Yes, Judas had a free choice in betraying Jesus; God's foreknowledge did not force him.
Les Feldick teaches that God's foreknowledge of Judas's actions did not take away Judas's choice. Even at the moment of betrayal, Jesus offered Judas an opportunity to repent, showing that Judas could have turned back. The fact that the betrayal was prophesied meant it had to happen, but that doesn't negate Judas's genuine ability to choose differently.
Matthew 26:50 — Jesus says 'Friend, wherefore art thou come?' to Judas, showing He still extended an opportunity for repentance.
The Bible shows that Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He still called him 'Friend' at the moment of the betrayal (Matthew 26:50). This indicates Jesus was not deceived, and He continued to offer Judas a chance to change course. God's foreknowledge of Judas's actions is evident in the Old Testament prophecy, which foretold Judas's betrayal (Psalm 41:9, fulfilling in the Gospels). Jesus said, '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' (Matthew 26:24), showing both the necessity of the event and the moral responsibility of Judas.
Les Feldick teaches that Judas had a genuine choice in betraying Jesus. He was not forced by God or by circumstances. God, in His foreknowledge, knew what Judas would do, but that knowledge did not take away Judas's free will. Judas could have repented, even at the very moment of the kiss. Jesus addressed him as 'Friend' to offer him that opportunity, but Judas didn't take it. Once the betrayal was prophesied, it had to happen for Scripture to be fulfilled, but that doesn't mean Judas was a puppet. He acted on his own will, and Judas became an instrument of Satan when he chose to betray Jesus.
God's foreknowledge meant He knew what Judas would do, but He did not take away Judas's choice. As Les Feldick explains, God knew what every person would do with His offer of salvation, but that doesn't force them to choose one way or another. God's plan was worked out through the choices people made, including Judas's betrayal.
Because David's prophecy had foretold Judas's betrayal, it had to happen; otherwise, Scripture would be false. However, this did not remove Judas's free will. The prophecy did not force him; it merely predicted what he would freely do.
Yes, Les teaches that even at the moment of the kiss, Jesus addressed him as 'Friend'—a term of endearment—giving Judas one last opportunity to repent. Judas could have turned back, but he chose not to.
What Really Happened at Pentecost? Acts 2 Explained
Now I have made the comment, and I say it cautiously, is this all the believers that there were in the area of Jerusalem after 3 years of ministry? I tend to think so. Now of course like I said there were women, but of the men there were 120.
Judas Had an Opportunity to Repent
Les shows that when Jesus called Judas 'Friend,' He was still offering him a chance to repent, proving Judas had a choice and wasn't forced into betrayal.
Satan Entered Later
Les explains that Satan entered Judas at a crucial moment, but this was after Judas had already made a choice to betray Jesus.
Jesus Knew Judas
Les emphasizes that Jesus was not deceived by Judas and knew his intentions, demonstrating that Jesus was in control while Judas still acted freely.
Foreknowledge vs. Choice
Les teaches that God's foreknowledge of Judas's actions did not override his free will; God knew what he would do, but Judas still chose it.
Why Paul Was Never One of the Twelve — Acts 9 Explained
Now here it is, "...wherefore," Peter says, "...of these men," out of that 120 that are gathered in the upper room, "...wherefore of these men who have accompanied us with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John unto the same day that He was taken up from us," which of course was 40 days after the crucifixion, "...
Why Did the Disciples Not Know Jesus Would Die?
In the same way in Paul's letters. But here as I'm trying to go through the Gospels and do it as quickly and yet as in-depth as possible, I can't take the time to just go verse by verse and chapter by chapter. We'd be here for the next 10 years. But as an overview now we come through these events in chapter 26 where Judas now makes the deal with the high priest to betray Him.
Why the Jews Called Jesus Accursed — 1 Corinthians 12:3 Explained
And Judas has just gone to the chief priest, and in verse 4 he admits he has betrayed innocent blood. Then verse 5, he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Now come all the way back to Deuteronomy 21. Here is why Jews with a straight face, and a straight conscience, could accuse or accuse Jesus, because He had been hanged on a tree, the cross.
Matthew 26:50: And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Jesus addresses Judas as 'Friend' at the moment of betrayal, showing He still extended an opportunity to repent.
Matthew 26:24: 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.
Jesus acknowledges the prophecy of His betrayal, yet holds Judas morally responsible, indicating Judas had a choice.
Psalm 41:9: Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
A prophetic reference to Judas's betrayal, showing God's foreknowledge but not His forcing of the act.
Yes, Les Feldick teaches that even at the last moment, Jesus offered Judas a chance to repent by calling him 'Friend.' Judas could have turned back, but he chose not to. His betrayal was not forced.
No, Les explains that prophecy foresees what will happen, not what must happen against one's will. God's foreknowledge doesn't remove Judas's free will. He freely chose to betray Jesus.
Watch the Teaching: What Really Happened at Pentecost? Acts 2 Explained