Are There Different Degrees of Punishment in Hell?

We continue to delve into the concept of eternity, focusing now on Hell. Although it can be uncomfortable to write or read about an afterlife in Hell, it remains an important topic. I think there are different levels of punishment in Hell.

The Biblical Basis for Degrees of Punishment

Chuck Swindoll, a Bible teacher, talks about varying degrees of retribution, saying, “There will always be some who receive less divine input than others. Because of this, I believe there are different degrees of eternal punishment. Before you throw stones at me, carefully consider Jesus’s words:”

⁴⁷That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. ⁴⁸But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:47-48).

Swindoll continues: “Let’s understand that no one without Christ spends eternity in heaven. But the specifics of how God handles those without Christ, because they heard so little, might very well be answered by the idea of degrees of punishment. But we know that heaven will not be their home.”^[1]

The Weight of Influence and Accountability

Do you believe that one's influence on Earth impacts their eternity? I believe so. The more influence one wields over others, the greater the responsibility and accountability they bear. Some people in the public eye serve as role models for the young, yet their lives are immoral. God will scrutinize them more closely because of their influence. I encourage caution before assuming a position of influence. Jesus taught that we should first remove the plank from our own eye before helping others with their speck (Matthew 7:3-5). All of us who believe in Christ are already influential, especially if you're recognized as a Christian in your community or workplace. Others watch how you live, and their eternal destiny can depend on how they respond to Christ's message, reflected in your words and actions. While everyone teaches to some extent, not everyone is a teacher. For a teacher to be truly effective, they must also practice the life they teach.

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).

Living by the Light You Have Received

Christian leaders will be judged more strictly because of the light they have received and their influential position. For those without Christ, the higher their influence rises, the greater their level of accountability at judgment. It makes sense that just as there are different levels of reward for the righteous, there will also be different levels of punishment for those in Hell. My prayer for you today is that you reflect on the kind of life you are living before God and others. Live by the light you have received. To whom much is given, much is expected. Place your trust in the Lord Jesus—do it today! Your eternity and that of others depend on it. Keith Thomas

Continue Your Journey…

This devotional is part of our series, Insights into Eternity. If you want to dive deeper into what God has planned for your future, continue to the next lesson: Is Hell A Real Place?

^[1]Charles R. Swindoll, Growing Deep in the Christian Life, Published by Multnomah Press, 1987. Page 324.