Friday, 28 November 2014
But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:32
This verse shows us that those who are noted in verse 30 as being “weak,” “sick,” or who even “sleep” (meaning have died) were still saved despite their incorrect actions which led to the judgment rendered by the Lord, termed here as being “chastened.” It then shows that the term “damnation” used by the King James translation was in fact an immensely poor choice of words.
There is still salvation for believers who erred in this way because salvation is eternal. When someone believes, they are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee that they will never again come again under condemnation. Thus Paul makes a distinction between believers and “the world” (meaning unregenerate people). For those in Christ, there is the surety of salvation; for those in the world, there is the surety of condemnation.
The chastening of believers is noted in a detailed way in Hebrews 12 and further explains Paul’s thoughts in this verse –
“For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:6-11
Life application: Chastening from the Lord has a purpose that is intended to mold us further to His image and to correctly align our lives with His intent for us. Let us look with gratitude to the Lord that His chastening proves that we are legitimate children.
Lord God, it sure is painful to face Your corrective hand, but at the same time, it lets me know that I am truly Yours. When You discipline me as a son, it means that I am Your child. And so even in this, I will be sure to accept what comes my way with gratitude, knowing that You are molding me for Your glory. Thank You for this. Amen.