Temporary Punishment
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives.
Hebrews 12:6 (CSB)
We encounter moments of pain, suffering, and punishment because sin still exists in our lives. As children of God, we are not perfect and continue to struggle. Our lives experience ebbs and flows, and there are times when sin begins to plague us. During these moments when sin causes us to stumble, we face temporary forms of pain, suffering, and punishment. These consequences exist for our benefit and stem from our eternal security. Since an authentic believer possesses true eternal security, these moments of temporary punishment serve as catalysts for greater spiritual growth and tools to encourage repentance.
The Backdrop of Temporary Punishment. Temporary punishment exists because of God’s love. The author of Hebrews makes this clear when he speaks of the Lord disciplining us due to His love for us. This discipline serves as a teaching tool and an instrument to guide us into spiritual maturity. This truth is embedded in our very nature. A parent disciplines their child out of love. The parent does not wish to punish the child but does so to help the child correct waywardness. The love of a parent for a child and the love of God for us serve as the backdrop for temporary punishment.
The Benefits of Temporary Punishment. Temporary punishment serves as a tool that offers spiritual benefits. It raises our awareness of sin in our lives, enabling us to acknowledge our waywardness and paving the way for repentance. Additionally, punishment contributes to our spiritual development. Through enduring punishment, we learn from our mistakes and gain a better understanding of how to live in accordance with the Lord. We cultivate a deeper awareness of our struggles and seek the Lord to find ways to achieve victory over those challenges.
Temporary Punishment and Eternal Security. Temporary punishment is framed by the eternal security of the believer. Eternal security serves as a reminder that God's discipline in the life of the believer addresses them here and now because of the assurance of eternity. Eternal security highlights God’s profound love for us, along with His care and compassion. As a result, we can view temporary punishment as beneficial for our walk with the Lord, since He is engaged in shaping us into who we are meant to be and will become.
QUESTIONS
How does eternal security help us frame the moments of experiencing the discipline of the Lord in our lives?
How has God disciplined you for the purpose of benefiting your walk with Him?
