Hebrews 12:5-6: And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”

The word “chasten” in that context means:  To be instructed or taught, or learn;  to chastise or castigate with words, to correct. The same word is found in 2 Timothy 3:16 and is translated as “instruction.” 

The subject of chastening in Hebrews 12 is the verbal correction, instruction or even rebuke that is similar to a father instructing or correcting his children. 

The word “scourges” is flowing in the same context.  We can find an interesting quote in the book of Job about scourging. “You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes.” (Job. 5:21)

In Hebrew 12, this word is speaking of words being used for scolding, verbal chastisement and rebuke, not physical beatings, sickness, or tragedy. 

We know that the suffering for sin was accomplished by Jesus on the cross, and that God was satisfied (Isaiah 53:11).  When believers feel they must “suffer” for their sins, or that their suffering is the “chastisement” of the Lord, they are declaring that Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice was not enough.  Thus, if you follow that reasoning, they will need to die for their own sins on the cross.  Either Jesus took the penalty for our sins (1 John 2:2), or we have to.  We either have faith in His redemptive work, or we choose to suffer as He did. 

As born-again Christians, our teachers are now the Word and the Spirit.  2 Tim. 3: 16 declares that by the Word we can be complete. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” It doesn’t say “by the Word and sickness and suffering.”  The only suffering we are promised in the New Testament is the suffering for our faith:  persecution. 

There are consequences to sin, but those consequences aren’t the chastisement of the Lord.  We are just reaping according to Galatians 6:8. “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption . . .”

If we will submit to the instruction and correction of the Word, and follow the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), we won’t suffer the calamity of sin. 

Barry Bennett