What Cup Are You Lifting?

Before making a decision, who do we consult?

If someone were facing a situation that required professional help, they would go look for it. For example, if someone is being sued, they hire a lawyer to represent them. Or if someone is sick, they seek out a doctor or specialist to determine the best treatment.

In other words, if a person is wise and doesn’t understand what is happening, they look for someone who can help them make the right decision. And even if they don’t like it, they still do it because they know that the advice of these professionals will get them out of the problem they’re facing.

These are examples of a will that denies itself, because—if we’re honest—human nature doesn’t like asking for help. We want to solve our problems on our own. But if we refused to seek help from these professionals, our situation would worsen, or worse yet, it could even lead to death.

That is why the Psalmist, inspired by God, wrote:

“What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.”

(Psalm 116:12–14)

Here, the Psalmist reveals that the Lord has given us the privilege of the cup of salvation. This cup is what opens the door to all His benefits in our lives. But here’s the key: one can only lift this cup after sacrificing their own will and denying themselves in order to do God’s will.

But what cup are we lifting when we do not lift the cup of salvation?

The Bible teaches:

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.’” (Revelation 16:1)

This verse introduces the seven cups we end up lifting when we live outside God’s will—cups that fall under His wrath.

These cups do not carry mercy like the cup of salvation; they only bring judgment against what is evil.

What each cup represents (Revelation 16:2–17):

Corruption
Death
Contamination
Torment
Confusion
Preparation
Judgment

All these cups represent the consequences of living without salvation. This is why every time we make a decision, we must consult the Lord. If we don’t, it is like living in a house with no roof—completely exposed to every plague in the world.

That is why the Bible declares:

“For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine foams; it is well mixed, and He pours out of this; surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs.” (Psalm 75:8)

In other words, the justice—or the fury—of God will fall upon all who refuse to submit to His will. The wicked are those who never wanted to consult God or lift the cup of salvation.

Jesus said:

“Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36)

Jesus drank the cup of wrath according to God’s will so that we could receive salvation. He gave everything—He drank that cup in our place. And yet many of us, instead of taking the cup of salvation, continue to drink from what has already been paid for.