Divine punishment - or divine chastisement?
(Arthur Pink)
There is a threefold distinction between divine punishment - and divine chastisement.
The first lies in the character in which God acts.
In the former, God acts as Judge.
In the latter, God acts as Father.
The second distinction lies in the recipients of each.
The objects of the former, are His enemies.
The objects of the latter, are His children.
A third distinction is seen in the design of each.
The one is retributive - the other remedial.
The one flows from His anger - the other flows from His love.