In regard to false teachers, I was wondering if the people who lead others away from Jesus will be punished more strictly than the people who just rejected Him.
The Lord’s brother James said not many should presume to become teachers because we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). Believers who lead others astray will lose crowns and other rewards, but will still be saved (1 Cor. 3:10-15).
In 2 Peter 2:13 Peter said unbelieving false teachers will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. And in the judgment of unfaithful servants at the time of the 2nd Coming, the Lord said He would cut them to pieces and assign them to a place with the hypocrites where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 24:51). He was talking about false teachers.