God's Discipline

Hebrews 5:7-10

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

The emphasis here is on verses 8 and 9. Many times during dark days I have needed to remind myself of these verses. We often cry out in pain and frustration when we are suffering through difficult days, yet these verses say that Jesus learned through what He suffered. Sinless, perfect Jesus learned through His sufferings. Does that put our suffering into perspective? It should. Our sufferings are justified, regardless if it comes from a direct act of our own, because we are sinners. We often go without suffering immediate consequences of our sins, but make no mistake, they affect us inside and out. Later in Hebrews, the writer states that if you are not disciplined, you are not a child of God.

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
(Heb 12:5-8)

How and when God chooses to discipline us, or whether He chooses to spare us discipline at times through His mercy, is designed to make us more like Christ. Romans says that we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, thus God treats us as His children.

When I was younger, I often seemed to get into conversations about "once saved, always saved." I believe the phrase "eternal salvation" seems to answer that question. His propitiatory death on the cross paid for my sin; past, present, and future. It granted to me a righteous standing before God the same as Christ Himself. It declares me pure, holy, and righteous and free from the condemnation and judgment of sin. His death established a relationship between God and myself as Father and son. A relationship that can never be broken. Praise God for His unspeakable gift.