Hello, John and Doves,
What's the difference between a child of The Most High [El Elyon] and an unregenerate [unsaved] soul?
Let's put it this way. Both fall short of the glory of God. Both are loved [John 3:16-17]. However, the one who continually delays accepting into his/her heart the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior stands to be left behind.
By contrast, we who are the LORD's [all have equal standing in Christ--Galatians 3:28] are continually being molded into the likeness of Jesus Christ
[Romans 8:29 and 1 John 3:2].
As a result of this, we occasionally receive correction to keep us on the narrow path
[Hebrews 12:7 and 1 Peter 4:12-13].

You guessed it. We get spanked on the right and left behind, that we won't be embarrassed when Jesus comes for His own [Ephesians 5:25-27].

~Blessings,
Mike Colunga