The Discipline of the Lord

"For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives" (Heb. 12:6).

The author of Hebrews quotes this passage to enable his readers to understand the hardship does not mean that God does not love us or that we are somehow illegitimate. He states, "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?" (Heb. 12:4). Thus, the believer should expect to be disciplined when they sin. The discipline means that God is showing his love. Hardship should be endured as discipline (Heb. 12:7). God, through his gracious discipline, is molding us into people he desires us to be.

This passage verse however is very frightening. It warns that disobedience will be met with chastisement. Sin will be confronted with disciplinary action. While the prospect of being disciplined is frightening, it also comes with a pleasant promise. Discipline is an open expression of affection and belonging. By chastening us, God is saying, "You're mine. I love you."

The verse is also frightening for another reason. If a professing believer continues in habitual unrepentant sin, but never experiences conviction or correction, then it means that they are not received by God as his child, and that he doesn't love them. The author states it plainly, "If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons" (Heb. 12:8). To walk in darkness, that is, to live a life of unrepentant habitual sin, is live without the light of eternal life.

If a person says that they know and love God, but have no desire to do his will, they do not know and love God. If a person can shrug their shoulder at the threat of discipline, and press forward in sin, they don't know God. If a person's greatest fear when they sin is that people may find out, they don't know God. A heart touched by the grace of God, through the gospel of Jesus Christ, will fear the displeasure of God. It will fear wounding the heart of God by treating the blood of Christ as a common thing. It will grieve the grief it has caused the Holy Spirit. The saved soul will mourn it's participation in the defilement of the holy. The converted soul, may struggle under the burden of discipline for a season, but will ultimately, and always, yield to the will of the Lord.

If hardship comes your way, endure it as discipline and remind yourself God is showing you his love. If you experience chastisement because you are a backslider, repent quickly and thank God for his gracious kindness. If you loving sin right now and aren't face discipline, tremble in fear.