This is one of the most important questions we’ve received in the Ask Pastor John inbox. It comes from a listener named Jesse:
“Dear Pastor John, in a recent episode (#948) you note that: ‘God sent his Son into the world to suffer with us and for us. This means that, if we trust him, none of our suffering is punishment for sin. Christ bore all of our punishment for sin.’ But there are very real consequences for our sin in this world, both on ourselves and on others, both for believers and unbelievers alike. For example, financial hardships following selfish overspending, or sexually transmitted disease following promiscuity. How do we see this as discipline and not punishment? And what really is the difference between the two?”
The difference between God’s discipline of His children and His judgment on His enemies is infinitely significant. This difference is crucial for our walk of faith and understanding God’s heart toward His people.
1. Judgment: Retribution Without Restoration
When we speak of God’s judgment on His enemies, we refer to the misery He brings upon them not for restoration or purification, but solely to express His holy justice—retribution based on what is deserved.
Consider Revelation 16:5–6:
“Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!”
Also, Revelation 19:1–3 illustrates eternal punishment:
“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute… ‘Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.’”
This kind of judgment is eternal and not designed to help the sinner become holy. It is justice, not mercy.
2. Discipline: Love that Purifies
In contrast, God’s discipline is described in Hebrews 12:5–11. Discipline is born out of love and aims to make us more holy:
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives… He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.”
This is not punishment, but discipline with purpose: to yield “the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
