Hebrews 12:8

8 God trains all of his children. But what if he doesn't train you? Then you are like children of people who weren't married to each other. You are not truly God's children.

Hebrews 12:8 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 12:8

But if ye be without chastisement
Or have no affliction:

whereof all are partakers;
that is, all the children of God; they are all alike children; they are all in a state of imperfection, and prone to sin; God has an impartial respect unto them: and though they are not all alike chastened, nor chastened at all times, yet none are exempted from chastisement, but have it in some way or another, and at some time or another.

Then are ye bastards, and not sons;
all are not sons that are under a profession of religion; all that are under a profession of religion are not chastised; but then those are not the children of God, but the children of the world, of Satan, and of the antichristian harlot; for though all that are chastised are not children, yet all that are children are chastised: hence we learn, that outward peace and prosperity is not a note of a true church; and that such have reason to distrust their state, who know not what it is to have the chastising rod of God upon them; and that afflictions are rather arguments for than against sonship.

Hebrews 12:8 In-Context

6 The Lord trains those he loves. He punishes everyone he accepts as a son." (Proverbs 3:11,12)

7 Put up with hard times. God uses them to train you. He is treating you as children. What children are not trained by their parents?

8 God trains all of his children. But what if he doesn't train you? Then you are like children of people who weren't married to each other. You are not truly God's children.

9 Besides, we have all had human parents who trained us. We respected them for it. How much more should we be trained by the Father of our spirits and live!

10 Our parents trained us for a little while. They did what they thought was best. But God trains us for our good. He wants us to share in his holiness.