Hebrews 12:6 (ESV) For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
Yesterday I left you with the thought that the demands of all is removed from the greatest commandment. Here in this opening verse I would point out again the need for relationship. Jesus disciplines and chastises those He has received unto Himself. That is key to the understanding of how all does not fit into the commandment any longer.
Our understanding of the atoning work of the Cross of Christ is in the forgiveness of sin. Sin regardless of forgiveness has consequences. Those consequences are not unto death and now that we belong to the Lord His judgment is the only one that matters.
Jesus took upon Himself the sins of all mankind for all time at the Cross. It is the only way that He could become the Lord of both the living and the dead.
Romans 14:9 (ESV) For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
When He took on our sin He also took on the reasons behind those sins. For those who are not His, their sins lay upon them. For those that belong to Jesus Christ His humanity understands why we got caught up in those sins. A just God takes into consideration all the evidence. Discipline and chastisement are based on all the evidence not just the sin. The Cross of Christ allows Him to temper judgment with mercy and grace but as surely as we sin, consequences will follow.
We are encouraged at every turn to avoid sin. We should not look at His atoning work as a get out of jail free card. It is not. Disciple and chastisement will come because He loves us. Then He says once again, “Go and sin no more.” The encouragement comes because we need it.
Luke 7:47 (ESV) Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
Another way of looking at this is to love the Lord a little more after each forgiveness of sin. We may never get to the point where our humanity can love with all, but we can all love a little more.