WHICH CUP WILL YOU DRINK ON THAT DAY?

In the spiritual realm, there are two distinct cups that God has prepared for humanity:

1. The Cup of God’s Wrath
2. The Cup of Blessing (Salvation)

THE CUP OF GOD’S WRATH

The “Cup of God’s Wrath” is a profound biblical metaphor symbolizing divine judgment and retribution against sin and rebellion. This imagery underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the certainty of divine retribution for those who persist in unrighteousness.

Old Testament Foundations

Psalm 75:8 (ESV):

For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.

This passage illustrates the completeness and thoroughness of God’s judgment, as the wicked are made to drink the cup to its very last drop.

Jeremiah 25:15-16 (ESV):

Thus the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: ‘Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them.

Here, the cup represents the impending judgment that God will bring upon the nations due to their persistent rebellion and sin.

New Testament Fulfillment

Matthew 26:39 (ESV):

And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus refers to the cup as a symbol of the suffering and divine wrath He was about to endure on behalf of humanity.

Revelation 14:10 (ESV):

He also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

This passage highlights the ultimate judgment that awaits those who align themselves with evil and reject God’s sovereignty.

Theological Significance

The “Cup of God’s Wrath” serves as a sobering reminder of God’s holiness and justice. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. At the same time, it points to the redemptive work of Christ, who willingly drank the cup of wrath on behalf of sinners, offering salvation and reconciliation to those who believe.

THE CUP OF BLESSING (SALVATION)

In contrast, the “Cup of Blessing” represents God’s grace, mercy, and the salvation He offers to humanity through Jesus Christ. This cup signifies the blessings and eternal life granted to those who accept God’s gift of salvation.

Old Testament Symbolism

Psalm 116:13 (ESV):

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

The psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s deliverance and salvation, symbolized by the “cup of salvation.”

Psalm 23:5 (ESV):

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

This verse conveys the abundance and blessings that come from God’s presence and provision.

New Testament Fulfillment

Matthew 26:27-29 (ESV):

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, offering the cup as a symbol of His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 22:20 (ESV):

And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Jesus reaffirms the significance of the cup, representing the new covenant established through His sacrifice.

Theological Significance

The “Cup of Blessing” signifies the abundant grace and mercy of God. It represents the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who bore the wrath of God on behalf of humanity. By partaking in this cup, believers acknowledge and receive the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.

WHICH CUP WILL YOU CHOOSE?

The choice between these two cups is a matter of eternal consequence. The “Cup of God’s Wrath” is filled with judgment for sin, while the “Cup of Blessing” is filled with grace and salvation. Jesus Christ offers the “Cup of Blessing” to all who believe in Him and accept His sacrifice.

John 3:36 (ESV):

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

This verse underscores the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life and the avoidance of God’s wrath.

Romans 5:9 (ESV):

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are justified and saved from the wrath of God.

ARE YOU READY TO DRINK FROM THE CUP OF BLESSING?

If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time to make that decision. Open your heart to Him, confess your sins, and receive the forgiveness and eternal life He offers.

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV):

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

This passage outlines the steps to salvation: confession and belief in Jesus Christ.

May the Lord bless you richly as you choose the Cup of Blessing and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Print this post