How do we know God's chastening is not penal punishment?

The key distinction between God's chastening and penal punishment lies in the work of Christ. According to Isaiah 53:5, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of His people, thus absorbing the full wrath of God that was due to them. Therefore, when God disciplines His children, it is not a matter of administering penal punishment but rather a form of loving correction. This chastening is an expression of God’s commitment to redeeming and shaping the character of His people. As noted in Lamentations 3:33, God does not afflict willingly, but rather in love as a father corrects his children. Thus, the nature of God's dealings with His elect serves to strengthen their faith and draw them closer to Him.