Topical Bible: Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints

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Holiness, a fundamental attribute of God, is a state of being set apart for divine purpose and moral purity. In the life of a believer, holiness is both a gift and a pursuit, a reflection of God's character and a response to His call. Chastisements, or divine disciplines, are instrumental in cultivating holiness within the saints, serving as a means by which God refines and sanctifies His people.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of chastisement as a tool for producing holiness is deeply rooted in Scripture. Hebrews 12:10-11 states, "They disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a peaceful harvest of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." This passage underscores the purpose of divine discipline: to foster holiness and righteousness in the believer's life.

Purpose of Chastisement

Chastisement is not punitive but corrective and transformative. It is an expression of God's love and commitment to His children. Proverbs 3:11-12 advises, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." This fatherly discipline is intended to guide believers away from sin and towards a life that reflects God's holiness.

Process of Sanctification

The process of sanctification involves the believer's gradual transformation into the likeness of Christ. Chastisements play a crucial role in this process by revealing areas of sin and weakness, prompting repentance, and encouraging spiritual growth. James 1:2-4 exhorts believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Through trials and divine discipline, believers are refined and matured in their faith.

Response to Chastisement

The appropriate response to divine chastisement is one of humility, repentance, and submission to God's will. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers, "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'" Recognizing chastisement as an act of divine love encourages believers to embrace it as a necessary part of their spiritual journey.

Examples in Scripture

Scripture provides numerous examples of chastisement leading to holiness. King David, after his sin with Bathsheba, experienced God's chastisement, which led him to repentance and a deeper understanding of God's holiness (2 Samuel 12). Similarly, the Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" given to him to prevent pride and keep him reliant on God's grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Conclusion

Chastisements are a vital aspect of the believer's journey toward holiness. They are divinely ordained instruments that shape, refine, and purify the saints, aligning them more closely with the character of God. Through the lens of Scripture, chastisements are seen not as burdens but as blessings, designed to produce a harvest of righteousness and holiness in the lives of those who are called according to God's purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:10
For they truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:2,3
My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... The chastisements of God are sometimes for the purpose of ... that we might be partakers
of his holiness." Chastisement ofttimes is intended to "produce ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Reprobation.
... But the least that could have been intended was, that ... 4. Absence of chastisements
is a sign of reprobation ... If God willed thus to make known his holiness and his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

The Christian Described
... unsearchable and fearful are his fatherly chastisements, and yet ... platform and pattern
of faith and holiness: as the ... thou art one of the souls intended, O thou ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... pretences, the golden names, the feigned holiness, the demure ... 6:8). This is the person
intended in the ... particularly to that, I will produce further testimony ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... 2. Now the saving intended in the text is ... get advantage thereby, even be made partakers
of his holiness. ... his sons, to wit, with temporal chastisements, if they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the ... ungodly fear of God; and they
are intended by the ... Ghost checks those who, under their chastisements for sin ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... yet this is not that which is intended by this ... forehead before the Father, whereon
is written, "Holiness to the ... and will, by what he has to produce and plead ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... so far as relation is concerned, intended for remembrances ... have lost communion with
God, Christ, saints, and angels ... Lord's day, because of the holiness that did ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

part i
... He is Holy, and rests in the saints." [34]. ... against God, for the same cause cannot
produce opposite actions ... you can spend the day in perfect holiness, peace, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

part ii
... name of Jesus, for He is our light, our strength, our holiness, and our ... in the end
we are subjected to maladies and corruption; whilst the saints, who despised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm