How do we know God's discipline is not punishment?

The distinction between God's discipline and punishment is rooted in the understanding of Christ's atonement. According to the sermon, punishment implies a penalty for sin, which believers will never face because Christ has already borne that penalty. Romans 8:1 states that, 'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' Instead, God disciplines His people not as punishment but as a means to correct and train them, thereby promoting their spiritual growth and holiness. This chastening serves to bring believers back to a devoted relationship with Him, as emphasized in Hebrews 12:6, which states that the Lord disciplines those He loves.