Les Feldick Bible Study

Does a believer's freedom from sin mean God will not discipline him for bad behavior?

No. A believer's freedom does not exempt him from God's discipline for bad behavior. If a true believer dabbles in sin and brings reproach on Christ, God first chastens him. Scripture says whom God loves He chastens; He chastens believers, not unbelievers. If chastening fails, God may take him out through the sin unto death.

Les explains that both Spirit-filled and fleshly-minded people are still believers, but God is not pleased when a believer lets old Adam reign in his mortal body. He reminds people that such sin does not mean they are no longer saved. Instead, if a true believer fools around in sin and brings reproach on the name of Christ, the first thing God will do is discipline. That is Hebrews, just as plain as day: “Whom God loveth, he chasteneth.” God does not chasten the unbeliever, but He will chasten the believer if he starts dabbling in sin. If the chastening does not wake him up or bring him to power, then God may take him out—the sin unto death, which Paul certainly teaches. Les says this is sobering: believers have been given freedom and the free exercise of will, but they better be aware that if they start being obnoxious in their Christian behavior, God is going to spank. God is the originator of discipline and knows how, unlike child psychologists who tell parents to talk first, talk stronger second, and then send the child to his room.