You are right, he context of Hebrews 12:9 is about chastisement and discipline and correction. But there was given to us in this scripture an interesting little glimpse of the pre-existence when it uses the term "Father of spirits". Since we know that we are the offspring of God in the spirit, this disciplinary scripture in Hebrews, just opens our minds a little wider to that possiblilty.
You are right about the context, but we are right about the term "Father of spirits". There is no confusion. The context is about discipline by our fathers. But it just inserts a term that most people don't even think about, "Father of spirits". The fathers of our flesh are 2 mortal beings, the Father of our spirit is God. A nice glimpse at the pre-existence.
Yes the "Father of spirits" is definitely something to consider when reading this scripture along with verses 7 and 8. Where we will "never"(there's that word again
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) agree is the belief that we were angels before our birth, being "sons of God" (angelic term) along with "children of God" through Christ. What should draw the attention of everryone that reads this verse is that it is "PAST" tense. So rhetorically what is Hebrews 12:7-9 referencing?
7 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.
9 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 ?
1. The writer is describing to the reader a situation that they are already familiar with.
2. He uses this familiarization to parallel the truth of how God disciplines His children, and why.
3. The love of the Father is exemplified, and as God's children we know we are not bastards.
4. We respect our heavenly Father by adhering to His commands, and following His desire for us.
5. The term "we have had fathers" is past tense so we are able to comprehend our present position.
6. Comprehension of the "Father of spirits" love and care is then seen in truth,
7. Only in comparison (after this fact) of an earthy father can one relate the depth of God's love being the "Father of spirits".
This is likened unto the mystery of the church and Christ that relates to the husband and wife.
Speaking of "the Father of Spirits" let's dig a little deeper in relation to Revelation.
Revelation 1:4, Revelation 3:1, Revelation 4:5, Revelation 5:6,
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is , and which was , and which is to come ; and from the
seven Spirits which are before his throne; And unto the
angel of the church in Sardis write ; These things saith he that hath the
seven Spirits of God, and the
seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest , and art dead. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were
seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the
seven Spirits of God. And I beheld , and, lo , in the midst of the throne and of the
four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a
Lamb as it had been slain, having
seven horns and
seven eyes, which are the
seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Last of all let's also bring forth the spirit of the adversary.
For they are the
spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:14)
I believe that God is the "Father of spirits".