Different Degrees of Hell??

Parson · #1 10-21-2007, 07:43 AM

Hi!

Recently, a friend of mine related a sermon that was preached in a campmeeting. The sermon (I am not sure of the title) thrust suggested that there were different degrees of punishment that awaited the lost.

For example, Adolph Hitler would reap a much greater punishment than Joe Sixpack--a good ole boy never meaning no harm.

Having been taught that there is no BIG sin and Little sin, I found the idea of different degrees in hell quite surprizing.

Is this "doctrine" widely preached?

What scriptural support is there for different degrees of hell?

While I have since given the topic some study, I would like the imput of the great scholars that grace this forum.

Blessings

Parson

mizpeh · #2 10-21-2007, 09:06 AM

I was always taught all sin is the same, but Paul said he was the chiefest of sinners. And Jesus taught there is an impardonable sin.

I recall someone had a seen hell in a dream and wrote about the sides of the pit and the experiences souls had there were based on their sins. I can't remember who wrote it, maybe Dante?

http://www.enotes.com/inferno

Michael The Disciple · #3 10-21-2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I was always taught all sin is the same, but Paul said he was the chiefest of sinners. And Jesus taught there is an impardonable sin.

I recall someone had a seen hell in a dream and wrote about the sides of the pit and the experiences souls had there were based on their sins. I can't remember who wrote it, maybe Dante?

http://www.enotes.com/inferno

It was Jewish scholars who got the idea that ones sins would be brought to them over and over in Hades. A scriptural approach would be the wicked are DESTROYED in Gehanna.

28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. 10:28

Like Jesus said.

mizpeh · #4 10-21-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

It was Jewish scholars who got the idea that ones sins would be brought to them over and over in Hades. A scriptural approach would be the wicked are DESTROYED in Gehanna.

28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. 10:28

Like Jesus said.

What Jewish scholars?

The rich man lifted up his eyes in hell and wasn't destroyed with the kind of destruction you are thinking of...complete and utter annihilation. Isa 33:14, Matt 25:46 Just as spiritual death, being dead in sins and trespasses, doesn't mean we no longer are physically alive.

I think Parson is presupposing the eternal torment of the sinner. If the righteous recieve different rewards in heaven then I suppose it is not far out to consider the punishments of hell may also be different.

Parson · #5 10-21-2007, 07:16 PM

You are correct in your assessment of eternal torment in hell.

I assume that there are those that hold to soul sleep and annihilation. The differences between everlasting punishment and annihilation would be a great topic to discuss…should anyone be interested.

Regarding different degrees of Hell…I found that the Jewish thinking regarding punishment did reflect different degrees…rather than a carte blanche judgment for all.

Quote:

This region is allotted as a place of custody for souls, ill which angels are appointed as guardians to them, who distribute to them temporary punishments, agreeable to every one’s behavior and manners.

The phrase “agreeable to everyone’s behavior and manners” does reflect a difference in punishment.

Also, the judgments of the Lord are said to be equitable.

Quote:

Rev 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

The Greek word for RIGHTEOUS is dikaios which means equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): - just, meet, right (-eous).

If God’s judgments are EQUITABLE…or just….then one can only assume that there is a difference made in the punishment, depending upon the type of sin.

One makes a great point when pointing out that one sin carries a greater punishment in that it carries no forgiveness…blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Thanks for your thoughts

And I look forward to reading more of your opinions.

Blessings

Parson

crakjak · #6 10-21-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parson

Hi!

Recently, a friend of mine related a sermon that was preached in a campmeeting. The sermon (I am not sure of the title) thrust suggested that there were different degrees of punishment that awaited the lost.

For example, Adolph Hitler would reap a much greater punishment than Joe Sixpack--a good ole boy never meaning no harm.

Having been taught that there is no BIG sin and Little sin, I found the idea of different degrees in hell quite surprizing.

Is this "doctrine" widely preached?

What scriptural support is there for different degrees of hell?

Blessings

Parson

Scripture tells us that all will receive "a just recompense of reward", so absolutely punishment will compensatory to one's sin.

Now how can any action of humans in a short life of sin be compensatory to billions and billions of years of "endless, unbearable torture"?

Why would God's purpose be punitive instead of redemptive? http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/je...ingonhell.html

mfblume · #7 10-22-2007, 06:15 PM

Luk 12:47-48 KJV And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (48) But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

2Pe 2:21 KJV For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Parson · #8 10-22-2007, 06:49 PM

Great points, Bro Blume!

There is a difference between those that knew the Lord's will but did not do it...........and those that did not know the Lord's will.

Parson

Esther · #9 10-31-2007, 04:43 PM

Read "A Revelation of Hell" by Mary Baxter

She has a lot of interesting things to say about it.

One I won't forget is how the demons torment those that knew the truth and backslid.

mfblume · #10 10-31-2007, 08:04 PM

A "Revelation of Hell"???

Sister please forgive me, and know I am not reflecting on you whatsoever, but only the author of that book.

I read that book, and it was the biggest pack of nonsense I ever read in my entire life. It says that hell is in the shape of a human body and that hells' compartments are along the shape of a man's legs, arms, head and torso. It said that physical portals had to be opened in order for demons to come and go from this human-body-shaped hell.

I doubt very much that devils need portals opened for them to leave a hell, any more than they require us to open windows to let them get out of our houses.

And I doubt very much that hell is shaped like a human body.