Why God's discipline is great news!

Wouldn’t it be nice if God sent down a “Spiritual Birth Certificate” or something of the sort when we were born again? Wouldn’t it be so reassuring if when we were baptized, we heard God say from Heaven, “This is my beloved son (or daughter), in whom I am well pleased.”?

Well, such things never happen. And yet, eternity is on the line. The Bible tells us that many people will breathe their last breath, stand before Jesus on the Day of Judgment thinking that Heaven awaits them only to have terror grip them as Jesus says, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” (see Matthew 7:21-23). And then, they are ushered into an eternal Hell.

So, how can we KNOW we’re saved? How can be absolutely sure that we aren’t deceiving ourselves?

Well, in my Bible reading this morning, I came across a very simple way that we can be assured that God is our Father, Jesus is our older Brother, the Holy Spirit indwells us and Heaven is our home. It is rooted in the fact that God punishes us when we sin.

Hebrews 12:5-8 (New Living Translation)

“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,

‘My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline,

and don’t give up when he corrects you.

For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.’

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.”

So, yes, you understood correctly. We can take comfort when God disciplines us when we violate His commands. Why? Because it assures us that we are really His children. It assures us that really are saved and on our way to Heaven.

So, does God discipline you when you sin?

"If you are living in immorality, you're either headed to the woodshed or headed to hell." – Adrian Rogers