Why did Peter find forgiveness but Judas did not?

Answer 1

Because of God's decision. He has mercy on whom he will; as he said to Moses.

So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. (Romans 9.15,16)

Another Answer:Peter found forgiveness because he asked for forgiveness. Judas didn't ask for forgiveness. Another AnswerPeter found forgiveness because he repented, but Judas did not repent and therefore was not forgiven.

The relevant verses are:

(For Peter):-

Matt 26 (v.74) Then began [Peter] to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Matt 26 (v.75) And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

(For Judas):_

Matt 27 (v.3) Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

It would appear from the King James translation that Judas repented, but he actually did not.

Commentator David Guzik says on Matthew 26:74-75:-

d. We see a significant contrast between Judas (showing apostasy) and Peter (showing backsliding).

i. Apostasy is giving up the truth, as Judas did. Judas was sorry about his sin, but it was not a sorrow leading to repentance.

ii. Backsliding is a decline from a spiritual experience once enjoyed. Peter slipped, but he will not fall; his bitter weeping will lead to repentance and [his later] restoration.

Other translations make it clear that Judas did notactually repent :-

Other versions render "Repent" here in Matthew 27:3 in the KJ as instead:

-"changed his mind" (ESV)

-"regretted what had happened" (GW)

-"regretted what he had done"(NET)

-"felt remorse"(NASB)

-"was remorseful"(NKJV)

Basically, Peter repented but Judas didn't.