Question:

An argument that is used by atheists comes from the situation concerning Pilate, Judas and others associated with condemning Jesus to be crucified.  The point that is made is that none of these people had a choice in what they would or would not do. If any of these had changed what they were going to do there would have been no crucifixion or resurrection.  These men had no chance of redemption. God had already decided their fate. How do I respond to statements such as these?

Answer:

My response to this is that it is flat out untrue.   Pilate and Judas and Pharaoh and any of the Jewish leaders who condemned Jesus could have repented.   That they would do these things was prophesied.  God predestined the salvation of mankind and he did not hesitate to “jerk” people around a bit to bring this about.  Biblical predestination is God creating the opportunity for us to be saved and any historical event required for that was predestined.  God put the idea for 30 pieces of silver into the minds of these men as the price to betray Jesus (Zechariah 11:12), but the Jewish leaders could have repented.  In fact, some of them did.  Judas’ betrayal was prophesied, but not his ultimate condemnation.  There is no evidence that he could not have repented.   Peter did just as evil a thing as Judas, yet he repented.  Pharaoh could have repented.  God does not predestine anyone for hell.  He predestined the events surrounding the death of Jesus, but the charge that he predestined their destruction and going to hell is simply false.   Judas had every chance for redemption.   It was he who stole from the money bag and he could have repented after he betrayed Jesus.  Jesus would have welcomed him into the upper room if he had repented and come back.  This question is the result of not understanding the scripture and what it teaches about predestination. (I do not mean you but those who pose this challenge to Christianity).

John Oakes