Introduction:
1. This question touches on some important matters of God’s nature.
2. The biblical passages in this area can appear to cut both ways, but a closer look will reveal that this is not the case.
Discussion:
I. The Wages of Sin
A. Sin= Gr. hamartia: to miss the mark, wander from the path (Thayer)
B. Uncleansed sin ends in spiritual death (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23).
C. In this sense, all sin is equal along with its punishment.
II. Weightier Matters and Greater Sins
A. Jesus named two laws above all the rest (Matthew 22:34-40).
B. The Pharisees shirked the “weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23-24).
C. He said of Judas’ betrayal he had “the greater sin” (John 19:11).
D. Paul placed fornication in a different category of sin (1 Corinthians 6:18).
E. Obviously, some sins have greater consequences, at least on earth.
III. Degrees of Punishment and Reward
A. Multiple passages indicate some such scale in this area.
1. The parables of the talents and the minas seem to indicate some difference in levels of reward (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27).
2. Punishment for rebellion is greater than for ignorance (Luke 12:47-48).
3. It is worse to fall away than to never know the truth (2 Peter 2:20-22).
B. Though we cannot know the details of these degrees of punishment and reward, it is hard to deny that such is the case.
Conclusion:
1. God will render impartial judgment to each one based on our faithfulness or lack thereof (Romans 2:1-11; 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
2. Punishments and rewards will be commensurate with the life we live.
3. Nonetheless, there is no place in hell anyone would want to be, nor is there any place in heaven wherein one would wish to be elsewhere.
4. There will be no comparing of mansions in heaven, only giving of thanks.