Hello, I love your site here and all the good work you are doing by answering our questions. Thank you. My question is concerning Judas being a son of perdition. I read your response in reference to “those that are sons of perdition.” Specifically, where you reference the Intercessory prayer and John 17:12. I have long felt like Jesus was talking about Judas. However, recently, I read what Joseph F. Smith(gosple doctrines page 545) said regarding this matter of Judas. He said, that it “strongly appears” to him that none of the 12 had the light, and knowledge to be exhalted or condemned. Hiw does this reconcile with your opinion that Judas is a son of perdition? Please remember that I have felt my whole adult life that he was and I base my feeling on John 17:12. Thank you.
Jared
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Jared, I am well aware of Elder Smith’s opinion on Judas. I’ve considered it, but I tend to side with Elder Talmage’s assessment because I think it falls more in line with my understanding of John 17. You can find his thoughts in “Jesus the Christ” endnote 8 of chapter 34 (The Trial and Condemnation):
“In the light of the revealed word it appears that Judas Iscariot had given himself up to the cause of Satan while ostensibly serving the Christ in an exalted capacity. Such a surrender to evil powers could be accomplished only through sin. The nature and extent of the man’s transgressions through the years are not told us. He had received the testimony that Jesus was the Son of God; and in the full light of that conviction he turned against his Lord, and betrayed Him to death. … Whatever the opinion of modern critics as to the good character of Judas, we have the testimony of John, who for nearly three years had been in close companionship with him, that the man was a thief (12:6); and Jesus referred to him as a devil (6:70), and as “the son of perdition” (17:12).”
One day my heart may soften against Judas, but until then I agree with Elder Talmage that the best word to describe this follower of Satan is “devil”.
-Gramps