Why would God take one of his children home as a means of discipline when he could have prevented their sin another way? Here’s a question I see often in the inbox, but we’re just now getting to it. Why does God threaten to end the lives of some Christians? Today’s email comes from a baffled listener named Mike. “Hello, Pastor John! Every time our church celebrates the Lord’s Supper, the appropriate warnings are sounded. It’s not for non-Christians. It’s not for Christians harboring resentment. But I remain rather confused about 1 Corinthians 11:27 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. –32, a text that appears to be delivered to true Christians so their abrupt discipline will prevent their eventual condemnation. Why would God physically kill one of his children and end their earthly life early? Couldn’t he sustain them to the end just as easily? Can you explain the merciful judgment on believers that Paul is talking about here?” Episode 1352: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-does-god-discipline-some-christians-with-death Related Resources: “Is Pain Punishment for My Sin?” https://youtu.be/3HBiob_-dl4 “When a Christian Won't Repent from Sexual Sin” https://youtu.be/NowdoTA_jMI “God’s Work in Your Depression” https://youtu.be/DM9l4es4GWg “Why Is God Withholding Marriage from Me?” https://youtu.be/1By5u0QdEjM Ask Pastor John Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFF7F6AE365DA3564 Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes, http://desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john