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When Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross, He said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” That dying man entered heaven—not because of his works or 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 deeds alone, but because of unbelief. Salvation is by faith in Christ alone, and rejection of Him is what leads to judgment.
In a recent Hope Worth Having message, 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 a clear answer—and it may surprise you.
In Luke 10, Jesus warned entire cities that refused to believe in Him: “It will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that city” (Luke 10:12). His words remind us 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. From John the Baptist to Jesus Himself, we hear the call to turn away from sin and turn toward faith in Christ. The reality of hell shows us that God’s judgment is both just and merciful—He gives everyone the opportunity to repent and be saved.
The Bible consistently teaches that while salvation is by grace through faith, judgment is according to works. Romans 2:6 says, “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.
Pastor Mike reminded listeners of the thief on the cross—a man whose life was filled with failure, yet who believed in Jesus in his final moments. Jesus told him, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
“Anybody who is cast into hell is cast into hell because they do not believe in Jesus Christ.” — Pastor Mike Sanders
In Luke 12:47–48, Jesus said that those who know God’s truth but reject it will face a harsher judgment than those who have little knowledge:
“To whom much is given, much will be required.”
This principle means that the more truth and revelation a person receives, the greater their responsibility before God. Cities like Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida witnessed the miracles of Jesus firsthand, yet they refused to repent. Jesus warned that Sodom—a city destroyed for its wickedness—would fare better on Judgment Day than they would.
Those who regularly hear God’s Word, attend church, or sit under biblical teaching have received great light. With that privilege comes accountability.
“The revelation that God has given you brings responsibility to every heart.” — Pastor Mike Sanders
The Bible clearly teaches that punishment in hell will vary in severity—just as rewards in heaven will vary in glory.
Hebrews 10:29 speaks of those who have “trampled the Son of God underfoot” and “insulted the Spirit of grace.” These are people who heard the Gospel, knew the truth, and still rejected Christ. Scripture warns that their punishment will be far greater.
Capernaum, the very city where Jesus based His ministry, had every reason to believe. Yet Jesus said, “You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.” Their privilege became their condemnation because they rejected the greatest evidence of all—God Himself in the flesh.
Jesus also rebuked the religious leaders of His day, saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites… therefore you will receive greater condemnation” (Matthew 23:14).
C.S. Lewis once observed, “The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without signposts.” Many people drift through life ignoring God’s call, unaware that indifference itself leads to destruction.
Hell is not meant to simply frighten us—it’s meant to awaken us. The doctrine of hell should stir gratitude in the believer, urgency in the church, and repentance in the unbeliever.
Hell reminds us to turn to Christ while there is still time. No one has to go to hell. God has already made a way of escape through His Son’s death and resurrection.
Hell reminds us what we’ve been spared from. Our salvation is not earned—it’s a gift of grace. Let that truth move you to worship and thanksgiving.
Hell reminds us that what we do for Christ matters. Every act of service, every message shared, and every mission supported is part of God’s rescue plan for the lost.
“We are on an assignment from heaven to reach as many people as possible.” — Pastor Mike Sanders
Hell is real—but so is heaven. And through the cross, Jesus has made a way for every sinner to be saved.
Faith, not works, determines our eternal destiny. Like the thief on the cross, anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus in faith can receive His promise: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
If you’ve never trusted Christ as your Savior, don’t wait. Turn to Him today. Repent of your sin, believe in the Gospel, and receive the eternal life that only He can give.
At Hope Worth Having, we proclaim this truth every week because we believe that in Christ, there is truly Hope Worth Having.
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