Jesus Christ did not say that everyone that professes to be His follower will make it to Heaven, but only those who believe in him, born again, receive the Holy Spirit and continue to obey the commandments of God and remain faithful unto death or until His return. That means there are qualifications one must possess before they can be raptured.
God’s relationship with the Israelites reveals to us how God uses enemies to discipline His children. His purpose is to make His children run back to Him for reconciliation and deliverance.
The love of Jesus Christ for the Church makes Him to correct believers whenever they are going astray. Those He loves He rebukes and chastens (Revelation 3:19). We are not to get discouraged when the Lord rebukes us, rather we should take it seriously and be happy because a child that is never disciplined is not a legitimate child.
God is merciful and gracious. His goodness cannot permit Him to leave us alone, even when we go astray, He searches for us. God’s mercy is one of the ways God expresses His love toward us. We, therefore, must not take His mercy for granted.
Bible Study: Ownership by the Holy Spirit
