Expert: Rev Philip Dacre - 2/25/2009

Question

Hi,i hold on to the reformed position of understanding
that you cannot loose their salvation I would like to ask two questions in regards to Judas (the one who betrayed Jesus) and King Saul. Christians under understanding reformed theology will state that Judas was never
a believer since the beginning and his end determined that fact. This is very clear in scriptures.
Q: How is it so that Jesus chose Judas as one of the 12?
Is this a choice unto ministry and not onto life?
As in, is it possible for one to be called to ministry and not to eternal life? I do know that by choosing Judas, it was vital for him to fulfill the scriptures of the prophecies in John 13:18.
May I know how I can best answer this?

My second question:
How do we best explain King Saul? It is clear in scriptures that he was a chosen king by God and that the Holy Spirit dwelled in him. Though it is also stated that the spirit left him and God later rejected him as king. I understand that this was in the time of the old Covenant, but how do we reconcile with scriptures in regards to the
departure of the Holy Spirit on King Saul?
Is this yet again a call to ministry and not to eternal life?  I am able to draw reference to a few builders of the tabernacle  whom the Spirit was given to them in aiding them to fulfill God's purposes.
These are asked based on the reformed position.
Your reply will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Jason,


Everyone has a choice in their hearts and doing evil is one of those choices. " Many are called but few are chosen". Jesus knew this but Judas had every opportunity to do right, as do we all.

Your assumption that we never loose our salvation is right at one level of truth. But only God the Father knows who are his. As from our point of view its a choice. And our choices in life determine our destiny, but God has a filing cabinet  where the end or all things can be seen. He does not use this information when calling us. He simply gives all the same choice.

Love does not manipulate people into doing good or evil. It sets them free to choose for themselves.

Just because God knows the beginning from the end (in the filing cabinet) does not mean He uses this information to prejudicially direct people. Love gives all the choice. It stays true to its own nature.

Secondly King Saul ruled longer as king than David as I remember...certainly it was a long time even after gods' favor WAS REMOVED. "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance". Just because we are called does not mean that we earn God's favor. Our calling remains secure but our favor depends on our actions and ways.

We cannot judged eternity only God knows why people do what they do and some do it simply our of fear...like Peter walking on water or denying Christ...others do it out of choice. God knows the difference and not us. So we do not guess at who goes to heaven.

But concerning Judas Iscariot's apostleship...he lost it and king Saul's kingship he lost it, eventually because God's favor could not protect him. Though he should have had it. He still ruled Israel for many years as God's chosen king.

All of us can do what is right or what is wrong, no matter what is our position.

Hope this helps Jason.

God bless