Hebrews 12

To the Hebrews, Paul taught a difficult but truthful doctrine -

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:6)

This is one of those principles where some people begin to question the existence of God, for in their mind, a loving God would do no such thing. But Paul explains -

"If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:7 - 8)

But we are sons and daughters, spirit sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven for Paul continues -

"Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (New Testament | Hebrews 12:9)

Suggesting "and live" would suggest chastening or tribulation that qualifies us to be heirs with Christ -

"For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:10)

And the very purpose of chastening or tribulation as Paul explains -

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and [strengthen]the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:11 - 13)

For some think that faith is all that is required, but Paul teaches -

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:14)

Paul then describes some synonmous names of being joint heirs with Christ in the Celestial Kingdom -

"...Sion, and unto the city of the living God..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:22)

"...the heavenly Jerusalem..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:22)

"...the general assembly and church of the firstborn..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:23)

"heaven...spirits of just men made perfect..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:23)

Therefore -

"...My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:5)