Yep I was talking about temporary punishment before annihilation. You and I have a differing opinions about punishment and the Law, but I think fairness means a Judge cannot let a sin (breaking the law) go unpunished, He must uphold the Law. Without a punishment there is no law. Whatever the law demands, everyone is to judged fairly by the same law, even if they are annihilated after. The wicked are paying their debt, and this all sets a precedence for anyone in the futures opinion about Go keeping his Word in relation to the Judgment on sin. There is a school of thought that thinks this world and age will be a lesson to Angels and not just humans.How can one eternal punishment be any greater or lesser than another? They are both eternal? Or are you talking about some temporary punishment before annihilation? (Paidion)
(I just noticed you used the word temporary. I do not mean on earth (only), I mean punishment for our sins (including) post-mortem, post judgment. Although i believe God chooses to overlook alot of sins, not all sins are overlooked as He does in the OT and Law. The sin of rebellion and unbelief for instance seem to be what Gentiles are guilty of, so i do not believe God punishes extensively every little sin, although greater sins adultry, murder, false prophets, receive punishment for sure...)