Imagine that there are two cups. There’s the cup of the Lord and there’s the cup of demons. Actually, don’t imagine. It’s true. There’s two cups. The cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. Paul speaks about these two cups in 1 Corinthians 10, and he makes it clear: “You can’t feast at the table of the Lord and feast at the table of demons.” There may be two cups, but you should only be drinking from the cup of the Lord.
Paul makes this very clear statement. There’s no mystery that should cause confusion. We see the option of two decisions all throughout the Bible. Two paths (narrow and wide). Two houses (house built on the rock and house built on the sand). Today’s verse is clearly stating that you cannot drink from both cups. You don’t have the power or ability to drink from both. Why? Because if you drink from the cup of demons, if you are communing at a pagan table, you’re not going to have that deep communion with God, nor will you be promoting the Kingdom. In drinking from the cup of demons, you are taking in that which is against God.
This is a tough topic to discuss because it’s clear cut. There’s black and white. There’s no opportunity to settle in a gray area where everyone can be comfortable. My words will upset people. Even so, it needs to be said. Many in the Church are trying to drink from both cups. Read that again. There is no denying this sad truth. In the name of tolerance, the Church is compromising on the Truth. In churches across the globe, we are seeing people preach that any “good person” will go to heaven. That’s a lie. We have seen the Gospel become a self help like entertainment. We are accepting sins and crossing lines we were never meant to touch. Yes, we should love everyone. Yes, we should accept everyone. However, our love and acceptance of anyone should not impact God’s Truth. Why? Because no one can change God’s Truth. You cannot add to, retract, change, etc. God’s Word. He is the plumb line. It’s not up for discussion. Take note — any attempt to change God’s Word is not done in love, grace, or truth despite you telling yourself otherwise.
Today, as we consider the two cups, let us ask the Spirit where we stand. Have we moved the line? Let us ask for strength to stand firm and hold the line. God is good. God is in control. The truth of God stands. Do not forget that we aren’t trying to gain followers. We’re commanded to share the Gospel. This cannot be accomplished if you are drinking from two cups. How can you share the Good News — that Jesus sent His one and only Son to die on the Cross to pay the penalty for sin to offer forgiveness and redemption and new life to all who believe — and yet declare a sin no longer a sin? How can you preach the Gospel but yet say that someone can be a “good person” and earn their way into heaven? Let us stand strong for Truth. God’s Word stands.
“You can’t drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You can’t feast at the table of the Lord and feast at the table of demons.” – 1 Corinthians 10:21 [TPT]
Heavenly Father, strengthen us for the battle ahead. Lord, arm us with Your Spirit and Your Truth as we are in this world but not of the world. Help us to bring Your light into this dark world. Help us to speak Your Truth boldly and without fear. Lord, You alone are our portion. We wait for You! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 