Charles Spurgeon Commentary Hebrews 12:8

"But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." — Hebrews 12:8 (ASV)

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

He does not say, "then you are alone." He is speaking about those who profess to be the children of God, writing concerning those who claim to be members of the Lord's family, and he stigmatizes with one of the most dreadful of names those who may escape without chastisement; but, brothers, who among us would have the pleasure of carnal ease if with it we are to have the shame of spiritual illegitimacy?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

A man may neglect such a child, for he is not his legitimate child. And God does not care for those who profess belief, who, though they seem to be His children, are not His true sons. So they are pampered, indulged, and spoiled, and left to enjoy themselves while they are here. For the Lord well knows that they will have nothing but sorrow and misery hereafter.

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

If you are without chastisement, you may bear the name of sons, but you are not really so; you are mere professors.