Eternal Torment, Annihilation or Universal Reconciliation?

[ClementofA]

Univarsalism denies God's statement that the wicked will be destroyed.

What scripture is that?

Where does Scripture say those destroyed are annihilated out of existence forever?

Universalism doesn't deny destruction or any of the Scriptures.

Universalism is not spelled "Univarsalism".

It isn't redundant. Paul states that Jesus turns the kingdom over to his God, THAT (meaning the RESULT IS) "God is all in all".

God in all, not some.

ONLY those who OBEY God will have God living in them!!
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

Sooner, or later, all will obey. See Phil.2:9-11, for example.

https://www.tentmaker.org/books/hope_beyond_hell.pdf

 

[anx66]

The only group the word torment is used about is in the book of revelation and refers to the torment of the beast, the false prophet, satan and those who worship the beast, in the lake of fire.
The word agony is used in Luke 16, but this seems to me to be an allegory or parable.
So, I don't see where the torment/torture of every person, who doesn't accept Jesus, comes from. Please could you clear this up for me?

 

[Der Alte]

The only group the word torment is used about is in the book of revelation and refers to the torment of the beast, the false prophet, satan and those who worship the beast, in the lake of fire.
The word agony is used in Luke 16, but this seems to me to be an allegory or parable.
So, I don't see where the torment/torture of every person, who doesn't accept Jesus, comes from. Please could you clear this up for me?

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ​

There are folks around who will say that "punishment" Matthew 25:46 does not mean "punishment" They rely on the Lexical "root fallacy" i.e. that "kolais," translated "punishment", must always have the assumed root meaning.
All of the early church fathers who quoted or referred to Lazarus and the rich man considered it factual.

• Irenaeus [A.D. 120-202.] Against Heresies Book II [pupil of Polycarp, who was a pupil of John the apostle]
ANF01. The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus - Christian Classics Ethereal Library
In that narrative which is recorded respecting the rich man and that Lazarus who found repose in the bosom of Abraham. In this account He states that Dives knew Lazarus after death, and Abraham in like manner, and that each one of these persons continued in his own proper position, and that [Dives] requested Lazarus to be sent to relieve him — [Lazarus], on whom he did not [formerly] bestow even the crumbs [which fell] from his table. [He tells us] also of the answer given by Abraham, who was acquainted not only with what respected himself, but Dives also, and who enjoined those who did not wish to come into that place of torment to believe Moses and the prophets, and to receive the preaching of Him who was to rise again from the dead.
• Irenaeus Against Heresies. Book IV. Chap II
3. But since the writings (literae) of Moses are the words of Christ, He does Himself declare to the Jews, as John has recorded in the Gospel: “If ye had believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, neither will ye believe My words.” (Joh_5:46-47) He thus indicates in the clearest manner that the writings of Moses are His words. If, then, [this be the case with regard] to Moses, so also, beyond a doubt, the words of the other prophets are His [words], as I have pointed out. And again, the Lord Himself exhibits Abraham as having said to the rich man, with reference to all those who were still alive: “If they do not obey Moses and the prophets, neither, if any one were to rise from the dead and go to them, will they believe him.” (Luk_16:31)
4. Now, He has not merely related to us a story respecting a poor man and a rich one; but He has taught us, in the first place, that no one should lead a luxurious life, nor, living in worldly pleasures and perpetual feastings, should be the slave of his lusts, and forget God. “For there was,” He says, “a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and delighted himself with splendid feasts.” (Luk_6:19) Of such persons, too, the Spirit has spoken by Esaias: “They drink wine with [the accompaniment of] harps, and tablets, and psalteries, and flutes; but they regard not the works of God, neither do they consider the work of His hands.” (Isa_5:12)
• Tertullian [A.D. 145-220.] Treatise on the Soul
ANF03. Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian - Christian Classics Ethereal Library
In hell the soul of a certain man is in torment, punished in flames, suffering excruciating thirst, and imploring from the finger of a happier soul, for his tongue, the solace of a drop of water. Do you suppose that this end of the blessed poor man and the miserable rich man is only imaginary? Then why the name of Lazarus in this narrative, if the circumstance is not in (the category of) a real occurrence? But even if it is to be regarded as imaginary, it will still be a testimony to truth and reality. For unless the soul possessed corporeality, the image of a soul could not possibly contain a finger of a bodily substance; nor would the Scripture feign a statement about the limbs of a body, if these had no existence.
• Tertullian On Idolatry
ANF03. Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian - Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Thus, too, Eleazar in Hades, (attaining refreshment in Abraham’s bosom) and the rich man, (on the other hand, set in the torment of fire) compensate, by an answerable retribution, their alternate vicissitudes of evil and good.
• Clement Of Alexandria [A.D. 153-193-217] The Instructor “
There was a certain man,” said the Lord, narrating, “very rich, who was clothed in purple and scarlet, enjoying himself splendidly every day.” This was the hay. “And a certain poor man named Lazarus was laid at the rich man’s gate, full of sores, desiring to be filled with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table.” This is the grass. Well, the rich man was punished in Hades, being made partaker of the fire; while the other flourished again in the Father’s bosom.
• Cyprian (A.D. 200-258) Epistle 54 To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus And Felicissimus, Or Against The Heretics
Whence also that rich sinner who implores help from Lazarus, then laid in Abraham’s bosom, and established in a place of comfort, while he, writhing in torments, is consumed by the heats of burning flame, suffers most punishment of all parts of his body in his mouth and his tongue, because doubtless in his mouth and his tongue he had most sinned.
• Archelaus [A.D. 277.] The Acts of the Disputation with the Heresiarch Manes.
41. There was a certain rich man, (Luk_16:19, etc.) who lived after the manner of the Gentiles, and passed his time in great luxury every day; and there was also another man, a poor man, who was his neighbour, and who was unable to procure even his daily bread. It happened that both these men departed this life, that they both descended into the grave,333 and that the poor man was conveyed into the place of rest, and so forth, as is known to you. But, furthermore, that rich man had also five brothers, living as he too had lived, and disturbed by no doubt as to lessons which they had learned at home from such a master. The rich man then entreated that these should be instructed in the superior doctrine together and at once.334 But Abraham, knowing that they still stood in need of the paedagogue, said to him: “They have Moses and the prophets.” For if they received not these, so as to have their course directed by him, i.e., Moses, as by a paedagogue, they would not be capable of accepting the doctrine of the superior master.
• Methodius [A.D. 260-312.] From the Discourse on the Resurrection. Part III.
XIX. He says that Origen holds these opinions which he refutes. And there may be a doubt concerning Lazarus and the rich man. The simpler persons think that these things were spoken as though both were receiving their due for the things which they had done in life in their bodies; but the more accurate think that, since no one is left in life after the resurrection, these things do not happen at the resurrection. For the rich man says: “I have five brethren; . . . lest they also ome into this place of torment,” (Luk_16:28) send Lazarus, that he may tell them of those things hich are here. And, therefore, if we ask respecting the “tongue,” and the “finger,” and “Abraham’s bosom,” and the reclining there, it may perhaps be that the soul receives in the change a form similar in appearance to its gross and earthly body.​

 

[rjs330]

What scripture is that?

Where does Scripture say those destroyed are annihilated out of existence forever?

Universalism doesn't deny destruction or any of the Scriptures.

Universalism is not spelled "Univarsalism".




God in all, not some.



Sooner, or later, all will obey. See Phil.2:9-11, for example.

https://www.tentmaker.org/books/hope_beyond_hell.pdf

Once again scriptures are taken out of context. Well in this case words. Note the verse.

But when all things have been brought under his control, then the Son himself will also be under the control of the one who gave him control over everything so that God may be all in all. - 1 Corinthians 15:28 Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 15:28 - Common English Bible

The all in all is a reference of control and power not indwelling. It's a matter of authority and power and control. GOD is supreme over everything. It has nothing to do with dwelling inside everyone. I'm seeing a pattern here from this type or argument. A very large dose of scripture out of context. It's too bad really because it puts people at risk of losing their souls. An unbeliever will hear this doctrine and say "well then I don't have to believe any of this religious nonsense because I will be saved anyway. I can live my life anyway I want and I will be fine." Then someday they will stand before Christ and their names will not be in the book of Life and they will be cast into outer darkness and the lake of fire and they will say "but Clement told me I would be fine!".

 

[ClementofA]

Once again scriptures are taken out of context. Well in this case words. Note the verse.

But when all things have been brought under his control, then the Son himself will also be under the control of the one who gave him control over everything so that God may be all in all. - 1 Corinthians 15:28 Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 15:28 - Common English Bible

The all in all is a reference of control and power not indwelling. It's a matter of authority and power and control. GOD is supreme over everything. It has nothing to do with dwelling inside everyone. I'm seeing a pattern here from this type or argument. A very large dose of scripture out of context. It's too bad really because it puts people at risk of losing their souls. An unbeliever will hear this doctrine and say "well then I don't have to believe any of this religious nonsense because I will be saved anyway. I can live my life anyway I want and I will be fine." Then someday they will stand before Christ and their names will not be in the book of Life and they will be cast into outer darkness and the lake of fire and they will say "but Clement told me I would be fine!".

"It has nothing to do with dwelling inside everyone."

God all ***IN*** all (1 Cor.15:28)

"An unbeliever will hear this doctrine and say "well then I don't have to believe any of this religious nonsense because I will be saved anyway."

They'll go to "hell" first. Most people obey the law to avoid prison for a few days, months or years.

Many atheists reject Christ due to the endless torment teaching of a God Who is said to BE love. Many who were once going to church or believed in Jesus have done the same.

https://www.tentmaker.org/books/hope_beyond_hell.pdf

 

[ClementofA]

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ​

There are folks around who will say that "punishment" Matthew 25:46 does not mean "punishment" They rely on the Lexical "root fallacy" i.e. that "kolais," translated "punishment", must always have the assumed root meaning.

​

Some alternate translations have:

Young‘s Literal Translation: ―punishment age-during.
Rotherham Translation: ―age-abiding correction.
Weymouth Translation: ―punishment of the ages.
Concordant Literal Translation: ―chastening eonian."

eonian, "αἰώνιος...lasting for an age...partaking of the character of that which lasts for an age, as contrasted with that which is brief and fleeting... (also used of past time, or past and future as well) Derivation: from G165;" G166 αἰώνιος - Strong's Greek Lexicon

The "eternal" (eonian) fire that burned Sodom went out long ago:

Jude 1:7 As Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them in like manner to these committing ultra-prostitution, and coming away after other flesh, are lying before us, a specimen, experiencing the justice of fire eonian."

"2851. kolasis...Short Definition: chastisement, punishment..."

"In the late 2nd century/early 3rd century, Clement of Alexandria clearly distinguished between kólasis and timoria: “For there are partial corrections [padeiai] which are called chastisements [kólasis], which many of us who have been in transgression incur by falling away from the Lord’s people. But as children are chastised by their teacher, or their father, so are we by Providence. But God does not punish [timoria], for punishment [timoria] is retaliation for evil. He chastises, however, for good to those who are chastised collectively and individually” (Strom. 7.16)."

From Here to Eternity: How Long is Forever?

Earlier in the book of Matthew the same author wrote:

Mt.1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Mt.2:6b ...my people Israel.

From page 26 the passage in Matthew 25 is considered at:

https://www.tentmaker.org/books/hope_beyond_hell.pdf

 

[anx66]

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ​

There are folks around who will say that "punishment" Matthew 25:46 does not mean "punishment" They rely on the Lexical "root fallacy" i.e. that "kolais," translated "punishment", must always have the assumed root meaning.

I believe that there is punishment for the things you have done, and then anhilation (which can also an eternal punishment). Are you sure none of the early Christians never believed in Anhilation. If you can show me the scripture that says that people who don't accept Jesus will be tormented for ever, then I might just change my mind.

 

[anx66]

Isn't there a scripture that states that punishments will be different for different people?

I think it is Luke 12:47.

Doesn't this scripture mean that people will get different punishments? If so, how can hell be eternal torment, as that would mean in the long run all would be tormented the same

 

[anx66]

Once again scriptures are taken out of context. Well in this case words. Note the verse.

But when all things have been brought under his control, then the Son himself will also be under the control of the one who gave him control over everything so that God may be all in all. - 1 Corinthians 15:28 Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 15:28 - Common English Bible

The all in all is a reference of control and power not indwelling. It's a matter of authority and power and control.

God may be all in all, seems to be another way of saying, God the father will be over all things and persons, even Jesus.

 

[Der Alte]

I believe that there is punishment for the things you have done, and then anhilation (which can also an eternal punishment). Are you sure none of the early Christians never believed in Anhilation. If you can show me the scripture that says that people who don't accept Jesus will be tormented for ever, then I might just change my mind.

I'll do that as soon as you show me scripture which clearly, unequivocally says unrepentant sinners will either all be saved no matter what or that all will be annihilated, depending on which one you believe?

 

[Der Alte]

Some alternate translations have:...

Irrelevant. Same ol' copy/paste from tentmaker's deleted does not merit a reply. I'm not here to write a book report on any book you choose to copy paste from. I prefer to see credible, verifiable, historical evidence such as direct quotes from historical sources e.g. ECF and from Lexicons and grammars. Here is the definition of kolasis from Bauer, Arndt, Gincrich Greek lexicon. To assist scoffers I have highlighted in blue the historical sources the authors derived the meaning from.

κόλασις, εω, hJ punishment (so Hippocr. +; Diod. S. 1, 77, 9; 4, 44, 3; Aelian , V.H. 7, 15; Dit., Syll. 2 680, 13; LXX ; Philo , Leg. ad Gai. 7, Mos. 1, 96; Jos. , Ant. 17, 164; Sib. Or. 5, 388).
1. lit. k. uJpomevnein undergo punishment GOxy 6; deinai; k. (4 Macc 8:9 ) MPol 2:4; hJ ejpivmono" k. long-continued torture ibid. kakai; k. tou` diabovlou IRo 5:3. Of the martyrdom of Jesus PK 4 p. 15, 34. The smelling of the odor arising fr. sacrifices ironically described as punishment, injury (
s. kolavzw ) Dg 2:9.
2. of divine retribution ( Diod. S. 3, 61, 5; 16, 61, 1; Epict. 3, 11, 1; Dio Chrys. 80[30], 12; 2 Macc 4:38 al. in LXX ; Philo , Spec. Leg. 1, 55; 2, 196; Jos. , Ant. 1, 60 al. ): w. aijkismov" 1 Cl 11:1. Of eternal damnation ( w. qavnato" ) Dg 9:2 ( Diod. S. 8, 15, 1 k. ajqavnato" ). Of hell: tovpo" kolavsew" AP 6:21 (Simplicius in Epict. p. 13, 1 eij" ejkei`non to;n tovpon aiJ kolavsew" deovmenai yucai; katapevmpontai). ajpevrcesqai eij" k. aijwvnion go away into eternal punishment Mt 25:46 ; MPol 11:2 ( k. aij. as Test. Reub. 5:5, Ash. 7:5; Celsus 8, 48). rJuvesqai ejk th`" aijwnivou k. rescue fr. eternal punishment 2 Cl 6:7. th;n aijwvnion k. ejxagoravzesqai buy one’s freedom fr. eternal pun. MPol 2:3. kakai; k. tou` diabovlou IRo 5:3. k. tino" punishment for someth. (Ezk 14:3 , 4 , 7 ; 18:30 ; Philo , Fuga 65 aJmarthmavtwn k.) e[cein kovlasivn tina th`" ponhriva" aujtou` Hs 9, 18, 1. oJ fovbo" kovlasin e[cei fear has to do with punishment 1J 4:18 ( cf. Phil o, In Flacc. 96 fovbo" kolavsew" ). M-M. *
Link: A Greek-English Lexicon Gingrich & Danker​

 

[anx66]

I'll do that as soon as you show me scripture which clearly, unequivocally says unrepentant sinners will either all be saved no matter what or that all will be annihilated, depending on which one you believe?

I don't believe everyone will be saved, and I see no evidence in the bible to show that your position on eternal torture is correct. So, I'm not sure where to go from here.

 

[Butch5]

Sorry misunderstanding about Universalism. The ECT is probably one of the strongest doctrines in scripture. Those that don't believe in it most often have to do a lot of biblical gymnastics to get away from it.

Not at all. It's not supported by Scripture. It's inferred by taking a few passages out of context. That along with a misunderstanding of a couple of Greek and Hebrew words.

 

[Butch5]

Thank you for this unsupported opinion, I did not ask for that.

More unsupported opinion. Have you been dead then returned and can speak from your own experience what happens? No you have not, you can only talk about it from this side.

As a neurosurgeon, I did not believe in the phenomenon of near-death experiences. I grew up in a scientific world, the son of a neurosurgeon. I followed my father’s path and became an academic neurosurgeon, teaching at Harvard Medical School and other universities. I understand what happens to the brain when people are near death, and I had always believed there were good scientific explanations for the heavenly out-of-body journeys described by those who narrowly escaped death.
...
Very early one morning four years ago, I awoke with an extremely intense headache. Within hours, my entire cortex—the part of the brain that controls thought and emotion and that in essence makes us human—had shut down.
...
When I entered the emergency room that morning, my chances of survival in anything beyond a vegetative state were already low. They soon sank to near nonexistent. For seven days I lay in a deep coma, my body unresponsive, my higher-order brain functions totally offline.
...
All the chief arguments against near-death experiences suggest that these experiences are the results of minimal, transient, or partial malfunctioning of the cortex. My near-death experience, however, took place not while my cortex was malfunctioning, but while it was simply off. This is clear from the severity and duration of my meningitis, and from the global cortical involvement documented by CT scans and neurological examinations. According to current medical understanding of the brain and mind, there is absolutely no way that I could have experienced even a dim and limited consciousness during my time in the coma, much less the hyper-vivid and completely coherent odyssey I underwent.
My Proof of Heaven​

It's not unsupported opinion. There is plenty of scientific evidence that shows that dead people can't talk. If anything is unsupported it's your claim that the dead can speak. Show me one dead person who can talk. Just one! You make an argument from an unproven premise and then expect others to accept it. Unless you can show that dead people can talk, your argument is blowing smoke.

Firstly, in your experience, you weren't dead, so it doesn't really address this subject. As far as proof of Heaven, it's subject. It's proof to you not everyone else. However, the existence of Heaven isn't being questioned.

 

[ClementofA]

Same ol' copy/paste from tentmaker's

​

False.

Do you think this is the same:

Irrelevant! Jesus did not correct these specific beliefs.

[snip]

• All that descend into Gehenna shall come up again, with the exception of three classes of men: those who have committed adultery, or shamed their neighbors, or vilified them

According to you Gehenna = Hades to these Pharisees you quoted. Now apply the quote above to the story of the rich man in Hades in Lk.16:19-31. Then your quote reads:

"All that descend into Gehenna/HADES shall come up again, with the exception of three classes of men: those who have committed adultery, or shamed their neighbors, or vilified them"

Still think Jesus "did not correct these specific beliefs"?

https://www.tentmaker.org/books/hope_beyond_hell.pdf​

 

[Dartman]

Univarsalism denies God's statement that the wicked will be destroyed.

What scripture is that?
Where does Scripture say those destroyed are annihilated out of existence forever?
Universalism doesn't deny destruction or any of the Scriptures.

More accurately; "which Scriptures" since there are many.
Jude 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
Mal 4:1-3 For, behold, the day cometh, it burneth as a furnace; and all the proud, and all that work wickedness, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Jehovah of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make, saith Jehovah of hosts.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be His God, and He shall be my son. 8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

Just to list a few.

God in all, not some.

All survivors, the wicked have been destroyed in this context.

Sooner, or later, all will obey. See Phil.2:9-11, for example.

This says all will kneel and confess... not that all will obey. Keep trying, so far you have failed.

 

[ClementofA]

Jude 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

What version is that?

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; (Jude 12, KJV)

 

[Der Alte]

It's not unsupported opinion. There is plenty of scientific evidence that shows that dead people can't talk. If anything is unsupported it's your claim that the dead can speak. Show me one dead person who can talk. Just one! You make an argument from an unproven premise and then expect others to accept it. Unless you can show that dead people can talk, your argument is blowing smoke.
Firstly, in your experience, you weren't dead, so it doesn't really address this subject. As far as proof of Heaven, it's subject. It's proof to you not everyone else. However, the existence of Heaven isn't being questioned.

That was not my experience it was the experience of a neurosurgeon and as he said he was clinically dead.
I have already proved from scripture that "dead" people in sheol and hades speak, move etc.
Isaiah 14:9-11, Ezekiel 32:21-22, Ezekiel 32:30-31, Luke 16:20-24, Luke 16:27-28.

 

[Dartman]

What version is that?

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; (Jude 12, KJV)

Sigh .... terrible "cut-n-paste" skills...
2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
This is KJV, I can provide a dozen more, if you like.

 

[ClementofA]

Sigh .... terrible "cut-n-paste" skills...
2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
This is KJV, I can provide a dozen more, if you like.

and these, as irrational natural beasts, made to be caught and destroyed -- in what things they are ignorant of, speaking evil -- in their destruction shall be destroyed, (YLT)

The word "destroyed" (2 Pet.2:12b) is the same as at 2 Cor.3:17:

17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

In context this is for the person's salvation:

1 Cor.5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

God's judgements are salvific:

"My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness." (Isa.26:9)

The Lord is acquainted with the rescue of the devout out of trial, yet is keeping the unjust for chastening in the day of judging. (2 Pet.2:9)

51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. (Luke 9)

Hebrews speaks of those who reject Christ as deserving a "sorer" punishment than death by Moses' law, i.e. stoning:

10:28 A man that hath set at nought Moses' law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Stoning to death is not a very sore or longlasting punishment. People suffered far worse deaths via the torture methods of the Medieval Inquisitionists and the German Nazis under Hitler.

Therefore, if the writer of Hebrews believed the wicked would be punished with something so monstrous as being endlessly annihilated out of existence, he would not have chosen to compare their punishment to something so lame as being stoned to death. Clearly he did not believe Love Omnipotent is an unfeeling terminator machine who abandons forever the beings He created in His image & likeness so easily.

https://www.tentmaker.org/books/hope_beyond_hell.pdf