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How is being cast into hell more or less tolerable? Hell is hell, isn't it? Are there areas worse or better in hell? How will that day be better for the people of Sodom than it will be for those who say they know the truth and walk in the light when the light that is in them is really darkness?
But it seems to be condemning hypocrites worse than it condemns sodomites...how will it be more tolerable for them on that day?
But it seems to be condemning hypocrites worse than it condemns sodomites...how will it be more tolerable for them on that day?
I don't know if you received any answers about this in the many pages that have been posted since you asked, but here is what Jesus says about the varying degrees of punishment at the Judgment for the lost, and what determines the level of punishment the lost person gets:
47“And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, 48but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." (Luke 12:47-48 NASB)
The thing that is entrusted to the slaves in varying amounts is the knowledge of the truth. Knowing more makes you more accountable to God. Hypocrites are especially damned because they talk up a good show of righteousness, showing how much they know about righteousness, but they don't live what they know. As opposed to the common 'sinner' who is just acting out of his lack of knowledge of the truth. Ignorance is going to be a better excuse on the Day of Judgment than having known the truth but failing to live it.