Question
Do you have any of the lessons specifically expound upon I Corinthians 11:27-34? Those seem to be difficult to understand for those who question communion for this age of grace.
Response
Briefly put, in my understanding one of the main reasons why grace folks have difficulty with the chastening issue in verses 27-34 is because they equate chastening only with the functioning of the Law and with God’s program and dealings with Israel. Hence, they think, or are taught to think, that chastening is only found under the Law and/or in Israel’s program. However, if my understanding is correct, that is not the case at all. For lack of a better term at the moment, there is such a thing as ‘sonship chastening.’ And as such it is not part of the Law, nor is it restricted to God’s program with Israel. Rather it belongs to sonship and specifically occurs in connection with the progress of sonship edification. Hence in connection with us being “sons” in this present dispensation of grace, it is a legitimate and natural issue with us. And so, my understanding is that this is what the chastening in I Corinthians 11:27-34 is all about.
Keith Blades
Enjoy The Bible Ministries
20020823 B22