Because Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in paradise,” that man entered heaven—not because of his works or his goodness—but because of his faith in Jesus Christ. In the same way, anyone who rejects Christ faces eternal separation from God, not because of their actions alone, but because of their unbelief.
In a recent message from Hope Worth Having, Pastor Mike Sanders of The Open Door Church explored a sobering yet essential question: Will there be degrees of punishment in hell? The Bible gives us a clear answer—and it may surprise you.
1. Hell Is Real, and God’s Judgment Is Righteous
In Luke 10, Jesus warned entire cities that rejected Him. He said it would be “more tolerable for Sodom than for that city” (Luke 10:12). His words reveal that hell is a real place, and that judgment is not the same for every person.
The Gospel of Luke is often called the Gospel of repentance. Over and over again, we see God calling people to turn away from sin and turn toward faith in Jesus Christ. The reality of hell reminds us that God’s judgment is both just and merciful—He gives every person a chance to repent and be saved.
2. Sinners Will Be Punished According to Their Deeds
Scripture consistently teaches that people will be judged according to their works—but salvation is only by grace through faith. Romans 2:6 says that God “will render to each one according to his deeds.”
For the believer, those deeds determine rewards in heaven. For the unbeliever, they determine degrees of punishment in hell.
- Heaven is not earned by good works—it is a gift received through faith in Christ.
- Hell is not the result of sin alone—it is the result of rejecting the Savior who paid for that sin.
Pastor Mike reminded listeners of the thief on the cross—a man whose life was full of mistakes, but whose faith in Christ saved him in his final hour. That thief went to heaven not because of his deeds, but because of his belief.
“Anybody who is cast into hell is cast into hell because they do not believe in Jesus Christ.” — Pastor Mike Sanders
3. Sinners Will Be Judged According to the Light They Received
In Luke 12:47–48, Jesus taught that those who knew God’s truth but ignored it would receive a harsher punishment than those who had little knowledge.
“To whom much is given, much will be required.”
This principle applies to everyone who has heard the Gospel. The more revelation, teaching, and truth someone receives, the greater their accountability before God. Cities like Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida saw Jesus’ miracles firsthand but refused to repent. Jesus warned that it would be more tolerable for Sodom on Judgment Day than for them.
Those who sit under the preaching of God’s Word week after week have been given great light. As Pastor Mike said, “The revelation that God has given you brings responsibility to every heart.”
4. Some Will Experience Greater Condemnation Than Others
The Bible makes it clear that there are varying degrees of punishment in hell—just as there are varying rewards in heaven. Hebrews 10:29 warns of those who have “trampled the Son of God underfoot” and “insulted the Spirit of grace.”
Capernaum, the headquarters of Jesus’ earthly ministry, was blessed beyond measure to witness His presence and power. Yet Jesus said, “You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.” Their privilege became their judgment because they rejected Him despite the greatest evidence possible.
Religious hypocrisy will face the same fate. Jesus said in Matthew 23:14, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites… Therefore you will receive a greater condemnation.”
C.S. Lewis once wrote, “The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without signposts.” Many people coast through life, ignoring God’s warnings, never realizing they are drifting toward destruction.
5. The Doctrine of Hell Should Move Every Heart
Hell is not a topic designed to scare believers—it’s meant to stir our hearts to gratitude and mission. Pastor Mike shared three takeaways for every listener:
For the Unbeliever
Hell reminds us to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. No one has to go to hell. God has made a way through His Son’s death and resurrection. As long as there is breath, there is hope.
For the Believer
Hell reminds us of what we’ve been spared from. Salvation is not something we earned—it is a miracle of grace. Take time to thank God for rescuing you from sin and death.
For the Church
Hell reminds us that what we do matters. Every ministry, every act of service, and every word of witness is part of a divine rescue mission. As Pastor Mike said, “We are on an assignment from heaven to reach as many people as possible.”
Choose Christ Today
Hell is a real place—but so is heaven. And through the cross, Jesus made the way for every sinner to be saved.
Faith, not works, determines our eternal destination. Like the thief on the cross, anyone can call on the name of Jesus and hear the words, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
If you’ve never made that decision, don’t wait. Repent of your sin, place your faith in Christ, and receive the eternal life He freely offers.