The adversaries teach we merit grace by contrition. In reference to this, if anyone should ask why Saul, Judas, and similar persons (who were dreadfully contrite) did not receive grace, here is the answer: We take it from faith and according to the Gospel, that Judas did not believe. He did not support himself by the Gospel and Christ's promise. For faith shows the distinction between the contrition of Judas (Matthew 27:3-5) and the contrition of Peter (Matthew 26:75). But the adversaries take their answer from the Law, that Judas did not love God, but feared the punishments. When will a terrified conscience be able to decide whether it fears God for His own sake or is fleeing from eternal punishments? The Psalms and the Prophets describe describe those serious, true, and great terrors which the truly converted experience. Such great emotions can be distinguished in letters and terms, but they are not separated in fact, as these dear philosophers imagine. - The Apology to the Augsburg Confession XII: 8-9.
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. 1st edition. St. Louis: Concordia, 2005
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