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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
7.For what son is he, etc. He reasons from the common practice of men, that it is by no means right or meet that God’ children should be exempt from the discipline of the cross; for if no one is to be found among us, at least no prudent man and of a sound judgment, who does not correct his children — for without discipline they cannot be led to a right conduct — how much less will God neglect so necessary a remedy, who is the best and the wisest Father?
If any one raises an objection, and says that corrections of this kind cease among men as soon as children arrive at manhood: to this I answer, that as long as we live we are with regard to God no more than children, and that this is the reason why the rod should ever be applied to our backs. Hence the Apostle justly infers, that all who seek exemption from the cross do as it were withdraw themselves from the number of his children.
It hence follows that the benefit of adoption is not valued by us as it ought to be, and that the grace of God is wholly rejected when we seek to withdraw ourselves from his scourges; and this is what all they do who bear not their afflictions with patience. But why does he call those who refuse correction bastards rather than aliens? Even because he was addressing those who were members of the Church, and were on this account the children of God. He therefore intimates that the profession of Christ would be false and deceitful if they withdrew themselves from the discipline of the Father, and that they would thus become bastards, and be no more children. (249)
(249) There is in this verse the word “” to be understood after “” that is, “ the sons are partakers:” so Macknight and Stuart. As “” conclude the verse, the word is omitted here. Those who have only the name of Christians are called “” or spurious or illegitimate children, because they are not born of God, being only the children of the flesh. They are not Isaac’ but Ishmael, whatever their professions may be, and though baptized and partakers of all the outward privileges of the gospel. — Ed.