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America’s Discipline
Written by Brandon Burton on 20 Sep 2005
At the risk of offending the sensibilities of Americans and those in the American church, the time has fully come to address the rebellion that is before a Holy God. There is a rebellion in the land as a whole, and there is lukewarmness in the church. I firmly believe that the Laodicean church addressed in Revelation is a type of prophetic picture of the American church. The text from Revelation 3 will be heavily drawn upon for this warning. Yes, I said warning. Now more than ever, I feel a stir to declare a warning. It is due time to blow the trumpet to sound the alarm. It is my firm belief that God is trying to awaken the people of this land by discipline to come to repentance. If there is any core message here, it is the call to repentance. The scriptures are replete with the call to repentance. It is my opinion that the call to repentance is a central message of scriptures. If America does not repent, the difficult times that have begun in the last few years will only be the beginning of sorrows and trials. A central point to achieve here is to present scriptures that address God’s warnings and discipline in an attempt to lead all to repentance.
While it is a common belief in the American church that God does deal harshly with open sin, it is usually relegated to either the Old Testament or to the end-times that is to come as described in Bible Prophecy. The American church discusses in little detail how God deals with sin in this present age also called the “age of grace.” That little discussion is usually centered around concerns or even outrage over the extremes. The extremes being either those who condemn harshly with little love and grace, or the other extreme that sin is too harsh of a word and no one really does anything wrong. While there is wisdom in addressing unwise viewpoints, there still seems to be neglect in the American church of how God deals with sin in this church age that draws heavily upon the New Testament. Of deep concern that is in severe need of discussion is the tendency of the American church to be influenced by the culture which is prosperity focused. It is not the intent here to engage in bashing of the church here in America. It is prudent to point out that there are many in the church who are doing their best to address the issues of the day in a Biblical manner. Of importance here is to challenge widespread beliefs and practices in the church in America that tend to cater to the human flesh rather than the high calling of the faith as based in the scriptures. Here is the scripture from Revelation 3:14-20 that will serve as the key component for this discussion:
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (NIV)
What powerful words that are strikingly familiar when considered in the light of today’s church here in America! It should be noted that during this time of scriptural authorship, Laodicea was known as a wealthy city in Asia Minor. It is clear from this scripture that Christ Jesus was strongly rebuking their love of money and prosperity. It is apparent from this scripture that they were so deceived by their love of money, wealth, and prosperity that they did not discern their true spiritual condition. Christ had to point out their condition with extremely strong terms in v17. In a historical context, the people of Laodicea were wealthy from a financial perspective. This scripture serves as a warning how the love of money, wealth and prosperity can distort one’s understanding of truth so as to leave those people in a wretched spiritual condition. Christ was about to spew them out of His mouth, and sadly they did not even realize it!
Interestingly, this wealth and prosperity left the church in Laodicea “neither hot nor cold.” Why did this wealth and prosperity leave them just “lukewarm?” Christ went on to speak in strong terms about the church being “lukewarm;” Christ asserts he would rather them be “one or the other.” This scripture paints a picture that this lukewarm condition is more precarious. Perhaps this is due to the belief that developed out of the environment of wealth that they had need of nothing. How can one repent and receive the things of God if they do not even believe they have need of anything? It seems this material wealth left them with a sort of physical and spiritual pride.
Of importance to this time and season in America that is of a key focus is this scripture in v19 that says: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.” I believe that this particular verse contains a truth that is in desperate need in the American church today. This truth of God’s discipline is supported elsewhere in scripture. New Testament scripture references will be of emphasis as a means to address doctrinal trends in the church here in America. This does not mean that the Old Testament will be neglected. There just seems to be a trend with some in the American church to reject God’s discipline as something that is relegated to the Old Testament. One of the central points of this discussion is to present New Testament scriptures that reveal the nature of God’s discipline even in the New Testament age. To delve into this issue of warnings, discipline, and repentance, an etymological approach will be employed regarding these key scriptures.
A key term that adds further insight into this scripture is the term in v10 the NIV renders “discipline” and the KJV renders “chasten.” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible tells us that the actual Greek word that is used in v19 is paideuw or paideuo (pahee-dyoo’-o) that the KJV renders “chasten.” It is extremely revealing to know the English definition of “chasten” as defined by Random House Webster’s College Dictionary as “to inflict suffering or punishment upon to humble or improve.” It is apparent that this definition is accurate based upon the definition of the original Greek term. The term “discipline” as it is rendered in the NIV is not defined too differently as the word “chasten” as it appears to retain the same basic ingredients. While the English definitions appear to be consistent with the original Greek definitions, it is most telling to further expound upon the definition of the actual Greek term used in the scriptures. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary Of Old And New Testament Words will be used to provide the definition of the original Greek term. While Vine’s broadly uses terms such as “education” and “training,” Vine’s specifically defines the original Greek word for this particular passage as: “by ‘chastening’ by the infliction of evils and calamities.” This definition of KJV’s “chasten” and NIV’s “discipline” in v19 is simply striking. With an understanding of the definition of this word, it has the power to strongly challenge an established belief system of the church in America!
It is sound Biblical exegesis to not take one verse of scriptures out of context of other scriptures, and it is clear that the message found in Revelation 3:19 is consistent with the rest of scriptures. A richer understanding of this passage is understood in light of other scriptures. From an examination of KJV “chasten,” it is found that there is a component of training and instruction. It is further observed that God will use the infliction of pain in order to train and instruct. It is prudent here to note that a root word (paiw; paio; pah’-yo) for the Greek term being discussed has as its’ definition as “to sting.” It appears that the purpose here is not to destroy, but the purpose appears to use chastisement at a level in order to instruct. For further support of this concept, Hebrews 12:5-8 also uses the same words derived from the same Greek term:
“And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” (NIV)
This scripture from Hebrews is a scripture that adds further insight into the issues of discipline. I believe that this scripture shows how verse 19 in Revelation chapter 3 is not being taken out of context. These scriptures are showing that God will chasten His children because He loves His children, and this point of God’s love ought not be neglected. God’s love is immeasurable, and God’s love must never be forgotten. Reconciling chastening with love gives a more complete Biblical picture. It seems that there are some doctrines in the American church that focus on chastisement, but they seem to neglect the most important matter of faith that is love. On the other hand, there seems to be doctrines in the American church that focus on nothing but prosperity and good times. Difficulties and discipline are things that seems to be lacking from this doctrine. It is wise to consider all matters of scripture in the light of the rest of scripture. The point here is that for many, discipline from God is not something even considered in many mainstream churches. I must admit that this study has been a wake up call to myself as discipline and chastening is something that I have not even allowed in “my theology.”
A rendering by the KJV of Hebrews 12:6 adds further insight into this nature of God’s discipline: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” “Chasteneth” that is used here is the same root word that has already been expounded upon; therefore, another key word from this verse will be focused upon. While the NIV uses such strong language as “punishes,” the KJV renders this strong word “scourgeth.” Strong’s reveals that the actual word in the original language is mastigow or mastigoo (mas-tig-o’-o) which means “to flog.” Strong’s goes on to reveal that the root word that “mastigoo” is derived is “mastix” (mas’-tix) which is defined by Strong’s as “a whip (lit. the Roman flagellum for criminals; fig. A disease)—plague, scourging.” From an etymological approach, it becomes increasingly clear that there seems to be a Biblical basis for the assertion that God’s discipline can be difficult and painful.
Hebrews 12:11 adds further wisdom to this discussion: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (NIV) It is clear from this scripture that Godly discipline is for our own good. It is not at the hands of an unloving, cruel, and sadistic father that discipline is administered. God the Father administers discipline so that His children can grow to maturity in Him, and one main vehicle that is used to grow is repentance. 1 Corinthians 11:32 further explains the purpose for this discipline: “When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.” (NIV) Once again, the scriptures consistently show that God does use discipline for our own good. He does not want any to be lost, and He will go to great lengths to draw His children closer to Him.
With the aforementioned scriptures alluding to the point that God does use calamities and difficulties for our own good, 1 Timothy 1:20 appears to present a point that is important in this discussion. That point is that with God being a good God, does anything bad namely judgements actually come from Him? This question appears to be a theological issue that has likely been debated for a long time. It would be difficult not to point out the case of Job when exploring this issue. In the case of Job, it is clear that God allowed the devil to inflict calamities and harm upon Job and his family. While the devil did his evil, it appears that God still allowed it. 1 Timothy 1:20 appears to add some light to this subject: “Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (KJV) Here the same root word for chasten is used regarding “learn.” It appears that these two were given over to Satan to be taught a lesson that would hopefully produce positive results i.e. “learn not to blaspheme.” This suggests some New Testament basis that God allows the devil to inflict pain that God will ultimately use for good. This thought appears to be in accordance with other scripture when Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
One more New Testament scripture will be presented to support the assertion that God does bring about discipline in this New Testament age. Revelation 2:21-23 presents in strong language that God does not treat sin lightly: “I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (NIV) If that is not strong language regarding sin, then I do not know what is. I must disclose here that I found this scripture at a time when I was in prayer asking God to show me if He really does allow for trials and hardships when trying to correct people and have us repent of our sin. This scripture is stunning in light of how the American church deals with sin.
It must not be understated that an undertaking of dealing with God’s chastening must be considered in the light of the totality of God’s Word. It is of utmost importance to consider this discipline in the light of God’s Gospel and love. Christ came to save all out of His infinite love and grace. This must not be forgotten. A study of God’s discipline must be grounded in the firm fact of God’s love, grace, mercy, and salvation. To consider God’s discipline without the sure foundation of His love would leave one with a perspective that is lacking a fuller understanding of God. The point here has been to show that out of His great love, God will chasten those that He loves.
A word of caution is offered regarding judging others while they are experiencing difficulties, trials, or calamities. The word of caution grounds all of us in the idea to not become prideful and spiritually arrogant. We are all called to repentance and to not look down on others. Luke 13:1-5 tells us: “Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (NIV)
In summary, I believe that New Testament scriptures point towards the idea that God does use discipline to deal with sin in this present age. Specifically, I believe that America is experiencing a chastening due to sinful waywardness and a lukewarm condition in the church. This nation is in desperate need of repentance. Please hear this message of repentance. This nation has rejected The Living God while it has erected altars to money and personal pleasure. It is my deep concern that what America has begun to experience in the last few years will only be the beginning of sorrows if the people of this land do not repent. I will leave you with this verse from The Word of God: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”” Matthew 4:17 (NIV).
added to website: 23 Sep 2005