Remorse? Repentance? Me thinks my pastor is splitting hairs ...

Today, our pastor in Ocean Shores--a sweet Baptist and good friend, at least until today--suggested that Grace is defined as "undeserved love" and that it's a mystery how God chooses some of us and rejects others. He specifically cited Judas as an example of the latter.

After his sermon, which was quite good in most respects, he asked for questions.

I waited until many had had their chances to pontificate on "Hell being our own choice" and other such jewels of wisdom [sic] relating to so many of us who reject the Grace of God before I asked a simple question.

I used (perhaps clumsy) words to describe a child of perhaps two who was learning to walk in the sands of Judea 2000 years ago. I gave this child the name, Judas, and asked how God in all of his mercy chose to reject this child.

Before the pastor was able to come up with his answer, several in the Congregation angrily suggested that I read my Bible more carefully and realize that Judas rejected Christ and not vice-versa. The Pastor then broke in and said something like, "That was a good question, Joe, but you must see that Judas showed remorse in the end and not repentance--even hanging himself as the ultimate sin!"

I let it pass and apologized to Pastor Kerry on the way out for having asked the question.

But now, I read in my New International (NIV) version of the Bible some interesting words: (Matthew 27:4): "I have sinned," he [Judas] said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."

Remorse? Repentance? Sounds a little like my very gentle (really!) and intelligent (really!) pastor might just be splitting hairs a little.

Would Jesus so split hairs?