse his action; but in God's sight he was a thief.
     Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ to work. He had planned that John the Baptist should be delivered from prison. But lo, John was left to be beheaded. And Jesus, instead of asserting His royal right and avenging the death of John, retired with His disciples into a country place. Judas wanted more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful. He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewish leaders, and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ a sign from heaven. His heart was open to unbelief, and the enemy supplied thoughts of questioning and rebellion. Why did Jesus dwell so much upon that which was discouraging? Why did He predict trial and persecution for Himself and for His disciples? The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ. Were his hopes to be disappointed? Judas had not decided that Jesus was not the Son of God; but he was questioning, and seeking to find some explanation of His mighty works. 
     Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter. 
     Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.
     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.
     When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas was displeased. He thought that a mistake had been made. If such men as this ruler could be connected with the believers, they would help sustain Christ's cause. If Judas were only received as a counselor, he thought, he could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ.   
     In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. "Have not I chosen you twelve," He said, "and one of you is a devil?" John 6:70. 
     Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will. 
     But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work. 
     Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must come to pass. His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change the result. If Jesus was not to die, it would only force Him to deliver Himself. At all events, Judas would gain something by his treachery. He counted that he had made a sharp bargain in betraying his Lord. 
     Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson. He intended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth to treat him with due respect. But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ up to death. How often, as the Saviour taught in parables, the scribes and Pharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations! How often they had pronounced judgment against themselves! Often when the truth was brought home to their hearts, they had been filled with rage, and had taken up stones to cast at Him; but again and again He had made His escape. Since He had escaped so many snares, thought Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken. 
     Judas decided to put the matter to the test. If Jesus really was the Messiah, the people, for whom He had done so much, would rally about Him, and would proclaim Him king. This would forever settle many minds that were now in uncertainty. Judas would have the credit of having placed the king on David's throne. And this act would secure to him the first position, next to Christ, in the new kingdom.   
     The false disciple acted his part in betraying Jesus. In the garden, when he said to the leaders of the mob, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast" (Matthew 26:48), he fully believed that Christ would escape out of their hands. Then if they should blame him, he could say, Did I not tell you to hold Him fast? 
     Judas beheld the captors of Christ, acting upon his words, bind Him firmly. In amazement he saw that the Saviour suffered Himself to be led away. Anxiously he followed Him from the garden to the trial before the Jewish rulers. At every movement he looked for Him to surprise His enemies, by appearing before them as the Son of God, and setting at nought all their plots and power. But as hour after hour went by, and Jesus submitted to all the abuse heaped upon Him, a terrible fear came to the traitor that he had sold his Master to His death.   
     As the trial drew to a close, Judas could endure the torture of his guilty conscience no longer. Suddenly a hoarse voice rang through the hall, sending a thrill of terror to all hearts: He is innocent; spare Him, O Caiaphas! 
     The tall form of Judas was now seen pressing through the startled throng. His face was pale and haggard, and great drops of sweat stood on his forehead. Rushing to the throne of judgment, he threw down before the high priest the pieces of silver that had been the price of his Lord's betrayal. Eagerly grasping the robe of Caiaphas, he implored him to release Jesus, declaring that He had done nothing worthy of death. Caiaphas angrily shook him off, but was confused, and knew not what to say. The perfidy of the priests was revealed. It was evident that they had bribed the disciple to betray his Master.
     "I have sinned," again cried Judas, "in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." But the high priest, regaining his self-possession, answered with scorn, "What is that to us? see thou to that." Matthew 27:4. The priests had been willing to make Judas their tool; but they despised his baseness. When he turned to them with confession, they spurned him. 
     Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.
     A murmur of surprise ran through the assembly. With amazement they beheld the forbearance of Christ toward His betrayer. Again there swept over them the conviction that this Man was more than mortal. But if He was the Son of God, they questioned, why did He not free Himself from His bonds and triumph over His accusers?   
     Judas saw that his entreaties were in vain, and he rushed from the hall exclaiming, It is too late! It is too late! He felt that he could not live to see Jesus crucified, and in despair went out and hanged himself.   
     Later that same day, on the road from Pilate's hall to Calvary, there came an interruption to the shouts and jeers of the wicked throng who were leading Jesus to the place of crucifixion. As they passed a retired spot, they saw at the foot of a lifeless tree, the body of Judas. It was a most revolting sight. His weight had broken the cord by which he had hanged himself to the tree. In falling, his body had been horribly mangled, and dogs were now devouring it. His remains were immediately buried out of sight; but there was less mockery among the throng, and many a pale face revealed the thoughts within. Retribution seemed already visiting those who were guilty of the blood of Jesus.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: JimB on April 06, 2016, 04:30:22 AM
This is another sad story in a chapter of the life of Christ. One of His own disciples betrays Him. :(  Like the rich young ruler Judas dis not completely surrender his life to Christ and in so doing we are left with an example of warning. Here is why Judas never fully gave himself over to Christ.

      But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on July 03, 2016, 05:50:54 AM
Judas had a fallen nature. He was aligned with Satan and sin from birth. But, some in life have had a much worse battle to fight because of where they were born and the circumstances surrounding their lives. They have a character that is very hard to change. Judas had Jesus to help him. What hope is there for us who have not had the benefit of good circumstances including being with Jesus?

We have the promises of God and the personal attention and grace extended by Jesus. He knows our every thought. He knows the number of hairs on your head. He knows where you live. He knows just how to draw each of us. But, there is a part for us to play, no matter what anyone else teaches. Our part is immeasurably small, God's part is immeasurably large. Without us doing our part we shall be forever lost. What is our part?

First let us remember some of the promises made that reveal there is no excuse even for the worst sinner not to be saved. How about John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:17,18. 

Some we have seen who had fallen very low have become reflections of Christ. Did they have promises also? "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18. What is meant by "scarlet"?

All are without excuse for knowing God. And knowing God is the solution for our fallen condition. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed [it] unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:18-20.

What went wrong with Judas? If we can understand this, then we understand how important it is to perfect a Christian character while our probation remains open. It is what we do each day that is going to determine what is the final product. Do we understand what each sin will do? Or do we excuse our little sins not knowing they condemn us also, and they are forming a character which unfits us for heaven? Each day Judas was forming habits that would make it more difficult to follow Christ.

     When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will.
     But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work. 

When we come into this world, we have a fallen nature and have no "enmity" towards Satan and sin. But, by sinning after we have a knowledge of the God, then we are forming a character that is hardening the heart and making it harder to turn from sin. We read that Judas had not yet hardened his heart past change, but at this point change was very hard since his character was so far along. Yet, there was still hope. He could hear the voice of the Spirit speaking to him. But, he resisted God's love right to the end.

Think about the excuses made for your sins. What we do today to a large degree is going to determine what we do tomorrow. But, Christ can change this. The sooner we surrender our will to His will, the easier it will be to do so. While sin abounds in the world and in our lives, grace much more abounds. We need that grace each day to convert the heart so that we have power to resist the smallest temptation to sin. Sin reveals a separation between man and God, no matter how small or even if it was not premeditated. The only way we can not sin, is to be reconciled to God. And then we must maintain that connection in order to do any good thing.

This is the desire of God, that we be wholly sanctified through the power of His grace. We must feed upon Jesus if we want to have spiritual life. We must know God. "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." What a promise!!

Lastly, if we want to have a character fit for heaven, then we are told what we must do in order to be changed into that character. It is a secret that most have never heard. Let us make it known by our words and our deeds. "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18. Amen!! Where can we behold the glory of the Lord?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 03, 2016, 10:15:21 AM
One of the best ways to behold the glory of the Lord is in reading the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, especially what we are doing together here in reading together from the Desire of Ages. I appreciate the points that you brought out, Richard. The way to salvation is made plain to each of us, and there is no excuse for sin.

Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.

Let us remember that we are offered from Jesus what we most need--spiritual regeneration, a new heart, and a place with Him in selfless ministry in our own sphere.

It is not the amount of light we receive that determines our standing before God, but whether we have submitted our will to Christ so that He can give us a new heart that makes the difference.

Jesus did ALL THAT HE COULD to redeem Judas--the only reason Judas was lost in his sin was that he resisted the constraining love of Jesus.

We too need to behold the loveliness of Jesus. When we do, we see how unlike Him we are by nature, and that our hearts, if not entirely surrendered to Him now, are still selfish and unable to do any good thing. But when we not only see Jesus' loveliness and our sinfulness, but we take the next step in yielding our will entirely to Him, then we can have a new heart, and that new heart will bring forth all the fruits of the Spirit--not one will be missing.

We see from Judas the lesson that sin is dangerous, for it separates us from our Savior, whom we continually need! Praise the Lord for Jesus!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: colporteur on July 03, 2016, 01:28:45 PM

Several times I have heard ministers use the situation of Jesus allowing Judas to be one of the twelve as a rationalization to let sin run riot among church members and leaders.

Why would we not allow a thief to be the treasurer in church today even though Jesus had one among the twelve ?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on September 28, 2016, 06:36:12 AM
Yes, cp, we do hear from some that Judas is an example of why we are to allow unconverted men to occupy positions of responsibility. After all, Jesus did just that.  They have a point, but they do not understand the principles involved. They do not understand that much of the difficulties the other disciples encountered were brought about by Judas. He was always fomenting trouble and unbelief. Jesus did not want Judas to be one of the twelve, He tried to discourage him, but Judas pushed himself among the group. Jesus worked with him for a number of reasons. And, yes in included wanting to save him.

     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.
     When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas was displeased. He thought that a mistake had been made. If such men as this ruler could be connected with the believers, they would help sustain Christ's cause. If Judas were only received as a counselor, he thought, he could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ.   
     In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. "Have not I chosen you twelve," He said, "and one of you is a devil?" John 6:70. 

At times we may face a similar situation. We may find one who is unconverted in the church, in a position of responsibility. For a number of reasons, we may find it best to work with the individual rather than removing him from his position. This is much different than placing and unconverted person in such a position. And, that person ought never have been brought into the church unconverted, much less baptized by a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. Judas stands on record as to why we ought not do so.

How do we explain this statement: "Christ declared. 'Have not I chosen you twelve,' He said, 'and one of you is a devil?'"
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 28, 2016, 09:23:41 AM
Richard, I appreciated your post, and as I reflect upon John 6:70, it becomes clear that Christ was aware of the unconverted state of Judas, and that Judas was possessed of a devil. We actually read about this earlier in The Desire of Ages, and Jesus already knew that this man was tampering with sin to the extend that Satan was holding him under his power:

Before the Passover Judas had met a second time with the priests and scribes, and had closed the contract to deliver Jesus into their hands. Yet he afterward mingled with the disciples as though innocent of any wrong, and interested in the work of preparing for the feast. The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hungered for his soul. He felt for him such a burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over the doomed city. His heart was crying, How can I give thee up? The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. When the Saviour's hands were bathing those soiled feet, and wiping them with the towel, the heart of Judas thrilled through and through with the impulse then and there to confess his sin. But he would not humble himself. He hardened his heart against repentance; and the old impulses, for the moment put aside, again controlled him. Judas was now offended at Christ's act in washing the feet of His disciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he thought, He could not be Israel's king. All hope of worldly honor in a temporal kingdom was destroyed. Judas was satisfied that there was nothing to be gained by following Christ. After seeing Him degrade Himself, as he thought, he was confirmed in his purpose to disown Him, and confess himself deceived. He was possessed by a demon, and he resolved to complete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord. {DA 645.1}

We do not know at what point exactly Judas became "possessed by a demon," but it is clear that at the time of the foot washing performed by Christ, Satan had such hold of Judas that Judas chose to continue in the way of perdition. Jesus had done all that could be done to save this poor, wretched man who thought himself wiser than Christ. After Judas left the passover supper, we read that his probation closed (while he was still alive!):

     As they realized the import of His words, and remembered how true His sayings were, fear and self-distrust seized them. They began to search their own hearts to see if one thought against their Master were harbored there. With the most painful emotion, one after another inquired, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas sat silent. John in deep distress at last inquired, “Lord, who is it?” And Jesus answered, “He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” The disciples had searched one another's faces closely as they asked, “Lord, is it I?” And now the silence of Judas drew all eyes to him. Amid the confusion of questions and expressions of astonishment, Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer to John's question. But now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples, he asked as they had done, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “Thou hast said.” {DA 654.2}
     In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose, Judas rose hastily to leave the room. “Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.... He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.” Night it was to the traitor as he turned away from Christ into the outer darkness. {DA 654.3}
     Until this step was taken, Judas had not passed beyond the possibility of repentance. But when he left the presence of his Lord and his fellow disciples, the final decision had been made. He had passed the boundary line. {DA 654.4}

Another way to say that "He had passed the boundary line" is "He closed his probation in rejecting his Lord's final plea to repent." When we read of Judas in today's chapter, we see Jesus interact with a man who is unrepentant, but who sorrowed over the effects of his sin:

 Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.

Such a sad record of how dangerous it is to tamper with sin and sacred trusts! Let us take heed to the warning!

But what also stands out to me in this chapter is how Christ dealt with this wicked, base man who would stoop to do such a thing. As Judas "repented himself" (Matthew 27:3) it was not true repentance that is the gift of God received into the soul that changes the heart (see how Acts 5:31 speaks of how through Christ, God is able to "give repentance"). Judas' "repentance" was but a response of self, from a man who was lost and whose probation had closed. What more could God do for Judas? Jesus did all He could to save this man, but Judas chose to walk in darkness, to live for self and to cherish the way of the flesh rather than to value the things of the spiritual kingdom. Satan had control of him, because Judas refused the help offered him in Christ.

As I see Jesus' dealings with Judas, I am encouraged to know that this is also how we are to deal with the grievously erring, for we are to do all that is possible to give them opportunity to repent. But like Judas, each will close his or her own probation by coming to the point when they will not turn and any additional light will not be received. Because we do not know when that point is reached as we deal with souls (for we cannot read hearts), let us be kind, patient, and forbearing (by beholding Jesus' loveliness and abiding in Him through His Spirit).

We need Jesus continually to be able to deal graciously with souls who are unconverted, and yet who make a high profession of religion as did Judas. We have no wisdom of ourselves, and it is as we abide in Christ that divine grace is given us in our dealing with souls. Praise the Lord!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on December 24, 2016, 03:53:43 AM
It is a sad story. All that Christ did for Judas, yet he betrayed the Son of God.

It is opened to our view that we might learn from the story of Judas.

It is moving that Jesus did not condemn Judas, but pitied him. Are we of the same Spirit? Do we love those who despitefully use us?

When unconverted men are hired by conferences to pastor churches, what is the result? Is it possible Satan can use them in a similar manner as he used Judas? And when blind pastors baptize those who are not converted, is it possible they too could be used as was Judas?

   From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

It is all too common for pastors and church members to not understand one gives evidence of conversion, therefore the blind continue to baptize and ordain those who like Judas are unconverted.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 24, 2016, 12:16:59 PM
Amen, Richard! When one reveals all of the fruits of the Spirit, that is true conversion evidence. Such an experience is to be continually maintained by faith.

  The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts.

Let us be converted and surrender to all Jesus reveals!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 21, 2017, 06:35:09 AM
In beholding the loveliness of Jesus, we also see the contrast of the character of one who would not yield his life to the Savior. May we experience true repentance, and not follow the evil example of Judas who would not separate from sin:

Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.

Jesus came not to condemn, but to save. In rejecting Jesus' call to repentance, Judas chose the way of destruction. We need Jesus to heal us from sin and to keep us from the way of hardness of heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on March 21, 2017, 09:24:26 AM
While reading this chapter is not a joyous occasion, we can appreciate its importance. How do we deal with devils in the church? We do as did Jesus. But, it is not an excuse to place devils in leadership positions in the church. If they are already there, then it may be best to leave them there for a time. Never think that the lesson about Judas allows for the voting into membership or placing in a leadership position one who is not converted. That is a false teaching that has come into God's church. Judas was used by Satan to instigate great trouble in those whom Jesus had chosen as leaders.

    Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter. 

So, it was the great deception Satan had brought into the Jewish nation that the Lamb  did not have to die. It was a meritorious sacrifice on the part of the Jew that would elevate the giver. Lost was the significance of the slain Lamb. But, it did not stop with this deception. As we read, Satan used Judas to prosper the idea the Lamb did not come to die, but to reign upon an earthly throne....no matter how many times Jesus said He was going to Jerusalem to die.

Such is result of the error in placing devils in high places in God's church. God give us wisdom to know what to do in situations when they are already there.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 16, 2017, 04:50:26 AM
I was deeply moved by this chapter this morning--seeing all that Christ did to reach Judas, and thinking of how Jesus is that earnest and persevering in His efforts to save us, too. May we learn from the experience of how Christ treated Judas how to deal with the most grievously erring--not to sanction known sin in the church--but to help those who are struggling to come to repentance. Had Judas fully surrendered himself to Jesus, how different would be the chapter we read today--rather than a story of his great guilt in betraying Jesus, a testimony of how great God's grace is to change sinners. But is God's grace not strong enough? No--but grace also includes love, and love never forces its way. God lets us choose if we will believe the wonderful revelation we see in Jesus' character. I receive Jesus anew today, how about you?

But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work. 

Let us heed Jesus' invitation today, and never separate from Him by sin. Behold the lovely Jesus constantly today!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on June 16, 2017, 05:31:13 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean. It is dangerous to resist the grace offered. Judas did it for the last time when he refused the grace offered when Jesus washed his feet. Yes, Jesus was his feet, but it did not convert him as it did the other disciples. 

Judas stands on record as to the results if unconverted men are brought into the ministry. We see this today. Many wonder how rebellion has entered the church. We may understand when we review the thoughts and deeds of Judas.

     Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.
     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

Unless self dies, it works selfishness and leads to death. It's influence is not an influence for good.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: JimB on September 11, 2017, 06:19:50 AM
In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. "Have not I chosen you twelve," He said, "and one of you is a devil?" John 6:70.  

I know I've said it before and I'm saying it again. I really don't like reading this chapter. It is not pleasant but I understand it's there for a reason and a good reason at that. What is hard for me to relate to is that it sounds like that Judas disagreed with much that Christ said and yet he stayed fostering a rebellious spirit. There have been times in my life that the Word has stepped on my toes in a hard way and deeply convicted me but never was I tempted to disagree with it? How can I? I may not like it at first but disagree? Disagree with God Himself?

Let us all pray for a teachable attitude and learn to love the Words of Christ and even His reproof.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 11, 2017, 09:47:19 AM
Amen, Jim! Reproof may not be comfortable, but it is the heart of infinite love that administers it. Judas' sad ending is laid open to us so that we will not be deceived to think that we can retain one sinful trait in our characters and yet not have it ultimately destroy us. Judas is a clear example of the danger of not surrendering FULLY to Christ. If we do not surrender the heart fully to Christ, who controls us? Satan does, for he controls all whose fallen natures are not crucified with Christ.

I love how Jesus is revealed in the chapter of The Desire of Ages on Judas--Christ did all He could to save Judas, and Christ did all He could to reveal Himself to others when Judas was manifesting the character of Satan.

 A murmur of surprise ran through the assembly. With amazement they beheld the forbearance of Christ toward His betrayer. Again there swept over them the conviction that this Man was more than mortal. But if He was the Son of God, they questioned, why did He not free Himself from His bonds and triumph over His accusers?  {The Desire of Ages, page 722, paragraph 3}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on September 12, 2017, 09:30:52 PM

I know I've said it before and I'm saying it again. I really don't like reading this chapter. It is not pleasant but I understand it's there for a reason and a good reason at that. What is hard for me to relate to is that it sounds like that Judas disagreed with much that Christ said and yet he stayed fostering a rebellious spirit.

Jim, you are right, it is not pleasant to read such a story, but there is a very good reason to read it. Israel is an ensample for those whom the ends of the world is come upon. How Jesus dealt with Judas is an example for us, but even more important is the lesson we are to learn about how Satan works from within the church to destroy souls and delay the soon coming of Christ.

What we see in this reading is the same thing we see in how Lucifer caused the loss of 1/3 of the heavenly angels. His method of operation has not changed. He has just refined his deceptions to cause millions to follow the path to perdition. We are to learn this lesson and do all we can to keep the church from going down the path any longer.

When Judas heard Christ say "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you," he saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good.
     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

Should we place such a one on the platform in the church?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: JimB on December 07, 2017, 05:19:32 AM
Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.

This is how I imagine in the end when every knee shall bow and acknowledge Christ as Lord that lost do it. They are no longer blinded by sin but neither is their character changed. If allowed to live they would again shake their fist at Christ just like the lost do during the last plagues. Let us NOW while there is still yet time truly learn of Christ and His character so that it will soften our hearts and be molded to be like Him. Let us be willing to be the blob of clay that He will shape into something beautiful.


Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on December 07, 2017, 07:27:13 AM
Amen, Jim. It is our choice as to whom we shall serve. It is sad that with Bibles all around us, so many do not know Jesus intimately, and believe they are saved even while sinning a known sin. Let us do all we can to establish and maintain our connection with Christ that we might be witnesses and teachers of the truth. If we do not yield our selfish hearts to Christ fully, then we will like Judas be working against our Lord.

Let us take a look at the truth about Judas and what it means to allow those who are not fully surrendered into church membership, or positions of leadership such as Judas held. We shall see why there are so many perplexities in the church of God.

     Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.
     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.
     When Jesus presented to the rich young ruler the condition of discipleship, Judas was displeased. He thought that a mistake had been made. If such men as this ruler could be connected with the believers, they would help sustain Christ's cause. If Judas were only received as a counselor, he thought, he could suggest many plans for the advantage of the little church. His principles and methods would differ somewhat from Christ's, but in these things he thought himself wiser than Christ.   
     In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. "Have not I chosen you twelve," He said, "and one of you is a devil?" John 6:70.
     Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will. 

Some may wonder why the church faces so many problems, even rebellion in the highest ranks. It is because the church remains in a Laodicean condition. Laodicean is a lost state,  but not hopeless. Jesus gave the solution at the same time He reproved us as a people. There are too many who when baptized were not dead to self. Too many in the church were buried alive and believe they are in a saved condition when they are not. It may be hard for many to believe, but this situation has existed from the time a prophet was in the church. Like Judas many of these who do not love Jesus supremely, work in the same manner as did Judas. They take the simple statement of truth and twist it to make it tell a lie. We see this with the rebellion taking place. Simple truths are taken out of context and used to lead many astray.

The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ (Manuscript 148, 1897).  6BC 1075.

What does a "rare experience" denote? It means the same thing as does "Laodicean condition." Let us press together and make sure the revival and reformation that is promised begins with us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 07, 2017, 10:06:49 AM

The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ (Manuscript 148, 1897).  6BC 1075.

What does a "rare experience" denote? It means the same thing as does "Laodicean condition." Let us press together and make sure the revival and reformation that is promised begins with us.

Richard, as I was reflecting on the meaning of the "rare experience" which is spoken of in the the inspired statement as "the new birth," it would actually be the opposite of remaining in a "Laodicean condition," where the soul is not experiencing the new birth (true conversion through a full heart surrender so that all of the fruits of the Spirit are in the life without one missing). Something is rare when there is not much of it in existence. It is so true. Few are TRULY converted. How does Isaiah describe it? "I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir" (Isaiah 13:12). But each who will come and learn of Christ can experience a transformation of character, and be truly converted (and remain converted) by a full surrender to Jesus moment by moment.

In reflecting on Judas' experience this morning, I was drawn to reflect also on the case of Lucifer and his fall, and why God allows time for the wicked to reveal their character. It is so that none will be deceived, and that the sympathy which might accrue to the wicked if their real character is not known will be eternally uprooted, and that "affliction shall not rise up the second time" (Nahum 1:9). I praise God for how thorough He is in dealing with evil, even though it takes considerable time and struggle.

"The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts." {The Desire of Ages, page 716, paragraph 1}

Could we not say the same of Lucifer? What if he had been immediately blotted out at the outset of rebellion? How many of the angels were sympathetic with him? One-third! And it will only be after the whole controversy is ended that all sympathy with Lucifer, with the wicked, and the ways of sin will be fully and finally uprooted so that we will not have to repeat this terrible experience of sin and suffering--even while still having free will for all of eternity! By beholding the loveliness of Jesus, and the cost He paid to save us from sin, we will forever praise Him and never again tamper with that which caused our precious Jesus infinite pain and suffering.

 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: colporteur on December 07, 2017, 02:19:10 PM
Amen , pastor Sean. It also comes to mind that if Jesus came today and blotted the wicked out of existence all the questions would still not be answered. Otherwise, Jesus would come today instead of waiting one day longer. Even in this late stage of the game all is not finished in the great controversy. In fact, there is quite a bit to take place yet howbeit in rapid succession. And then after the thousands years there is still a battle that will ensue.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 04, 2018, 09:01:12 AM
As we behold the loveliness of Jesus, in the unfolding of the great controversy between Christ and Satan we are also brought face-to-face with the manner in which each being is developing a character after the similitude of either Christ or Satan.

"The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts." {The Desire of Ages, page 716, paragraph 1}

As I read this in my devotions this morning, I was impressed by the correlation between God's dealing with Lucifer (who became Satan) and Judas (a professed disciple who became His betrayer). Judas' exposure right before the cross was for a purpose--that those who had been deceived by his pretensions to righteousness might know and understand hist true character. So it is with Lucifer--but since his deceptions were more deep-rooted, more time was needed for his exposure. If God would have destroyed Satan at the cross, it would have been just, but the clear picture of Satan's character was not fully unveiled with a clear understanding to all. That is why we further read in The Desire of Ages this profound statement:

"Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings. Henceforth his work was restricted. Whatever attitude he might assume, he could no longer await the angels as they came from the heavenly courts, and before them accuse Christ's brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness and the defilement of sin. The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken." {The Desire of Ages, page 761, paragraph 2}

"Yet Satan was not then destroyed. The angels did not even then understand all that was involved in the great controversy. The principles at stake were to be more fully revealed. And for the sake of man, Satan's existence must be continued. Man as well as angels must see the contrast between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness. He must choose whom he will serve." {The Desire of Ages, page 761, paragraph 3}

It is striking that at the cross, while the sympathy that heaven had for Satan was broken, the clear understanding of all that was involved in the controversy was not yet clear. And that is certainly true for humanity. We have been deceived. Our hope of salvation is rooted in beholding God's amazing grace, the loveliness of Jesus, the unmerited favor of our Father who would send His Son to die for us at such a fearful risk of failure and eternal loss! Wondrous love!! By beholding His love we are drawn to Him, our hearts are softened and subdued, and we are enabled to confess our sins through sincere repentance and receive a new nature, even the divine nature by a living-faith surrender to Christ moment-by-moment!

May we realize that even now, Satan's character is being more fully exposed. We can help expedite the closure of the great controversy by daily spending a "thoughtful hour" upon the life and lessons of Jesus, especially the closing scenes, and while Judas' life is a sad ending, it is a clear warning to us of the power of sin to destroy a soul if sin is not resolutely repented of and forsaken. Our only hope is in a knowledge of God, for to love Him is to know Him, and through an appreciation of His character, by communion with Christ, sin will become hateful to us!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: JimB on May 30, 2018, 06:27:47 AM
Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this.

Thank the good Lord that He does this with all of us. If we desire to become more like Christ then we will have to be in different positions to see what needs to be chiseled away from our character. A painful process indeed. To borrow a worldly phrase... "no pain no gain".  Which reminds of this...

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God. {COL 331.2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on May 30, 2018, 07:28:47 AM
Amen Jim!  Jesus loves us, not after we are converted, but before, while we were yet sinners. He suffered that we might live. I noticed a word in today's reading, I have not paid attention in the past. Tenderly.

     He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work. 

How very sad!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 31, 2018, 03:05:28 PM
Judas was a highly-respected disciple in the early part of Christ's life and ministry. But he had a heart problem. He had never been converted, for conversion is the result of surrendering fully to Christ. We can follow Christ like Judas did, and resist the Holy Spirit who calls us to daily death to our old nature and a laying hold of the divine nature; but if we continue in sin (for such a resistance to fully surrender is really living in sin), then we see the result in Judas. As he saw what his betrayal of Christ did (from which he expected Christ to easily extricate himself), Judas could not bear the terror of his guilty conscience and went and hanged himself. It is a solemn warning to us of the danger of tampering with any known sin, and failing to avail ourselves of the infinite grace of God as manifest in the loveliness of Jesus. Let us surrender the heart fully for Christ to live in us as an abiding guest, and then the Holy Spirit will transform our character from the inside out, whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing, so we can moment-by-moment be living up gladly to all the light of God's law and truth that we know!

"Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse." {The Desire of Ages, page 716, paragraph 4}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 25, 2018, 02:35:23 AM
This Sabbath as two of the churches I pastor in Michigan will experience the Communion Service, I am brought to reflect upon how the spiritual lesson of the bread of life, which represents Christ to us, was Judas' turning point. As we behold the infinite cost of our salvation in Christ, the infinite love of God for a perishing world, and the spiritual life that we are to receive from His word, may our hearts not be turned from Christ when we realize He came to give us spiritual rather than temporal good. All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as the life reveals the obedience of Christ (the evidence of conversion) is of far greater value than anything this world offers. The things of this life are but as nothingness in comparison to the exceedingly beautiful loveliness of Jesus' character. But we are to behold Him by faith. Judas was with Jesus for over three years, but his character was unchanged. Why? He did not choose to place His will on the side of Christ, and cooperate with the grace of God that would have totally transformed his character. Without a vital connection to Christ by a full-heart surrender, we too, apart from Christ, will inevitably long for and seek what perishes, rather than the enduring nature of the kingdom of God. The result is before us; Judas died a lost man, even though the Lord of glory stooped to washed his feet and offered him every incentive to turn from his selfish, willful purpose. Judas' lostness and baseness are placed on record to warn us of the danger of seeking our own will over the will of God, of choosing our way rather than humbly being surrendered and yielding to the way God leads. Entire surrender is the substance of Christ's teaching and the lesson learned by means of warning from the life history of Judas.

"Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, 'Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.' John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch." {The Desire of Ages, page 719, paragraph 1}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on August 25, 2018, 05:52:59 AM
The chapter on Judas has brought great calm to my soul and deeper love for Jesus today. As I read how patient and protective of Judas Jesus was and even though knowing his heart He still gave him a place among the disciples. He gave him power to heal the sick and cast out demons.

How many times have I been a Judas, trying to rush the Lord along in areas I feel should not be let go. It's so easy to rush ahead or lag behind the working of the Holy Spirit. As I give my heart anew this morning to the One who knows and sees everything I pray that I will be focusing on Jesus and how He dealt with people.

"The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on August 25, 2018, 12:29:26 PM
Amen and amen!!  Until we see that there is no good in us apart from Christ, we don't see the need to go all the way in dying to self. A part of the heart, Jesus may have, but not those areas we want to hang onto. We are taught that it is a progressive conversion and God allows us to hold onto sin as we attempt to get rid of it. This is true in that we are given a period of probation to overcome sin. But, it does not happen after conversion unless we fall from grace. If we are converted, then Jesus sits on the throne of the heart. It is a new heart and a new mind where the Holy Spirit dwells in us while we retain our sinful flesh. Sinful flesh is no excuse for sin, for when the Spirit is in the heart, we have power to keep the flesh (body) under as Paul put it, let we be castaways. If we do not resist the temptation to sin, it becomes easier and easier to sin until we no longer can resist.

 Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 20, 2018, 02:31:19 AM
God is no respecter of persons. This morning I was reading James 2 about how we are to treat people impartially, and not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ "with respect of persons" (James 2:1). It is striking that Jesus Himself exemplified this in His treatment of Judas. Jesus did not repulse Judas from being one of the twelve, but Jesus did not change His principles to accommodate Judas' worldly and covetous aspirations. God does not change. He does not accommodate His work to allow us to retain our sins if were are really desirous to know and to do His will. I am thankful that the method Christ used with Judas--if we yield the whole heart to Christ (which Judas did not) will be a means of saving us from ourselves.

"Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this." {The Desire of Ages, page 717, paragraph 2}

As God places us in opportunities to serve Him, we are brought to see our sinfulness and our need of His cleansing grace. But like Judas, there is ever a choice. We are never forced to yield to Christ the whole heart so He can convert us and make us partakers of the divine nature whereby we are filled with all of the fruits of the Sprit without one missing. But unless we do yield completely to Christ, our end will be in some degree parallel to Judas--we will be lost when Christ has done all that He could do with gracious impartial love to save us from our weak selves. I choose to respond fully to Jesus as He shows me my need--will you join me in this blessed surrender?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on November 20, 2018, 06:15:27 AM
"Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch."

We are given warnings for our protection. We are very subject to the same temptations that Judas was silently allowing to control him. The carnal nature wants to be in charge and when we are not surrendered to Christ we will place ourselves above Him. To be spiritually minded we must be humble servants surrendered to the will of God; revealing those traits of character that the bible calls the fruit of the spirit.

I'm always amazed at how Jesus knowing Judas' heart said nothing to him but gave him the opportunity to make things right. God is so gentle and kind even when our hearts are not where they should be. Not condoning but directing our paths in ways that will bring us face to face with our condition. Are we willing to learn the lessons Jesus puts forth for us chapter after chapter through this beautifully inspired book?   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on November 20, 2018, 09:12:34 PM
Amen!  So many lessons from the life and death of Judas. Not the least of which is the love shown by Christ to him who He knew was a traitor. But, we cannot stop there. Ought not the conferences charged with the responsibility for selecting pastors make sure that they do not allow a Judas into the ministry? But, wait, is not the example set by Christ one for us to follow? Ought not we allow decoys into the ministry? I had a conference president who became a division president point out Christ allowing Judas into ministry as an example we are to follow. No, it is not. Jesus was placed in a difficult position and it was best that he allow Judas into His inner circle. But, did He not try to discourage him? He did. Then why did He allow Judas to stay?

What happens when a decoy is brought into church membership, or worse into the ministry? Satan has a channel to influence not only laity, but church pastors and leaders. How bad is this? Let's take a look at what happened with Judas.

Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem.

He knew that this was not true. Jesus often said that His kingdom was not of this world. Then why did not Judas accept this?

Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas.

Why? Because Judas was not looking for something later not of this world. He was living for the moment and associated himself with Jesus in hopes of benefiting in this world. He understood that Jesus' was a spiritual kingdom.

He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers.

What did Satan do through this decoy?

Since Satan was working through Judas, it does not surprise us that Judas followed the same manner as did Lucifer in heaven.

He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them.

And, we have similar such situations in the ministry today. Unconverted ministers are open to the leading of Satan's efforts to pervert the important truths for our time. So many both in and out of the ministry fail to understand what is happening around them, or how Satan is using them.

   All this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas. .

How very sad that we see this in the church today. Let's make sure our hearts are fully given to Christ, that we not be channels of evil to mislead others.





Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 15, 2019, 05:31:34 AM
There are many lessons to gather from the experience of Judas. One that stands out to me this morning is how important it is to accept the teachings of Jesus as He gives them, and not cling to our own selfish desires that conflict with His will. Judas did not come to the point of ever fully surrendering himself to Christ. He missed the fullness of love, joy and peace that is the result of true conversion (for all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing are manifest in the life that is fully surrendered to Christ, living by faith on Him), and instead Judas tried to maintain his own plans and theology. May we learn how much we need Jesus to cleanse our hearts and minds from all desires that are not in harmony with His word, behold Jesus' loveliness of character that we may yield fully to Him, and experience the converting grace of God that gives us new hearts and minds enabled to trust Him even when we are not seeing the whole picture at the time.

 "Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter." {The Desire of Ages, page 718, paragraph 2}

The higher our own selfish hopes, the more bitter the disappointment that comes when Christ leads in another way. Let us have our hopes and desires wrapped up in His word, His will, and His plans, and, yielding fully to Christ, have that calm inward joy which is the fruit of Christ's abiding presence. Christ's presence alone can truly make us happy, and how wonderful it is to learn from Judas' experience not to determinedly go our own way at the loss of our soul. Christ did all that He could to save Judas, and it shows us that He loves all and wants to save all--but the choice remains with us if we will yield to the wonderful love that is drawing us moment-by-moment to see and feel our continual need of Jesus to do any good thing.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on February 15, 2019, 05:41:16 AM
"When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will."

We see in this chapter the seriousness of tampering with sin. Judas had so much potential if only he would submit to Jesus. We are in the same danger as Judas when we think our way is just as good or better. Sin has such a captivating quality about it. It feeds the ego and leads a person deeper into sin. In thinking he would help Jesus out Judas was actually "giving Christ up to death".  He may have thought his motives were good ones but Jesus understood their true nature. Again I'm awed by the loving patience of Jesus.  He has left us a treasure house of instruction in the bible and SOP. We will be held accountable for this information more than anyone else. Especially if our bookshelves are full of these precious volumes  but are used as ornaments to be dusted once in awhile.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on February 15, 2019, 05:53:10 AM
  Amen Pastor Sean & Dorine

 "The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts." 

Are "WE"  heeding the warnings given to us by the Holy Spirit about things in our lives that need to be FULLY surrenderd??

"A little before the Passover, Judas had renewed his contract with the priests to deliver Jesus into their hands. Then it was arranged that the Saviour should be taken at one of His resorts for meditation and prayer. Since the feast at the house of Simon, Judas had had opportunity to reflect upon the deed which he had covenanted to perform, but his purpose was unchanged. For thirty pieces of silver--the price of a slave--he sold the Lord of glory to ignominy and death."  

When we reject the calling of the Holy Spirit. When we see and know that we are on the wrong road, going the wrong way , and do not fall on our knees asking for forgiveness and cleansing. We become inured, hardened, and the voice pleading with us becomes fainter with each rejection. 
 
"Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin."


May we be willing to learn from this lesson how dangerous it is reject the pleadings of the Holy Spirit in our lives, for if we do, then we too may at some point say...It's too late --- It's too late. The Bible says..." Choose ye this day whom ye will serve" the invitation made possible by the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary is still sounding around the world. The door of mercy and grace is still open. Let us come to Jesus in full surrender and He will in-power us to change before it's too late.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on February 15, 2019, 09:18:42 AM
What brilliant light we are given! God does not leave us to think all is well when all is not well with our souls. To man is given a period of probation that he might learn of his continual need of Christ in order to do any good thing. As I read this morning my mind was led to the life of Daniel, especially when he fell on his face when approached by Gabriel. "Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength."

Why would Daniel be found in such a manner since he was faithful to the Lord? Because he knew who he was apart from Christ. He knew that he was an evil man in evil flesh and his only hope was in Christ. We have so much truth before us that we might know our need. Moses at the end of his life forgot Christ and struck the Rock with pride and anger. It was not premeditated nor wilful, but it was a revelation of who Moses was when not abiding in Christ. What sorrow filled his heart when realiality came home to his heart. When the Spirit opened his mind to his sin, Moses' repentance was quick and deep.

So, we have time to learn of our continual need of Jesus, but how many understand this? Israel was deceived, so it is today. Many think they are just fine when in fact they are miserable, wretched, poor, blind, and naked. What a tragic situation exists in the church today. But, Jesus knows it and has given us warning in the third chapter of the Book of Revelation. What is the message we find in the life and death of Judas? It is the warning given to us in this chapter. Judas was given warning, and he rejected the warnings. So it will be today. Many are called, but few will choose to follow Jesus. It requires giving up our pride and making sacrifices for others. This is very hard to do. The truth is that it is impossible to do without the power of God. And, it requires that we learn to trust Him who gave all that we might know Him and love Him supremely.  If we will seek Him, we shall find Him. We will love Him who first loved us while we were yet sinners.

When we know Jesus as it is our privilege to know Him, we will love Him and our life will be victorious over sin. But, first we need to learn of ourselves. Who are we? Have we been instructed that we are good apart from Christ, that we can do good before being converted? That we can obey before being converted? That we can do good when we take our eyes off of Christ? That we have life when sinning known sin? If we believe such things then we must not need Jesus all the time. Are we blinded to our defects of character? Do we continue on in life paying no attention to our weaknesses? Judas did.

   Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this. As treasurer for the disciples, he was called upon to provide for the needs of the little company, and to relieve the necessities of the poor. When in the Passover chamber Jesus said to him, "That thou doest, do quickly" (John 13:27), the disciples thought He had bidden him buy what was needed for the feast, or give something to the poor. In ministering to others, Judas might have developed an unselfish spirit. But while listening daily to the lessons of Christ and witnessing His unselfish life, Judas indulged his covetous disposition. The small sums that came into his hands were a continual temptation. Often when he did a little service for Christ, or devoted time to religious purposes, he paid himself out of this meager fund. In his own eyes these pretexts served to excuse his action; but in God's sight he was a thief.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Marelis on February 15, 2019, 03:21:08 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7yFeFD95cM

Michael Card's song comes to mind.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on February 15, 2019, 07:58:12 PM
Very nice.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on May 12, 2019, 08:02:14 PM
The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts. 

Once again I'm impressed with the need we individually have for a daily "full surrender to Jesus." If we are cherishing just one sin which we refuse to give up, we will end up like Judas. It's like not taking care of a physical sickness when some part of our body is diseased. The longer we wait to remove that part, the higher our risk of it taking over our whole body resulting in our physical death. The Bible says in Matthew 16:26, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Jesus paid the awful price of sin for us but it is of no value unless to do our part by surrendering daily to Him to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life and by our example draw others to our Lord & Saviour. Let us pray and ask Jesus to help us let go of things of this world which are so evil and so temporary and exchange them for that which will result in bringing glory to Jesus and eternal life to us.

"Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on May 13, 2019, 05:19:14 AM
How very sad!  The lesson I take away from this is that our outward actions, words and deeds do not always reveal the intent of the heart. Judas' repentance was not a repentance not to be repented of (2 Cor. 7:10). He was truly sorry for having sold His Savior for 30 pieces of silver. But, His repentance was the kind that needed to be repented of. For it was not from a heart of love, but it came from a selfish heart fearing the judgment of God. He was sorry for what was coming to him. If he could change what he had done, he would, but for the wrong reason.

   "I have sinned," again cried Judas, "in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." But the high priest, regaining his self-possession, answered with scorn, "What is that to us? see thou to that." Matthew 27:4. The priests had been willing to make Judas their tool; but they despised his baseness. When he turned to them with confession, they spurned him.
     Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.

Today is the day of salvation. Today we still have a Mediator that will bring us to repentance, a repentance not to be repented of. Jesus loved Judas and did all He could to save Him. So He has done and is doing for us. Do we love Him supremely? If not, then we need to spend more time with Him that we might know Him better. When we know Him, we shall love Him and by beholding His love (grace), we shall be transformed in character. The heart will be cleansed white as snow.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 13, 2019, 08:26:18 AM
Amen, Brothers Beacon and Richard!

We can learn a valuable lesson from the life history of Judas--and that is when it comes to thinking that we know better than God or have our own plans and ways that we are unwilling to surrender. Judas believed Jesus was the Messiah, but he was not willing to accept Christ's own revelation of what His kingdom and character would be. Had Judas fully surrendered his heart to Christ, and been open and teachable, how different his life history might have been!

"Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter." (The Desire of Ages, page 718, paragraph 2}

There is such an important lesson here. Judas enjoyed how he felt when he was in God's service--but selfish desires blinded him and proved his ruin. Jesus lovingly shows us our deep need of a full surrender--and only when we are abiding in Christ by a living faith surrender will all of the fruits of the Spirit be manifest in our lives without one missing. Only then can we overcome the deceptive selfish desires that would cloud and blind our understanding, because we are humble and teachable in the hands of Jesus!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on August 07, 2019, 07:28:19 PM
"While the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas."

Sadly, I must say, that like Judas, there are those among God's people today who are verily "Leading God's Remnant people in an almost imperceptible track that leads to a turning away from the important things we should be considering...attaching to the words of Jesus a meaning that He had not conveyed." Notice that this was done, ( and is being done ) " in a very religious, and apparently wise way but results in a different light being presented." It is therefore urgent for all of us to be unreservedly surrendered to Jesus and to be pleading for the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Claim the promise with an open willing heart ..." Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. " John 8:32
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on August 08, 2019, 06:38:50 AM
Yes, dear Brother! We are to learn the lesson Christ has given us in regards to allowing such into important positions in the church. We are to not baptize nor ordain those who are not truly converted. It is why we have so many problems in the church. Rebellion does not come from a converted heart.

It is sad to see so many unconverted in the church. It is sad to see that Judas recognized his guilt after he could do nothing about it. When the heart is hardened to a certain point, there is no recovery possible. It was that way with Lucifer in heaven, and we ought to learn the truth that continued resistance to the Holy Spirit leads to such a hard heart. Daily we are deciding where we will end up.

   Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson. He intended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth to treat him with due respect. But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ up to death. How often, as the Saviour taught in parables, the scribes and Pharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations! How often they had pronounced judgment against themselves! Often when the truth was brought home to their hearts, they had been filled with rage, and had taken up stones to cast at Him; but again and again He had made His escape. Since He had escaped so many snares, thought Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken.

     Judas thought himself so very clever. He refused to submit to the Spirit's still small voice. He was interested in self, not in Christ. When he saw what he had done, it was too late to save Jesus and too late to save himself.

     "I have sinned," again cried Judas, "in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." But the high priest, regaining his self-possession, answered with scorn, "What is that to us? see thou to that." Matthew 27:4. The priests had been willing to make Judas their tool; but they despised his baseness. When he turned to them with confession, they spurned him.
     Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 08, 2019, 08:09:52 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!

May we realize that every day we are developing something that becomes fixed--and that is character. Judas' character, when he first met Jesus, was still pliable and moldable. But the exceedingly great light revealed in Christ's character did not lead Judas to true repentance and reformation. How is it with us? The great light and privileges with us do not necessarily mean that we are forming righteous characters. God gives each of us freedom of will to choose if we will learn of Christ and surrender the WHOLE heart to Jesus, thus bringing us to true conversation whereby we affectionately obey all we know of God's law in an experience with all of the fruits of the Spirit being seen in our lives without one missing. This is a supernatural experience. We need it renewed every day, and maintained by living faith surrender moment-by-moment. Judas' character is exposed to us as a warning of what can happen when the heart is never yielded to Christ fully, and sin is still cherished and practiced in the life. Through one sin cherished, the power of the gospel can be completely neutralized. Let us cry out to Jesus to transform our hearts and give us the desire and strength to cooperate with Him in forming characters for heaven!

 "Judas was highly regarded by the disciples, and had great influence over them. He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications, and looked upon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment and ability. They did not see their opportunities, he thought, and take advantage of circumstances. The church would never prosper with such shortsighted men as leaders. Peter was impetuous; he would move without consideration. John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ's lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier. Matthew, whose training had taught him accuracy in all things, was very particular in regard to honesty, and he was ever contemplating the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that, as Judas thought, he could not be trusted to do sharp, far-seeing business. Thus Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager. Judas regarded himself as the capable one, who could not be overreached. In his own estimation he was an honor to the cause, and as such he always represented himself." {The Desire of Ages, page 717, paragraph 1}

Amazing that Judas thought himself "the best disciple." But he lost his soul, because he did not learn meekness in the school of Christ. May we learn in humility our defects of character and seek in Christ for the transformation that His grace alone can effect. But Christ's grace will avail us nothing if we do not behold Him, yield to Him, and renounce every sin that the Holy Spirit has revealed to our hearts and minds. What an incredible work God is willing to do in us if we will realize He has something vastly better for us than we would choose for ourselves! If only Judas had believed what Jesus said over how he felt and thought he knew better. Let us realize our continual need of Jesus to do any good thing!   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on August 08, 2019, 09:42:14 AM
  "Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world."

Even confession doesn't prove that one is right with God. Only confession from a heart that is truly sorrowful for the agony our sin put Christ through is acceptable to God. The story of Judas is a warning to any who allow pride and deceit to control their thoughts and actions. The end is not pretty. But Jesus never left Judas or threw him out. He tenderly gave him every opportunity to repent.  There's an important lesson in this for us. We are prone to give up way too soon on those who have been given chance after chance but show no change. Jesus loved Judas to the end and never gave up on him. Should we do any different?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on October 31, 2019, 04:52:16 PM
"The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse."

I once heard a preacher say that... "The reason there are soo many powerless Christians is because they have one hand in Heaven connected to Jesus, but they are not fully committed and other hand is still connected to the things of this earth. Without a doubt history proves that unless we are willing to surrender ALL to Jesus we will ultimately fail into Satan's Trap. What will our choice be??

The Bible says....No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 01, 2019, 06:16:35 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

It's your choice and my choice when it comes to the close of our probation and our eternal destiny. Christ chooses us, Satan votes against us, and we are the tie-breaking vote. Judas is an example of what will happen to those who do not yield completely to the appeal of love from God in Christ by the tender ministry of the Holy Spirit. Only as we yield all we have and are to Christ can our character be transformed, our sins be blotted out by the atoning blood of Jesus, and our lives be made living witnesses of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Judas did not come to the point of yielding fully to Christ, and finally refused to believe in God's love for Him. Let us never forget how God reaches us: "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). We need to behold the loveless of Jesus, and believe in what He reveals to us, so that our whole lives may be restored into His image.

 "But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 3}

Each time we yield wholly to Christ, the heart is softened and we become more like Christ in character; each time we resist, we come closer to blaspheming the Holy Spirit and choosing to be lost, thus breaking the heart of Christ and closing to ourselves the door of eternal joy with God and the redeemed. May we realize that each choice we make today matters, and that we need Jesus abiding in our heart, producing in and through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, for without Him we can do no good thing.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on January 25, 2020, 06:54:29 PM
"Judas had natural strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin."

Jesus said...." In Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and hold on to worldly wealth."

Read the words below carefully, slowly and let them sink in deeply

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust him,
In his presence daily live.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at his feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to thee,
Fill me with thy love and power,
Let thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to his name!

Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all,
All to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

"I Surrender All" is a Christian hymn, with words written by American art teacher and musician Judson W. Van DeVenter, who subsequently became a music minister and evangelist. It was put to music by Winfield S. Weeden, and published in 1896.


Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 26, 2020, 02:53:54 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon! Only in complete, continual surrender to Jesus will be fulfilled our life purpose and destiny!

Character is developed day by day, but there come turning points in which key decisions are made in the heart. As Judas heard what Christ was really offering--a spiritual rather than a temporal kingdom--he did not really want what Christ had to offer. How is it with us? If our grandest ambitions and loftiest aims are disappointed by Christ because we see He has a different plan for us, are we open to His spiritual kingdom over what even well-meaning people may expect of us? It was not just Judas who expected a temporal kingdom. This hope was largely shared by the entire Jewish nation, and the 12 disciples were far too often struggling and jostling to try to be first in such a kingdom (that would never actually exist in the way they thought it would). Oh, may we learn today the IMPORTANCE of taking Jesus AT HIS WORD and letting His Word distill our desires and purposes to be in surrendered harmony with His alone. Only in complete surrender (something Judas never fully did) will we experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in our lives. Only as we accept the spiritual kingdom Christ offers to set up in our hearts will we be able to truly understand His lessons. May we learn of Christ today is my prayer for us all!

"Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, 'Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.' John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch." {The Desire of Ages, page 719, paragraph 1}

The way in which Judas watched was not to see the spiritual kingdom Christ was offering, but to see the reasons why Christ was not really the Messiah that he was looking for. And Judas began to find more and more evidence to support his false theology and selfish desires, for Satan was seeking to communicate his own deceptive attributes to Judas. But in contrast to this we see what true watching is all about: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). This watching is that we would see the real character of Jesus, and, being changed by Him, be imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit to resist the temptations that will come to us. Day by day we are either watching unto prayer to resist temptation, or we are watching for opportunities to manifest our own will and way. May we so learn of Christ that this becomes our experience, in contrast to what Judas would choose:

"All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us." {The Desire of Ages, page 668, paragraph 3}

The reason sin did not become hateful to Judas was that He did not experientially know Christ's character by surrender of Himself to Jesus; Judas did not allow communion with God to transform him. I pray that we will let God change us and that we will gladly cooperate with that transformation by the decision day by day to behold the Lamb of God in this sweet "thoughtful hour" upon the life of Christ!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on January 26, 2020, 06:57:10 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. We need to understand how important character formation is. Many think of religion as being about salvation. But, God allowed Jesus come to this dark spot in the universe to transform us, not just to save us. We cannot be saved without being transformed. Judas, did not want to be transformed. He did not see that he was evil by nature. So it is today with many, they do not understand they are evil by nature and need to be born again. How very sad that this would be a great problem in God's church today. But Jesus speaks to a Laodicean people saying, "you believe you are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, but know not that you are miserable and wretched, poor, blind, and naked."

     Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse. 


Judas thought that his judgment and opinions were better than those of Christ. He did not see himself as an evil man. He did not want to give up self. As we read he did not die wholly to self. God demands the whole heart, not part of it.

As brother Beacon has shared from the song, We must surrender all to Christ. And, when we do, what do we get? We receive a new heart along with love, joy, and peace that passes all understanding... Even while in the middle of the storm.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on April 22, 2020, 05:22:55 AM
"Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse."

Desire if not acted upon will do no good. There must be a complete surrender of the whole heart to Christ. That is the only way He is able to make the changes that are needed in our character. There are many in the same situation as Judas today; believing that desire alone is all that is needed. Anything else they view as works. We see in the life of Judas where that eventually leads to. So, so sad. Today as I review my own life I seek to know God and His will for my life today. I give Him my whole heart and pray that I will not forget Him as I move through this day.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 22, 2020, 06:09:27 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine!!

There are many who are hoping and desiring to be Christians, but, like Judas, they never come to the point of yielding themselves FULLY to Christ so that they may receive from Him a new mind, a new heart and a life imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing. Apart from such a complete surrender, our own will and plans will ever seek to strive for the mastery, even as Lucifer had plans for how to take God's throne and be like the Most High. Ever since the fall of the human race, self is ever seeking its own way. The only way to find relief from this insatiable lust for "my way" is to come and learn at the feet of Jesus, experience true repentance, and become like the One who left heaven to seek and save the lost. Judas' "repentance" in the end of his betrayal was not true repentance, but rather a selfish desire to seek to relieve the terrible burden of guilt he felt for what he had done--but that is not the same as yielding fully to Christ with a desire and willingness to be truly converted. The "repentance" of Judas in many ways mirrors the demise of Saul and Balaam, both men who had great light, but went in the downward path and did not turn to God to be transformed in character. Oh, may we learn that we have a CONTINUAL NEED of Jesus to do any good thing!!

"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world." {The Desire of Ages, page 722, paragraph 2}

Yet Christ loves even the rejecters of His grace. As persecution comes upon God's people in various forms, we love and pity those who are so deceived and entrapped in the devil's snares, but we do not become cruel towards them. We pray for them like Jesus did upon Calvary, even if many by their impenitence will not yield to Christ's saving grace. Oh, let us not tamper with sin, for we see in the life history of Judas that one sin (covetousness, in his case--the desire for money), finally came to control Him. Behold, now is the day of salvation! Let us look to Christ and live that we may be His witnesses of the blessed true happiness that comes from continual surrender to Christ in contrast to the misery and destruction that is in the path of sin, guilt and shame.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on April 22, 2020, 06:10:13 AM
Amen dear sister! Wanting to have a new character is what Jesus wants for us. But, today many have been taught that they do not need a new character to obtain heaven. So many believe they are abiding in Christ when in fact, they are not. We may desire to be Christians, but if we are not reflecting the character of our God, then we do not have salvation, nor are we abiding in Christ and He and us. Self Must Die and our hearts must be fully given to Jesus, if we desire to obtain heaven and avert hell.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on April 22, 2020, 06:15:09 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. If we want to glorify God, we must make a full heart surrender to Christ. Judas did not appreciate the plain truth that Jesus spoke. He did not want to hear about persecution. He wanted to sit on a royal throne with Christ in this world. But, God tells us that we are to pick up our cross and follow him. The most weighty trust and the highest honor God can bestow upon His people, is to make us partakers in the sufferings of Christ. We are to understand that we are to glory in our tribulation, for tribulation will work for our good and God's glory as we abide in Christ. He has told us we will not be tempted beyond what we can bear, but we will be tempted. God wants Witnesses on this Earth that the whole world might understand there is a God in heaven who has power to deliver from sin. Let us this one day give our whole heart to Christ that we might reflect His character to a world soon to perish.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on April 22, 2020, 08:11:41 AM
"When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will."

"But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work."

What tender long suffering mercy was shown to Judas. Jesus longed for him to see the direction his life was taking him. He did not want Judas to lose out on eternal life and today Jesus is showing each one of us the same love and long suffering. Will we learn from this story and confess our great need of the saving grace of Jesus while there is yet time to do so?

Matthew 6:24 (AMP )   “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 18, 2020, 04:29:43 AM
The case of Judas is very similar to many people in our world today, and also many who are in the church. They are in a course of sin that keeps getting stronger the more they go in the wrong direction, but they are not beyond the possibility of repentance! Oh, let us do as Jesus did and give every soul EVERY reason to come to repentance and faith in Him! As Jesus washed Judas' feet, He gave Him the final appeal. May we never consider a soul unreachable--even if that soul will not yield to Christ. Let us look upon souls the way Jesus did, and give people the freedom to see the loveliness of Jesus which has power to melt and subdue hearts!!

"But Judas was not yet wholly hardened. Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 3} 

Many today are making their final decision, but they may not realize that is what they are doing. By every sin we crucify Christ afresh and make it harder to yield to Him the next time. Let us not tamper with sin but turn from it. May this Sabbath day be a day of rest from sin and rejoicing in choosing to walk in harmony with Christ in true conversion, whereby He give us a new heart and imbues us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Only abiding in Christ are we able to truly obey the Ten Commandments!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on July 18, 2020, 05:48:04 AM
Happy Sabbath and God's blessings to all. My posting has been sparse lately. I pulled a muscle in my upper back while gardening. It makes computer work and reading especially painful. This will be short.

"Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin."

This is a startling statement. Just ONE vice not repented of and look what happened to Judas. It starts in babyhood. One bad trait that might look cute to some parents and overlooked could be the ruination of that child.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on July 18, 2020, 08:56:21 AM
This is true dear sister. We are told in the chapter The Voice In the Wilderness that what is developed in childhood has a most powerful effect on the person.  "In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of self-control should then be acquired. By the fireside and at the family board influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity. More than any natural endowment, the habits established in early years decide whether a man will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life. Youth is the sowing time. It determines the character of the harvest, for this life and for the life to come."

But, God's grace can and has changed sinners into saints. Praise God for His grace. What we read here is it is not good to play with sin. We are developing a character of obedience or disobedience. One way or the other we are growing in a particular direction. If we refuse to give up a sin, then it will ruin us. Just one particular sin will grow weaker or stronger. It is our choice. Judas had opportunity, but grace was rejected too often. What was the rich young ruler's vice? He said he had kept all the commandments, but there was one thing that he refused to give up and it ruined him. So, yes, the character of our children will have a great effect on their final outcome, but God's grace can turn the greatest sinners into a saint!

Judas wanted to change, but did not avail himself of his opportunity.

He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse. 

Notice his problem. It was pride. "He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions." Even if one does not know he has pride in his heart, unless he is converted and gives it up, he is in a lost state. Some think that because they do not know they have pride in their heart they are converted. Not so. Pride is selfishness and it is not in the heart of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit.

If we will keep our eyes on Jesus, we will know if we have pride in our hearts. We then have a true standard by which we judge ourselves. Beholding His love, we shall be changed into His image day by day (2 Cor. 3:18).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on July 18, 2020, 11:04:56 AM
"Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance. At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work."

What tender long suffering mercy was shown to Judas. Jesus longed for him to see the direction his life was taking him. He did not want Judas to lose out on eternal life and today Jesus is showing each one of us the same love and long suffering. Will we learn from this story and confess our great need of the saving grace of Jesus while there is yet time to do so?

Matthew 6:24 (AMP )   “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord.].
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on October 13, 2020, 06:39:38 AM
It is interesting and of importance that we understand why Jesus allowed Judas to become one of the 12 disciples. Of course Jesus did all He could to help Judas, but that is not why He allowed Judas to stay when he came. Jesus knew that if He had refused Judas, it would have created great problems with the other disciples because they could not see the evil in Judas. We need to learn the right lesson from the history revealed in the life of Judas.

We know the Bible teaches that there will be evil church members. Some were baptized and were buried alive, self did not die, and others fall away after being converted. The lesson I see is that we ought to only baptize those who are truly converted, so there will not be "decoys" in the church. More importantly, we ought not place unconverted church members in positions of influence in the church. What happens when we do?  Learn from the lessons we are to learn from the history of Judas.

From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

On one hand we see what will happen when an evil unconverted one is given influence in the church. On the other hand, we see that Jesus allowed such a situation. So it will be in our day. It may be that when we awaken to find one who is causing such problems in the church that many are not able to discern wheat from tares and if the evil were removed, it would cause wheat to be rooted up. We must pray to God for wisdom to know what to do. We do not possess such wisdom apart from
Christ.

And notice that it was the gospel message that Satan always attempts to pervert. Why? Because it is the gospel message that transforms sinners into saints.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 13, 2020, 07:17:03 AM
Amen, Brother Richard!

While the gospel has power to transform sinners into saints, all are given free opportunity to see that Christ is offering a spiritual kingdom, not one in which self may be allowed to live for its fallen, self-seeking purposes. Judas reached a turning point when he realized what Christ was offering, and it would be well for us to realize where Christ is taking us day by day if we are fully surrendered to Him and abiding in Him moment-by-moment. Christ is preparing us for a selfless heaven where God's will is what we delight to do, and He is teaching us here, day by day, not to take the path that may seem easier to us in our fallenness, but the path that His providence marks out by His word and the Holy Spirit's leading. Let us shun the example of Judas by beholding the loveliness of Jesus' character and allow His lessons to take us into an ever-deeper appreciation of what His grace can do for and through us!

"Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, 'Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.' John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch." {The Desire of Ages, page 719, paragraph 1}

We are to watch and pray, but Judas was watching for an opportunity to do things his way. Let us allow God to purify our hearts by faith working by love so that the traits Judas manifested will not be allowed to crowd out the precious presence of Jesus in and through our hearts and minds. When Christ is in us the hope of glory, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives--not one will be missing!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on October 13, 2020, 11:02:39 AM
"He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus.The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils.

But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ.

He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse."


Jesus said in.... Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.


How different our daily lives, personally and corporately, would be if we were willing to stop straddling the fence and commit our lives to Jesus 100% every day. Will you join me today at the foot of the Cross ? 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on October 14, 2020, 05:51:49 AM
Amen and amen!! It is such a blessing to come into unity of doctrine with my fellow church members!! May others join with us as we continue to grow in our understanding of our God and the plan of salvation!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on January 08, 2021, 05:28:25 AM
"All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness..

He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting.

These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher,

Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track.

Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas."


This points out how careful we should be when we become aware of those within our church family who seemingly are going in the wrong direction of interpretation. Jesus was very merciful and long suffering with Judas as He has been with all of us. Let us endeavor to follow the example of Jesus and seek His wisdom in all our  interactions with our church family, remembering how often we have had to kneel at the foot of the cross and seek forgiveness and restoration.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on January 08, 2021, 06:53:44 AM
"Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ to work."

I'm afraid that attitude did not end with Judas. Instead allowing God to use us as He knows best there are those who want to pour God into their mold. May the story of Judas cause us to search our hearts earnestly to see if there be any wicked motives in us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Philip T on January 08, 2021, 08:30:35 AM
     A little before the Passover, Judas had renewed his contract with the priests to deliver Jesus into their hands. Then it was arranged that the Saviour should be taken at one of His resorts for meditation and prayer. Since the feast at the house of Simon, Judas had had opportunity to reflect upon the deed which he had covenanted to perform, but his purpose was unchanged. For thirty pieces of silver--the price of a slave--he sold the Lord of glory to ignominy and death.   
     Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin.


This spoke to me this morning or how cherished sins can work in ones life, and slowly be used by Satan to place a wedge between us and Christ, resulting in larger and larger sins until we are lost, and is shock at the sins we have been lead to. We need to surrender all to Christ, and allow him to lead in our lives.  To cherish one sin can lead to a multitude of sins in our lives.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 08, 2021, 10:40:30 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Philip!

We need to realize and experience Christ's true character in how we treat even those that despitefully use us and turn from the invitation of mercy. Jesus did all He could to save Judas, but did not force His will. Christ's life was a continual example of saving faith; Judas' life became an example of unbelief. "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Hebrews 4:11). So, as we seek to point souls to Christ, we are not to manifest harsh, rude traits of character, but consistently manifest the fruits of the Spirit without one missing by having Christ abiding in us, the hope of glory!

"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world." {The Desire of Ages, page 722, paragraph 2} 

Because Jesus loved Judas He treated him with love all the way to the end. It was Judas that chose to do the base deed of betraying Jesus for money. Let us realize that the struggles with sin we may go through are not caused by Jesus, but are the result of our own fallen nature that needs to be crucified with Christ, so He may abide in the heart renewed by grace continually.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on January 08, 2021, 08:41:06 PM
These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track.  
.

Where did we first see this method of operation? In heaven. No wonder why the disciples had such difficulty with seeing the truth. Praise God the truth about Judas has been opened for the world to see. And such love that Jesus had for him, even after he had passed the line of no return.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 05, 2021, 03:47:50 AM
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is where the battle takes place in the great controversy between Christ and Satan. In our thoughts we choose either the word of God and the kingdom of heaven it presents, or we choose our own thoughts and ways that lead in the path of death. May we learn from the life of Judas the need to bring every thought captive to Christ.

"Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ to work. He had planned that John the Baptist should be delivered from prison. But lo, John was left to be beheaded. And Jesus, instead of asserting His royal right and avenging the death of John, retired with His disciples into a country place. Judas wanted more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful. He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewish leaders, and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ a sign from heaven. His heart was open to unbelief, and the enemy supplied thoughts of questioning and rebellion. Why did Jesus dwell so much upon that which was discouraging? Why did He predict trial and persecution for Himself and for His disciples? The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ. Were his hopes to be disappointed? Judas had not decided that Jesus was not the Son of God; but he was questioning, and seeking to find some explanation of His mighty works." {The Desire of Ages, page 718, paragraph 1}

If we trust God's word even when we do not fully understand everything, and by faith go forward in harmony with His divine ideal, our characters will come under the divine molding of the Holy Spirit as we surrender FULLy to Jesus. Judas never FULLY surrendered himself to Christ, and it was because of this that he made shipwreck of faith. Let us choose the path of eternal life by constant surrender to Christ of all we have and are, so His will may be done in and through us!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on April 05, 2021, 06:03:26 AM
"Even after he had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance."

"At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor's purpose.

He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded.


Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work."


"What tender long suffering mercy was shown to Judas. Jesus longed for him to see the direction his life was taking him. He did not want Judas to lose out on eternal life and today Jesus is showing each one of us the same love and long suffering.

Will we learn from this story and confess our great need of the saving grace of Jesus while there is yet time to do so?"

Matthew 6:24 (AMP )   “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on April 05, 2021, 06:18:52 AM
"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world."

This part of the story really struck me this morning. There is a true confession that Christ accepts and then there is a counterfeit confession that we see in Judas. As is pointed out, his confession came from a fear of the penalty he would receive and not from a deep heart sorrow for betraying the Son of God.   Notice the love and pity of Jesus as He looks upon Judas. That look melted Peter into a heart wrenching sorrow for bringing such torture to His best friend. Poor Judas was also in agony over his actions but his motive was purely selfish. It matters not how eloquent we are, how intelligent, how popular, talented or pious, Jesus sees the heart and nothing is hid from Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Philip T on April 05, 2021, 08:12:57 AM
  Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse.

What a statement is made in this paragraph, Judas professed to follow Christ, he was blessed by Christ to help in His work, he loved Jesus, he felt the pricking of the Holy Ghost to change and allow Jesus to complete the work He had begun in him, yet he would not surrender himself totally to Jesus. So he lesson is learned just a profession of faith is not enough, we need to surrender our hearts totally and completely to Jesus. Allow the Holy Spirt to convict our heart, and then surrender our sins to God and by faith believe Jesus blood has washed away for sins, and taken our old coad of sin and replaced it with a new coat of righteousness. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on April 05, 2021, 08:56:59 PM
The story of Judas is repeated that we might better understand the results of sin. It was not the intent of Judas to see Jesus die. He wanted to help put Him on His throne. This to Judas was not a betrayal. He wanted to help Jesus obtain the throne.

  Judas beheld the captors of Christ, acting upon his words, bind Him firmly. In amazement he saw that the Saviour suffered Himself to be led away. Anxiously he followed Him from the garden to the trial before the Jewish rulers. At every movement he looked for Him to surprise His enemies, by appearing before them as the Son of God, and setting at nought all their plots and power. But as hour after hour went by, and Jesus submitted to all the abuse heaped upon Him, a terrible fear came to the traitor that he had sold his Master to His death.   

This was not his desire. Yet, what he did reveals he was  not really working for Jesus, but for his own glory. He wanted to be first next to Jesus. What is our motive? If it is for self, then we are still selfish and need to be converted.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on July 01, 2021, 05:46:46 AM
"Even after he,Judas, had twice pledged himself to betray the Saviour, there was opportunity for repentance."

"He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded".

Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer's work."

"What tender long suffering mercy was shown to Judas. Jesus longed for him to see the direction his life was taking him. He did not want Judas to lose out on eternal life and today...

Jesus is showing each one of us the same love and long suffering"
.


Will we learn from this story and confess our great need of the saving grace of Jesus while there is yet time to do so?"

Matthew 6:24 (AMP )   “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on July 01, 2021, 07:06:55 AM
"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world."

How important the motives of our heart are. Man can not see them but God can. That is why man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. Judas was respected and looked up to and trusted to be loyal and true but was actually motivated by Satan. It shows the dangers in believing and following man. We must always make decisions upon a 'thus sayeth the Lord'. Again I am impressed and my heart melted with the reaction of Jesus. Not a word of condemnation just a heart of pity. That's our Jesus, our friend, our Saviour.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Philip T on July 01, 2021, 08:10:11 AM
Amen Brother Bacon and Sister Dorine.

  Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin. [/b]

As I read this paragraph my mind remembered a paragraph from the Book Patriarchs and Prophets comparing Balaam and Judas character's so I have enclosed it here:

    The fate of Balaam was similar to that of Judas, and their characters bear a marked resemblance to each other. Both these men tried to unite the service of God and mammon, and met with signal failure. Balaam acknowledged the true God, and professed to serve Him ; Judas believed in Jesus as the Messiah, and united with His followers. But Balaam hoped to make the service of Jehovah the steppingstone to the acquirement of riches and worldly honor; and failing in this he stumbled and fell and was broken. Judas expected by his connection with Christ to secure wealth and promotion in that worldly kingdom which, as he believed, the Messiah was about to set up. The failure of his hopes drove him to apostasy and ruin. Both Balaam and Judas had received great light and enjoyed special privileges, but a single cherished sin poisoned the entire character and caused their destruction.

One treasured sin can lead to the 2nd death, as it allows Satan into our lives, and shows we do not have full surrender of Jesus. Just as Judas took his life, Balaam lost his live just when he thought he had obtained his worldly position through Israel being led by God to destroy the heathen nation he found it in. 
Are we willing to surrender all to God, all of our cherished sins as well as those more easily surrendered, so God can finish the Good work he has begun in us ? 


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on July 01, 2021, 09:11:58 AM
Amen Brother Philip!  As we study the life of Judas, we find that he loved Jesus. But, not with the whole heart. He refused to surrender all to God. He did not intend to participate in the murder of Christ. He thought Jesus would escape from the killers. He wanted to teach God a lesson. Imagine that! His selfish heart was at the root of it all. He wanted to be the great one who taught God a lesson! Pride and more pride. How careful we ought to be that we not end up like Judas, King Saul, Dr. Kellogg, Waggoner and Jones, and so many others whom God has blessed.

     Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson. He intended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth to treat him with due respect. But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ up to death. How often, as the Saviour taught in parables, the scribes and Pharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations! How often they had pronounced judgment against themselves! Often when the truth was brought home to their hearts, they had been filled with rage, and had taken up stones to cast at Him; but again and again He had made His escape. Since He had escaped so many snares, thought Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken.
     Judas decided to put the matter to the test. If Jesus really was the Messiah, the people, for whom He had done so much, would rally about Him, and would proclaim Him king. This would forever settle many minds that were now in uncertainty. Judas would have the credit of having placed the king on David's throne. And this act would secure to him the first position, next to Christ, in the new kingdom.   

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Philip T on September 26, 2021, 06:35:12 AM
Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ to work. He had planned that John the Baptist should be delivered from prison. But lo, John was left to be beheaded. And Jesus, instead of asserting His royal right and avenging the death of John, retired with His disciples into a country place. Judas wanted more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful. He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewish leaders, and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ a sign from heaven. His heart was open to unbelief, and the enemy supplied thoughts of questioning and rebellion. Why did Jesus dwell so much upon that which was discouraging? Why did He predict trial and persecution for Himself and for His disciples? The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ. Were his hopes to be disappointed? Judas had not decided that Jesus was not the Son of God; but he was questioning, and seeking to find some explanation of His mighty works.

In this paragraph two points jumped out at me this morning:
1) Judas laid out the plan for his life and where he thought Jesus life should go, rather than praying, listening and walking the plan God had for him and Jesus. We need to learn from this and study to show ourselves approved, and pray for God's direction in our lives and follow God's plans and leadings in our lives.
2)  When we do not follow the plan God laid out for us and surrender all of self to Him, we end up letting Satan lead us to plans of wthe world, unbelief creeps in leading to creep in and we are lost.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on September 26, 2021, 06:48:13 AM
"Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will.

I know first hand that this is true. When my spiritual condition was shown to me many years ago by a pastor I barely knew; my self righteousness sprang forth in fits of anger, tears, defiance and hate. I did not recognize myself but I was tormented day and night for weeks until I fell on my knees one day in confession to God. He gave me a new heart and that dear Pastor became very dear to me. He actually became part of our family because my youngest daughter married his nephew. I'm so thankful to God that He worked and plead with me. It was only when I said to God, ok Lord I am listening to you that He was able to let me see myself as I really was. What a life changing event for me. It could have been for Judas too but he refused to let go of his pride. May we stay surrendered to God at all times so that our hearts will be humble and teachable and protected from the temptation of selfishness.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on September 26, 2021, 06:57:21 AM
"Judas wanted more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewish leaders, and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ a sign from heaven."

"His heart was open to unbelief, and the enemy supplied thoughts of questioning and rebellion."

"Why did Jesus dwell so much upon that which was discouraging? Why did He predict trial and persecution for Himself and for His disciples? The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ."

"Were his hopes to be disappointed? The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ."

Here we see a man who was unwilling to let Jesus be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in his personal life. He wanted to direct the ministry of Jesus. He was seeking Earthly Glory and Prestige unwilling to surrender himself to Jesus and let Him be the director of his life. Could we be in the same danger?? May our prayer be the same as shown in the words of this hymn.


    Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;
Not I, but Christ in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.
    Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,
  Oh, to be lost in Thee,
Oh, that it may be no more I,
    But Christ that lives in me.
2
Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;
Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.
3
Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.
4
Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,
Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.
5
Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,
Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;
Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,
Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on September 26, 2021, 09:42:22 PM
Amen my dear friends! All so very true.  We have been so blessed to understand this important truth. Daniel included himself in his prayer because he knew who he was in the flesh and understood it was Christ in Him the hope of glory. It is good that we understand what true repentance is and how we are led to true repentance, not the repentance of Judas.

   Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on December 21, 2021, 08:12:10 PM
"Judas loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him."


"He felt a desire to be changed in character and life."

"He hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus."

The Saviour did not repulse Judas.

"He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist.
 
He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils."


"But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ."

"He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions."


If we are really honest with ourselves can we see some of the same spirit as Judas within our own lives. Could our focus on Self be the true cause of why the advancement of God's Remnant church is making such slow progress?

The question for today..."IS SELF GETTING IN THE WAY" of what Christ wants and needs us to be? Are we willing to surrender "ALL" to Jesus and let Him lead and guide in our work, our homes and in His Church, or are we like Judas, trying to dictate to the lives of others, both in His Church or Business or Family or with the Appointed Leaders of God's church today? Remember Jesus said..." You are either For Me or Against Me." There is no middle ground, no fence to sit on. Which will you choose today? Jesus or Self?


Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Thou art the Potter,
  I am the clay.
Mould me and make me
  After Thy will,
While I am waiting,
  Yielded and still.
2
Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Search me and try me,
  Master, today.
Whiter than snow, Lord,
  Wash me just now,
As in Thy presence
  Humbly I bow.
3
Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Wounded and weary,
  Help me, I pray.
Power, all power,
  Surely is Thine,
Touch me and heal me,
  Savior divine.
4
Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Hold o’er my being
  Absolute sway.
Fill with Thy Spirit
  Till all shall see
Christ only, always,
  Living in me.

Lyrics:Adelaide Addison Pollard (1862-1934)
Music:George Coles Stebbins (1846-1945)






Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on December 22, 2021, 07:12:50 AM
Amen Brother Beacon! We are indeed evil by nature and if we have not seen this, then we have not really seen the character of Christ who is a perfect standard by which we may judge ourselves.

This chapter on Judas teaches much. First we ought to examine ourselves and make sure we understand how much we need to cling to Christ. Then look at what laying hands suddenly on one who is not converted can do. Why do we place in the pulpit those who are not ready to teach? It is not good for anyone to be placed in leadership until it is seen that they love the Lord our God with the whole heart. What can happen?

     Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter.
     Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.
     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 23, 2021, 07:40:48 AM
Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard for how God can truly convert us as we surrender all to Jesus!

What is repentance? It is the power of God to confess sin from a heart made truly sorry for the sin itself accompanied by a wilingness to renounce that sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. This gift of repentance Jesus offers us: "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts 5:31-32).

In contrast to the true repentance the Bible reveals, the experience of Judas reveals a false repentance of sorrow for the consequences of sin, but not true sorrow for the sin itself and a true turning away from it in heart. After betraying Jesus, Judas had this experience:

"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world." {The Desire of Ages, page 722, paragraph 2}

May we turn to Jesus and receive the GENUINE gift of repentance so our characters can be truly converted by God's grace. Christ offers us a new heart and a new mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as He leads us to affectionately obey God's law of love! May this be your experince today, guading against the false repentance seen in Judas' life.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on March 18, 2022, 08:12:33 PM
"All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel...Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness."

He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting.

These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them.

Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious.

And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track.

Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed.

His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered.

The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

This very sad commentary should make us very aware of our Great Need to be FULLY SURRENDERED  TO JESUS!  Are "YOU" ---"AM I " willing to be emptied of Self and Filled with the HOLY SPIRIT?


All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
    I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 19, 2022, 04:17:27 AM
Happy Sabbath!! Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon!

Do we agree with all that Jesus has said? If we do not, we are on the track of the character experience of Judas, who betrayed Christ. May we realize that the Bible is the insirpred word of God and that the counsel God has given in the spirit of prophecy is "the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 12:17)! As we accept the lessons Christ has for us, we can be prevented from the path of destruction Judas chose for himself. Let us be zealous and repent by keeping our eyes on Jesus and following all the light He has for us!

"In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. 'Have not I chosen you twelve,' He said, 'and one of you is a devil?' John 6:70." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 1}

Christ offers us union and communion with Himself in true conversion whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing as we affectionately obey God's Ten Commandments--the definition of life's reality and freedom in healthy relationships! May you walk in God's ways and not go in the path that Judas chose, but rather, the path like John the beloved chose in coming into likeness to Christ!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on March 19, 2022, 05:04:49 AM
"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world."

This is always such a sad chapter to read. What potential for good was in Judas if only he had not harboured such selfish desires. So many lessons for those who claim to love and serve Jesus. It just goes to show that things are not always as they seem. Judas was loved, respected and trusted yet look where he ended up. The only safety from such a condition is the humble surrender to Jesus believing and doing all that he says. What is the proof of such a connection? All the fruits of the Spirit will be manifested in the life.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on March 20, 2022, 06:33:05 AM
How does Satan accomplish his work. He is  often so very successful. We do not talk about him often, we need to uplift Jesus. But, here we are given a glimpse of his method of operation. We need to pay particular attention to how he uses people, that we be not a tool in his hand.

     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

Yes, Satan was using Judas to lead the disciples away from Jesus.
   
     In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples.

Did we not see the same tactic being used by Satan against Job?   His three friends, and Job's wife were tools in Satan's hand to discourage Job. How very clever is the evil one. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on June 13, 2022, 08:04:12 PM
"Judas saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good."

"He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away."

"And he did watch."

"From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness."

"He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them."

"Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious."

"And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed."

"His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered."

The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.


"But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ."

The question for today..."IS SELF GETTING IN THE WAY" of what Christ wants and needs us to be? Are we willing to surrender "ALL" to Jesus and let Him lead and guide in our work, our homes and in His Church, OR are we like Judas, trying to dictate to the lives of others in His Church, or with the Appointed Leaders of God's church today?

Remember Jesus said..." You are either For Me or Against Me." There is no middle ground, no fence to sit on. Which will you choose today? Jesus or Self?

=======================
May "OUR " prayer evermore be.....

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
    I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on June 14, 2022, 06:08:29 AM
"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world."

1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Only God can read the heart. There are conditions to all of God's promises. True confession will come from a heart that is torn apart from betraying our best friend and Saviour and not for the sudden realization of the consequences we are facing. It's interesting that Jesus did not condemn Judas yet Judas felt the condemnation of his actions to the point that he ended his own life rather than face the fact that his actions led to the death of Jesus. It never pays to think we know better than Christ.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on June 14, 2022, 10:11:15 AM
Amen dear sister.. It is not the promise of heaven nor the fear of hell  that motivates the true Christian to good works. We love Jesus with a whole heart, therefore we are pained when we crucify Him afresh. This is the motivation to be a Christian .We want to glorify Jesus , not crucify Him afresh.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on June 14, 2022, 10:31:53 AM

"From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed.


    Amen brother Beacon! Many don't understand the result of placing and unconverted man as a leader in the church. What was the result of false teaching in Israel?
 They  had been taught that Jesus was going to sit on an earthly throne. Even the disciples did not understand the "Lamb" had to die.
 
 A murmur of surprise ran through the assembly. With amazement they beheld the forbearance of Christ toward His betrayer. Again there swept over them the conviction that this Man was more than mortal. But if He was the Son of God, they questioned, why did He not free Himself from His bonds and triumph over His accusers?   

And so it is today. False teachers are being used by Satan in the same manner he used Judas and the leaders of Israel. How very sad!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on September 08, 2022, 08:02:45 PM
"Judas wanted more aggressive warfare."


"He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful He marked the increasing enmity of the Jewish leaders, and saw their challenge unheeded when they demanded from Christ a sign from heaven."

"His heart was open to unbelief, and the enemy supplied thoughts of questioning and rebellion."

"Why did Jesus dwell so much upon that which was discouraging? Why did He predict trial and persecution for Himself and for His disciples?"

"The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ."


"Were his hopes to be disappointed?"

The prospect of having a high place in the new kingdom had led Judas to espouse the cause of Christ."

"Here we see a man who was unwilling to let Jesus be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in his personal life."


"He wanted to direct the ministry of Jesus."


Judas was seeking Earthly Glory and Prestige unwilling to surrender himself to Jesus and let Him be the director of his life. Could we be in the same danger??

=====================
1
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
  There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
  Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
    In the cross, in the cross,
  Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
    Nothing then shall sever.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
  Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
  Sheds its beams around me.
3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
  Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
  With its shadow o’er me.
4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
  Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
  Leave His presence never.

Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)
Music:William Howard Doane (1832-191
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 09, 2022, 04:25:43 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

How can deception be overcome? By relying completely on the word of God and surrendering fully to Jesus. But Judas had never fully surrendered to Jesus, and as an unconverted man he had ideas that came from Satan and led him astray. May we learn our CONTINUAL need of Jesus and abide in His love so we can overcome by His word and be protected from the treacherous reasonings that Satan will suggest to our minds, similar to the deceptive thinking Satan presented to Judas to the point that he thought it a good idea to betray Christ. What deception! Flee to Jesus for victory over WRONG THINKING and let Jesus convert your heart in a full surrender so all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing may be manifest in your life as you grow in His grace and obey Him up to the light He has revealed on your path!!

"Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must come to pass. His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change the result. If Jesus was not to die, it would only force Him to deliver Himself. At all events, Judas would gain something by his treachery. He counted that he had made a sharp bargain in betraying his Lord." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 4}

The lies that Judas believed finally led him to despair and suicide. May we learn how dangerous it is to go against God's word, surrendering to His plan instead of being led astray by Satan like Judas to do the horrible deed of betraying Jesus. Christ can keep us from falling today. Let us abide in His love and grace!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on September 09, 2022, 05:51:59 AM
"The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts."

Jesus not only tells us about the good but reveals to us the results of harboring selfish desires while looking righteous on the outside. One sin not confessed will lead to the most degraded behavior. If the decisions of Judas disturbs me how must Jesus have felt. We need to daily search our hearts and ask God to reveal to us the defective marks in our character. He will answer our prayers and give us a new heart and reveal to us the things that we need to surrender to Him. How He longed for Judas' heart as He does for every lost soul.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on September 09, 2022, 11:00:31 AM
Amen my dear friends! So very sad is the ending of the life of Judas.

 Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.
     From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness.

Judas wanted something other than truth.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on December 04, 2022, 08:11:46 PM
"While the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed."

Have we not seen this pattern repeated many times thorough out the history of the Christian church? However, Jesus said that if we study the Scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that..."We shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free." No wonder Satan does his best to keep us so "BUSY'' that we don't take the time to Really Study the WORD!!  Let us determine to renew our loyalty to Jesus and spend time with Him by the study of the Word and Earnest Prayer each day.

=============================

1
Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy.
And then I heard my Savior speaking—
“Draw from My well that never shall run dry.”
  Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
2
There are millions in this world who are seeking
For pleasures earthly goods afford.
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.
3
So my brother if the things that this world gives you
Leave hungers that won’t pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray.

Lyrics & Music :Richard Blanchard (1925-2004))
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on December 05, 2022, 06:16:21 AM
We see here the difference between true repentance and the false. If our repentance does not come from a broken heart because of our disloyalty to our precious Saviour then our motive for repentance is selfish and unacceptable to Jesus.

"I have sinned," again cried Judas, "in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." But the high priest, regaining his self-possession, answered with scorn, "What is that to us? see thou to that." Matthew 27:4. The priests had been willing to make Judas their tool; but they despised his baseness. When he turned to them with confession, they spurned him.   

Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.

Judas and Jesus hung on a tree on the same day but for entirely different reasons. Judas being full of self feared of the judgement to come and Jesus the selfless One who poured out His blood and died in agony on Calvary so that you and I may have eternal life.
.......Judas saw that his entreaties were in vain, and he rushed from the hall exclaiming, It is too late! It is too late! He felt that he could not live to see Jesus crucified, and in despair went out and hanged himself.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on December 05, 2022, 06:22:32 AM
 Amen dear brother and sister! What a sad sad chapter. What a warning to all who would betray the faith of Jesus.

From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.


 This ought to be a lesson for us to take care in whom we put as leaders in the church. God calls those like Judas, decoys planted in the church by satan.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 05, 2022, 07:13:49 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard!!

Satan tricked Judas, and made him his base tool. He never fully surrendered to Christ, and what a sad experience was the result! Because Judas thought Christ would deliver Himself, Judas presumed to deliver Christ over to the priests and rulers after getting paid thirty pieces of silver for his treachery. Greed had overcome him. One sin, persistently cherished, is enough to neutralize all the power of the gospel! Let us cry out to Jesus to be kept from the deceitfulness of sin!!

"Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson. He intended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth to treat him with due respect. But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ up to death. How often, as the Saviour taught in parables, the scribes and Pharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations! How often they had pronounced judgment against themselves! Often when the truth was brought home to their hearts, they had been filled with rage, and had taken up stones to cast at Him; but again and again He had made His escape. Since He had escaped so many snares, thought Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 5}

And so deception is at the heart of sin. Satan had deceived a third of the angels in heaven to think that "do as thou wilt" and "we are free to do as we please" was really true happiness and freedom apart from the law of God and the sovereignty of Christ, but it has turned out to be bondage and slavery to a being (Satan himself, the author of sin) whose only motive is to steal, kill and destroy. After causing such misery in heaven, he moved his warfare to this earth. In the garden of Eden, Satan deceived and hypnotized Adam and Eve, leading them into sin, and God mercifully made a way for them to be pardoned through Christ. But now that Christ was on the earth, Judas, a professed disciple of Jesus, was so deceived by Satan that he thought he could teach Jesus a lesson and presumed to think Christ would not allow Himself to be taken if betrayed. Such lies lead to such sin! Oh, turn resolutely from any deviation from the clear, plain word of God and allow God to perform the greatest miracle of all--a converted life that is yielded fully to Christ! When we do yield to Him the WHOLE heart, He can then work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure, filling us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we can gladly obey God's law--all Ten Commandments in the depth of their spirituality--from the heart! Love in the heart from Christ through the word of God is the only true protection from the deceitfulness of sin!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Philip T on December 05, 2022, 08:23:06 AM
  Judas was highly regarded by the disciples, and had great influence over them. He himself had a high opinion of his own qualifications, and looked upon his brethren as greatly inferior to him in judgment and ability. They did not see their opportunities, he thought, and take advantage of circumstances. The church would never prosper with such shortsighted men as leaders. Peter was impetuous; he would move without consideration. John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ's lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier. Matthew, whose training had taught him accuracy in all things, was very particular in regard to honesty, and he was ever contemplating the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that, as Judas thought, he could not be trusted to do sharp, far-seeing business. Thus Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager. Judas regarded himself as the capable one, who could not be overreached. In his own estimation he was an honor to the cause, and as such he always represented himself.

Oh, the power of pride, Judas considered his abilities much better than all of the disciples, pride was the sin of Satan, we see her his influence on Judas. it led to his eventual betrayal of Jeus, and his destruction. How easy it is to fall into this trap. Jesus still with humility and love labored on for Judas to find salvation. As He does for us each minute-hour-day for us. Are we willing to surrender all to God?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on March 01, 2023, 08:31:48 PM
"Judas thought the church would never prosper with such shortsighted men as leaders. "

"Peter was impetuous; he would move without consideration."

"John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ's lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier."


"Matthew, whose training had taught him accuracy in all things, was very particular in regard to honesty, and he was ever contemplating the words of Christ, and became so absorbed in them that, as Judas thought, he could not be trusted to do sharp, far-seeing business."

"Thus Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager."


"Judas regarded himself as the capable one. "


In his own estimation he was an honor to the cause, and as such he always represented himself."

What is "Our" attitude about ourselves in relation to others within God's Remnant Church?? Are "WE" strengthening one another or putting them down in an attempt to make "Ourselves" more prominent??  I want to be more like Jesus -  How about You??

===============================

 1
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
  And love that soul through me;
And may I bravely do my part
  To win that soul for Thee.
    Some soul for Thee, some soul for Thee,
  This is my earnest plea;
Help me each day, on life’s highway,
    To win some soul for Thee.
2
Lord, lead me to some soul in sin,
  And grant that I may be
Endued with power and love to win
  That soul, dear Lord, for Thee.
3
To win that soul for Thee, my Lord,
  Will be my constant prayer;
That when I’ve won Thy full reward
  I’ll with that dear one share.

Lyrics:Anon., v. 1; Mack Weaver & Baylus Benjamin McKinney, vv. 2 & 3
Music:Baylus Benjamin McKinney (1886-1952)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on March 02, 2023, 04:47:21 AM
Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.

And how many today have the same mind set? Let us be watchful that Satan does not tempt us into such thinking. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and with an open heart, trusting Him completely and following His commands will keep us safe from the evil surmising's and temptations of the enemy. We will be filled with the Spirit of Jesus and all of the fruits will be manifest in our lives. Our hearts will be filled with love for Jesus and for others. There is no sweeter peace than being one with Christ with nothing between Him and us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 02, 2023, 07:47:27 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!

Try to grasp the scene, leading up to Christ's crucifixion. Though Judas did not from the heart repent, he felt an awful sense of guilt and condemnation for betraying Jesus. He pleaded for Jesus to release Himself, but Christ would not, for He was meekly surrendered to the Father's will to go to the cross.

"Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world." {The Desire of Ages, page 722, paragraph 2}

While Judas was the one who betrayed Him, and this led to the fulfillment of the prophecy of how Christ would die, this did not take away the baseness of such an act. Sadly, Judas had so hardened himself in sin that he did not really feel bad about the sin itself--rather, he felt bad about the consequences (and that is not true repentance). May we let the Holy Spirit change our hearts before it is too late, realizing that the cry from those who are unprepared to see Jesus come in the clouds of heaven (Revelation 6:15-17) is very similar to the way Judas was feeling as he realized what he had done. Only by surrendering FULLY to Christ can we be saved from the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. When the WHOLE heart is yielded to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives and we will be empowered by Christ to be obedient to all His commandments by grace through faith as His workmanship to do His good pleasure! Judas' life is a warning--may we heed the warning and turn to Christ who can save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on March 02, 2023, 10:45:03 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. It was a similar look that Jesus gave Peter when he denied him. One was truly sorry, the other was not. One was correcting his defects of the character the other was not. It is the daily choices we make that make our habits, thus our character which must be transformed into the image of God (2 Cor. 3:18).

    Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this. As treasurer for the disciples, he was called upon to provide for the needs of the little company, and to relieve the necessities of the poor. When in the Passover chamber Jesus said to him, "That thou doest, do quickly" (John 13:27), the disciples thought He had bidden him buy what was needed for the feast, or give something to the poor. In ministering to others, Judas might have developed an unselfish spirit. But while listening daily to the lessons of Christ and witnessing His unselfish life, Judas indulged his covetous disposition. The small sums that came into his hands were a continual temptation. Often when he did a little service for Christ, or devoted time to religious purposes, he paid himself out of this meager fund. In his own eyes these pretexts served to excuse his action; but in God's sight he was a thief.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 27, 2023, 04:04:20 AM
Happy Sabbath! When we study inspiration, we see both promises and warnings, and when it comes to the case of Judas, his life is a strong warning not to yield to covetousness and refuse to believe the word of Christ just as He gave it. What a deception he fell for! Let us yield our WHOLE heart to Jesus so ALL of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as we abide in Christ and overcome sin as He empowers us in TRUE obedience to all His commandments because we love Him who first loved us!

"Judas reasoned that if Jesus was to be crucified, the event must come to pass. His own act in betraying the Saviour would not change the result. If Jesus was not to die, it would only force Him to deliver Himself. At all events, Judas would gain something by his treachery. He counted that he had made a sharp bargain in betraying his Lord." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 4}

"Judas did not, however, believe that Christ would permit Himself to be arrested. In betraying Him, it was his purpose to teach Him a lesson. He intended to play a part that would make the Saviour careful thenceforth to treat him with due respect. But Judas knew not that he was giving Christ up to death. How often, as the Saviour taught in parables, the scribes and Pharisees had been carried away with His striking illustrations! How often they had pronounced judgment against themselves! Often when the truth was brought home to their hearts, they had been filled with rage, and had taken up stones to cast at Him; but again and again He had made His escape. Since He had escaped so many snares, thought Judas, He certainly would not now allow Himself to be taken." {The Desire of Ages, page 720, paragraph 5}

"Judas decided to put the matter to the test. If Jesus really was the Messiah, the people, for whom He had done so much, would rally about Him, and would proclaim Him king. This would forever settle many minds that were now in uncertainty. Judas would have the credit of having placed the king on David's throne. And this act would secure to him the first position, next to Christ, in the new kingdom." {The Desire of Ages, page 721, paragraph 1}

The sad ending of Judas shows us that when things did not go the way he had planned, he ended his own life. Oh, what a warning not to go in the deceptive path Satan will lead us on whenever we doubt our reason away the plain teachings God gives! In these last days, Satan will pull a massive deception over the world to get them to think they are following Christ while rejecting His law, as if there is a way to separate Christ from His character (His law). When those making movements to enforce Sunday as a day of worship and rest go down this path, they may think they are doing God service, but their neglect of the plain teachings of the word of God shows their error, for God, who gave the Sabbath from creation (Genesis 2:1-3) and calls all to remember it (Exodus 20:8-11) also makes it clear that He does not change (Malachi 3:6). The Three Angels' Messages of Revelation 14:6-12 are God's final love appeal to call all to worship Him as the Creator in harmony with the seventh-day Sabbath, in light of the judgment taking place in heaven, and in earnest warning not to receive the mark of the beast (enforced Sunday worship) which leads to eternal death to those who go along with this deception and refuse to yield obedience to Christ who so loves every soul that He died to offer them salvation. Let us abide in the unchanging love and word of God, enabling us to be ready to meet Jesus at His glorious appearing!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on May 27, 2023, 09:04:52 PM
Amen Pastor Sean. We want to meet Jesus so very soon! And, yes the story of Judas is a warning to us all to not betray the love God has for us while we were yet sinners.

The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts. 

And, who has been entrusted with "sacred trusts"?  How are we doing with the sacred oracles entrusted to us as a people? The great light shining on all areas of ministry? Blueprints for education, medical institutions, publishing institutions, family, health reform.......and the gospel message rejected in 1888 and beyond.  And, the all important question that needs to be answered, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Eternal life goes to all who love the Lord our God with all of the heart. What must I do to love the Lord our God with the whole heart?  We can't do that unless we know God intimately. The the answer must be what we must do to know God intimately. How is it that you come to love someone greatly? Maybe, just maybe, spend time with them. Maybe then, it might be good to spend time every day beholding His character? That would take some time that many are unwilling to sacrifice. Then is there something more important than being with God? Even though we know that by beholding we become changed in character, why do we choose to not behold God and be changed into His image (character)?  See 2 Cor. 3:18.

Shall we stand by and  watch so many continue on a downward path?  No, for the blood of many would be on our head. Then, here is what we know to be true:

The Lord will not be trifled with. Those who neglect His mercies and blessings in this day of opportunities will bring impenetrable darkness upon themselves and will be candidates for the wrath of God. Sodom and Gomorrah were visited with the curse of the Almighty for their sins and iniquities. There are those in our day who have equally abused the mercies of God and slighted His warnings. It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for those who bear the name of Christ, yet dishonor Him by their unconsecrated lives. This class are laying up for themselves a fearful retribution when God in His wrath shall visit them with His judgments.

Sinners who have not had the light and privileges that Seventh-day Adventists have enjoyed will, in their ignorance, be in a more favorable position before God than those who have been unfaithful while in close connection with His work and professing to love and serve Him. The tears of Christ upon the mount came from an anguished, breaking heart because of His unrequited love and the ingratitude of His chosen people. He had labored untiringly to save them from the fate that they seemed determined to bring upon themselves, but they refused His mercy and knew not the time of their visitation. Their day of privilege was ending, yet they were so blinded by sin that they knew it not.  4T 191.

Not much good to say about Judas, but that we are warned not to follow in the path he chose.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on August 21, 2023, 08:09:39 PM
"Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas."

"He heard the words",

"Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53

" He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good."

"He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers".


"He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch."

"And he did watch. From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples."

"He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ."

"All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness".


What will "OUR" attitude be when we face difficulties that challenge our relationship with Jesus? ---Remember " He who fails to prepare - prepares to fail.

========================


Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
    We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
  Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
2
It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.
3
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.
4
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.

Lyrics:Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1907)
Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 22, 2023, 04:50:41 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:10).

Judas is case in point. May we realize that if we love anything more than Jesus, it will lead to our eternal loss. The wages of sin is death, and even though Christ gave Judas every opportunity to repent and turn to experience eternal life, Judas would not make that full surrender. We are all free to choose whether we will surrender fully to Christ and have Him give us a new heart with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing which enables us to obey God's law of love, or to choose the downward path of sin and self under Satan's deceptive control. Let us realize our deep need of Jesus and not go the way of Judas.

"Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 716, paragraph 3}

It was shortly after Judas got what he thought he wanted in betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver that Judas went out and hanged himself. Judas' life and history is in the Bible to warn us that sin that is not renounced will lead to death. Praise God that Jesus can keep us from going in that path, helping us to choose His love and grace, His selfless service as best of all. Trusting God to provide for our needs as we learn to make wise life choices, let us not make the love of money the ruling motive in our lives. How? By surrendering fully to Christ and seeking His kingdom first. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on August 22, 2023, 09:53:14 PM
Amen my dear brothers.

Judas was sorry for what He had done. Why was he sorry? It was not the goodness of God that led to his sorry.

     Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of God, and entreating Him to deliver Himself. The Saviour did not reproach His betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke no word of condemnation. He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, For this hour came I into the world.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on November 16, 2023, 08:12:58 PM
" Judas was blinded to his own weakness of character, and Christ placed him where he would have an opportunity to see and correct this."

"As treasurer for the disciples, he was called upon to provide for the needs of the little company, and to relieve the necessities of the poor."

" When in the Passover chamber Jesus said to him, "That thou doest, do quickly" (John 13:27), the disciples thought He had bidden him buy what was needed for the feast, or give something to the poor."



" In ministering to others, Judas might have developed an unselfish spirit."

" But while listening daily to the lessons of Christ and witnessing His unselfish life, Judas indulged his covetous disposition.

"The small sums that came into his hands were a continual temptation".

Often when he did a little service for Christ, or devoted time to religious purposes, he paid himself out of this meager fund.

" In his own eyes these pretexts served to excuse his action; but in God's sight he was a thief."

This might be a good time to reexamine "OUR MOTIVES" for connecting to Jesus??

=========================

1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
  I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
  Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
  A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
  And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
  Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
  And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
  That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
  A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
  But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
  That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
  Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
  From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
  Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
  Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
  Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
  And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
  For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
  The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
  To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
  My glory all the cross.

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Ira David Sankey (1840-1908) bio


Pastor Sean - I think it's wonderful how often our thoughts are similar from any one chapter. which seem to empress each us and which shows the unity of thought and spirit. If God's Remnant Church was all of One Spirit & Mind think what God could do through us to reach the world with the message of His saving grace. Let us pray for a mighty awaking among all God's children and churches. May God continue to lead and guide you in your ministry. You are in our prayers. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on November 17, 2023, 04:27:18 AM
  "Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. He felt that he could retain his own judgment and opinions, and he cultivated a disposition to criticize and accuse."

It's an amazing thing that someone could be so attracted to Jesus and long to be like Him yet not go the next step in surrendering all to Him. It doesn't have to be just money that keeps us from accepting Jesus into our hearts. Anything that comes before Christ is breaking the first commandment and will lead to a miserable end. May Jesus be our first thoughts in our waking moments and throughout the day as we perform our necessary tasks. Remember our courting days? Our thoughts were so full of the person we loved that sometimes it was hard to fully focus on the tasks before us. Jesus wants that kind of devotion from us. Then doors of blessings and happiness will open and we will be happy, contented and productive Christians that God will use to bless others.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 17, 2023, 06:34:59 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine! I agree, Brother Beacon, that the unity God is giving us here is because the Holy Spirit is bringing the unity. Indeed, let us pray for such unity in truth and spirit in God's remnant church preparing for the coming of Christ. We can be thankful that each time we afresh spend time with Christ, we are better prepared to help encourage and foster that unity as others are invited into the sweet fellowship of union and communion with Christ!

What are you looking for in life? The worldly goods around us are passing away, while the things of the spiritual kingdom will endure forever. As we look carefully at the life history of Judas, we see that his desires were not in harmony with what Christ was offering those who follow Him.

"Christ's discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, 'Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.' John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch." {The Desire of Ages, page 719, paragraph 1}

Sadly, Judas walked in Satan's deceptions rather than the truth Jesus plainly spoke with love. Christ offers us spiritual good because that is what our character need to be prepared to dwell in His presence in heaven itself with all the holy angels, the redeemed, and all holy created beings in the universe. While it is true that in heaven God's people will be blessed with heavenly mansions, a home in the new earth, and the eternal riches of the universe, that experience will come at a point when all who are there most highly value God Himself, His word and His character over all the other blessings. Satan has sought to lead the universe to want the position, power and blessings of God without His character. And that inevitably leads to death. So let us take warning from Judas' experience and choose to most highly value the spiritual rather than the temporal things, recognizing that God does provide for our needs, but that we are not to make worldly good a higher priority than the spiritual kingdom that endures forever.

All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be revealed in the lives of those who are fully converted in complete surrender to Jesus, empowered by Him to walk in affectionate obedience to all of God's commandments. That experience is one in which spiritual good is paramount, and the worldly goods we have around us for a season are properly managed with an eye single to the glory of God and the furthering of His mission.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on November 17, 2023, 11:43:06 PM
Amen my dear brothers and sister!  Important lessons for us in this reading. When unconsecrated men are put in positions of responsibility we see what happens.

  In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. "Have not I chosen you twelve," He said, "and one of you is a devil?" John 6:70.
     Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Beacon on February 10, 2024, 08:10:07 PM
"When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition."

"At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall."

"Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control."

"This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin."

"The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will."


Jesus is saying to each of us---" Choose Ye This Day Whom Ye Will Serve." Who side will You & I chose??

======================
1
I’ve wandered far away from God,
  Now I’m coming home;
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod,
  Lord, I’m coming home.
    Coming home, coming home,
  Nevermore to roam;
Open wide Thine arms of love;
    Lord, I’m coming home.
2
I’ve wasted many precious years,
  Now I’m coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears,
  Lord, I’m coming home.
3
I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord,
  Now I’m coming home;
I’ll trust Thy love, believe Thy word;
  Lord, I’m coming home.
4
My soul is sick, my heart is sore,
  Now I’m coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore:
  Lord, I’m coming home.
5
My only hope, my only plea,
  Now I’m coming home;
That Jesus died, and died for me;
  Lord, I’m coming home.
6
I need His cleansing blood, I know,
  Now I’m coming home;
O wash me whiter than the snow;
  Lord, I’m coming home.

Lyrics:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Dorine on February 11, 2024, 03:38:33 AM
In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. "Have not I chosen you twelve," He said, "and one of you is a devil?" John 6:70.      

Yet Judas made no open opposition, nor seemed to question the Saviour's lessons. He made no outward murmur until the time of the feast in Simon's house. When Mary anointed the Saviour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded pride and desire for revenge broke down the barriers, and the greed so long indulged held him in control. This will be the experience of everyone who persists in tampering with sin. The elements of depravity that are not resisted and overcome, respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul is led captive at his will.

This is always a hard chapter for me to read. Such a promising man of God was Judas yet all his wonderful talents he used for selfish purposes that he may be admired and looked upon as being indispensable to Christ. Even to the point he thought his methods were wiser than Christ's. Many today are falling into the same trap and we see their negative influence on those weak in the faith. One lesson that popped out at me this morning is that we can spend much time with Jesus in study and prayer and yearn to be like Him but if our hearts are not open to His teaching we will go drastically astray.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 11, 2024, 04:14:47 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

When we listen to and believe what Jesus says, surrendering fully to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives as we are empowered by His divine grace to be obedient to all of His commandments! Then we can gladly accept His counsel and allow Him to lead our lives in the path He knows is best. Judas presents a character illustration of the peril of not surrendering fully to Christ and holding on to deceptive ideas that Jesus did not teach. Satan worked to deceive and destroy Judas, even though Christ did all He could to seek to draw Judas to the point of full surrender. Jesus even washed his feet moments before Judas betrayed Him. May we realize that God is seeking to save; we choose to respond or reject His wooing, winning love.

"Notwithstanding the Saviour's own teaching, Judas was continually advancing the idea that Christ would reign as king in Jerusalem. At the feeding of the five thousand he tried to bring this about. On this occasion Judas assisted in distributing the food to the hungry multitude. He had an opportunity to see the benefit which it was in his power to impart to others. He felt the satisfaction that always comes in service to God. He helped to bring the sick and suffering from among the multitude to Christ. He saw what relief, what joy and gladness, come to human hearts through the healing power of the Restorer. He might have comprehended the methods of Christ. But he was blinded by his own selfish desires. Judas was first to take advantage of the enthusiasm excited by the miracle of the loaves. It was he who set on foot the project to take Christ by force and make Him king. His hopes were high. His disappointment was bitter." {The Desire of Ages, page 718, paragraph 2} 

If we let go of "our way" of things going and accept that God's ways are higher and better, the way God leads us will only increase our happiness and the depth of character experience that He has intended for us. As we grow in grace, we will be able to bless others as we are first blessed by God. Let us guard against the self-deceived downward path Judas took and walk in the upward, selfless path Jesus calls us to walk with Him!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--76--Judas
Post by: Richard Myers on February 11, 2024, 06:14:17 AM
Amen my dear friends.  Do we not see a similar work done in heaven when Satan deceived angels?  We have been told that Satan brings "decoys" into the church to do this evil work. When we study to show ourselves approved, the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth and the error being presented in the church. Thus, we ought to know what is being taught in His church. The closer Jesus came to His final breath, the more He attempted to reveal to His disciples the damage done by false leaders whom they trusted.

 From that time he expressed doubts that confused the disciples. He introduced controversies and misleading sentiments, repeating the arguments urged by the scribes and Pharisees against the claims of Christ. All the little and large troubles and crosses, the difficulties and the apparent hindrances to the advancement of the gospel, Judas interpreted as evidences against its truthfulness. He would introduce texts of Scripture that had no connection with the truths Christ was presenting. These texts, separated from their connection, perplexed the disciples, and increased the discouragement that was constantly pressing upon them. Yet all this was done by Judas in such a way as to make it appear that he was conscientious. And while the disciples were searching for evidence to confirm the words of the Great Teacher, Judas would lead them almost imperceptibly on another track. Thus in a very religious, and apparently wise, way he was presenting matters in a different light from that in which Jesus had given them, and attaching to His words a meaning that He had not conveyed. His suggestions were constantly exciting an ambitious desire for temporal preferment, and thus turning the disciples from the important things they should have considered. The dissension as to which of them should be greatest was generally excited by Judas.

Our only protection  from false teaching in the church is to be vitally connected to Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. Then like the faithful Bereans that Paul had called noble, we are to after listening to a teacher compare what was taught to what says the Bible.