...AND THEY WONDER WHY FEW TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY

George Offerman

“How should modern readers interpret the creation-flood story in Gn 2: 11? The stories are neither history nor myth. “Myth” is an unsuitable term, for it has several different meanings and connotes untruth in popular English. “History” is equally misleading, for it suggests that the events actually took place. The best term is creation-flood story.”

USCCB website, Introduction to the book of Genesis

38 For as in those days before the flood they  were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not [a]understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 

Matt 24:38-39

26 And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Luke 17:26-27

7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, [a]in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Hebrews 7:11

20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the [a]water.

1 Peter 3:20

5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a [a]preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

2 Peter 2:5

There will be a new version of the Bible to be released with the imprimatur of the USCCB.  The above quote taken from the USCCB website on the creation and flood story, and as can be seen, the USCCB takes the position that the story of the flood is considered allegorical and not literal.  The USCCB wants to claim that the author of Genesis “borrowed” the flood story from an earlier tale spun from accounts and myths from the Mesopotamia era.  In fact, the USCCB goes on to make this following statement concerning many of the stories in Genesis:   

 “There is unfortunately no direct extra-biblical evidence confirming (or disproving) the stories.”

Unfortunately and sadly, the USCCB is wrong on this note, and it will be covered in a later post the significant amount of evidence by geologists and archaeologists of a flood that covered the whole world.  It is also rather sad that the USCCB calls into question the accounts in the Bible and it does nothing other than creating doubts in the believer.  For if the stories in Genesis are false, or allegorical, then what about the rest of the Bible?  How does one determine which is true and which is myth, or allegory?

What is truly at issue here is the soul of our Church.  We have a band of Bishops that are making a claim these events never happened, and none of these men were alive at the time of these events.  They are juxtaposed by the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who was not only present at the time of the flood, He acknowledged the flood taking place, and clarified that it was Noah and his family that was in the ark.  Now, if the USCCB wants to make the claim that the Cannon of Scripture is inaccurate, or that Jesus really didn’t mean what he said concerning Noah, then they are bordering on heresy.  To try to sell to the laity their ideas that most of genesis did not happen, they then call into question how much of the Bible didn’t happen, and thus, how can it be an inspired book, and who and what determines which story is literal and which is allegorical.

I am glad the USCCB does not speak with magisterial authority.  Since they do not, we are not obligated to follow questionable teachings such as this.  Their statements fall in line with others the USCCB has either put out, such as their voting guide faithful citizenship, and their silence concerning many of the state votes on homosexual marriage.  The USCCB has been very consistent in their watering down of the faith, and hanging much of the laity and some faithful priests out to dry, theologically speaking.  It leaves one to wonder if the USCCB is in a crisis of faith, or if they simply don’t believe what the Church they are supposedly representing actually teaches.  Either way, their statements concerning Genesis is nothing short of scandalous, and will do nothing other than to sow more doubt about the faith of the True Church of Jesus Christ.

The most interesting part of the USCCB is they will attempt to sell this to the American Church with magisterial authority, and will have no tolerance for anyone disagreeing with their position.  This very weak and cowardly band that has let down those fighting against legalized child killing and homosexual marriages really has lost their moral authority to teach in a fashion that will inspire laity or faithful priests.  It is actually creating division and discord by calling into question very basic and clear tenets of the faith, and buying into social relativism that appeases those in the same camp as Nancy Pelosi, the late Teddy Kennedy, John Kerry, Sotomayor and all of the other so called Catholics who make and follow their own rules concerning these social issues, and receiving communion when they should be denied it.  

This is going to accomplish nothing more than creating confusion in the ranks, and pushing many into complacency.  The USCCB would have been better off making no comments on this than what they did.  If it is true that most of the Bishops on the USCCB backs this interpretation, then maybe they ought to go on a long retreat that focuses on prayer and reflection concerning their vocation, and sit in on some basic scripture and patristic theology classes.  Or maybe just outright resign and hand out smiley stickers at Wal-Mart where they can’t do any damage.

Cross references: Luke 17:26 : Luke 17:26-27: Matt 24:37-39Luke 17:26 : Gen 6:5-8; 7

Cross references: Matthew 24:38 : Matt 22:30Matthew 24:38 : Gen 7:7

HERMENEUTICS 101: JACOB AND JOSEPH

George Offerman


The story of Jacob and Joseph is very fascinating; in the sense it is one of the few that has a father and son combination that has eschatological ramifications that continue to play out today (and in the times of Revelation). Jacob, known as the trickster, eventually becomes the father of Israel and the twelve tribes, and Joseph models devotion and loyalty, foreshadowing the Christ, and eventually becomes one of the best administrators the world has ever seen.

Jacob was born the second of the twins, and was grasping Esau’s heel upon birth. This was a sign that began the fulfillment of God’s prophecy that the two represented two distinct nations, and would be divided. Jacob then went on to steal Esau’s birthright as well as blessing, and ultimately had to flee into the desert and to his Uncle Laban’s
While serving his uncle Laban, Jacob himself was tricked twice and ultimately had to flee from Laban after the Lord Blessed Jacob with large and strong flocks, leaving Laban’s weak and smaller.

We can see in this story, the law of sowing and reaping, in that Jacob deceived his older brother by initially bribing him with stew to get his birthright, and then deceiving his blind father Isaac with a meal to obtain Esau’s blessing. Jacob then reaps when deceived by Laban, and then has to go back to his own land and face Esau. Jacob is then tricked by his own children when they deceive him by making claims that Joseph was killed by a wild animal, when he was actually sold into slavery. Given that Jacob is seen as one of the ‘big three’ by God, when God introduces himself to those later on, Jacob nonetheless, still dealt with the consequences of his sinful behavior, and had like events happen to him.

Jacob redeems himself by repairing the damaged relationships by being humble, and ultimately struggles with an angel/Lord and requests a blessing from this being, which he gets. Jacob’s name is then changed to Israel, and he then becomes the father to the nation of Israel, with his twelve children representing the twelve tribes. Joseph is one of those sons, and his story has reflections of the coming Messiah in it.

Joseph was the older of two sons born to Rachel, the younger of the two sisters Jacob married. Joseph was favored over the other sons and this caused jealousy among them. Joseph also had two dreams, in which his brothers were ultimately going to bow down before him, and he would have authority over them. The brothers conspired to kill Joseph, but instead sold Joseph into slavery for pieces of silver. Up to this time, Joseph had done no wrong, but was envied by his brothers due to blessings given to him, and having much of his father’s attention.

Even in captivity, Joseph stayed true to his understandings and belief in God. God rewarded this by blessing Joseph abundantly, and Joseph was greatly liked and respected by those who had a chance to know him. Unfortunately, Potiphar’s wife chose to pursue Joseph sexually, and ultimately accused Joseph of raping her when he did everything humanly possible to avoid offending God and committing sexual sins with her. Joseph ended up in jail for over ten years as an innocent man, and did not find bitterness or resentment in his heart. This models the longsuffering of the Christ, and how he did not complain or allow his circumstances to dictate his love for the truth.

Joseph continued to have dreams, and was able to interpret the dreams of the two men in Pharaoh’s court. Despite saving the one, this man ‘forgot’ about Joseph for another two years. Upon the time of pharaoh’s dreams pertaining to the seven years of good and seven years of famine, no one but Joseph was able to interpret them, and as a result, Joseph was elevated to the second in command of all of Egypt, which at the time was the world power. God was able to use an evil act of brothers selling their brother into slavery, to having his will accomplished by giving the second most powerful position in the world (at that time) to a ‘foreigner’ and former slave. This has shades of the coming messiah, coming in the form of a slave, but ultimately demonstrating that he is the king of kings and lord of lords to all righteous men.

Joseph’s brothers did not recognize Joseph upon entering the city to buy grain, but Joseph recognized them. The story of josephs revelation is too long to duplicate here, but the points that re relevant are the dreams came true, the family did bow to Joseph, and that God’s promise to Joseph and Joseph’s fidelity to God was rewarded in ways that Joseph could not have imagined. Joseph also could not have become the number two man in the world, had he not been sold into slavery. So, even with the evil intentions of the brothers, God made his will happen, even though many of the circumstances could have resulted in Joseph giving up, becoming angry and resentful, and taking on a victim’s role.

The story of Jacob and Joseph show how those who are close to God still ‘mess things up’ and God is always ready to forgive and make right what was wrong. However, the consequences of bad behavior are also paid, and need to be dealt with. This God, who is unchanging, continues to act in a consistent manner, even though we in this modern world like to believe we know better, and have control over our circumstances. Very few show the tenacity either of these men had, and therefore, we are very lost sheep in very dark times. These stories give us hope that God will not abandon us at our critical hour, and that all matters, regardless of circumstances, can be made good by the grace of God.

HERMENEUTICS 101: ABRAHAM'S CHOICE

George Offerman

The story of Abraham taking Isaac to be sacrificed is one of the most important stories, which is heavily eschatological in its meaning. This event, most likely ‘sealed the deal’ between God and Abraham, when God promised to make his descendents as numerous as the stars in the sky, and grains of dust on the earth. It challenged Abraham to act in faith, as he was told to kill his only son, and from human understanding, would have ended his line of descendents. This also foreshadowed God’s decision to allow His only begotten son to face execution, for the salvation of all who accept Him.

In Genesis 22, Abraham is asked: “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer hem there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Humanly speaking, Abraham must have been devastated by this request, but the story continues on with Abraham complying with God’s request. Abraham used his free will to comply, and in this story, demonstrated the meaning of walking in faith. Abraham complied with this seemingly ‘irrational’ request, because he trusted in the Word of God, and believed with out seeing.

The story continues with Abraham building an altar and preparing a fire. Isaac made an inquiry pertaining to the sacrificial ‘lamb’ and Abraham answered “God will provide”. The story then states Abraham tied up Isaac and placed him on this altar. What is not stated in the story, but left for matters of faith, is any struggle that took place between Abraham and Isaac. It would seem that Isaac went along with this demand by his father with strict obedience. This story reflects back almost exactly what God the Father would Ask God the Son to do, yet God the Father spared Abraham and Isaac the pain of actual death.

God’s angel appears to Abraham, and tells him to “lay no hand on the lad, or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing that you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me”. Abraham’s love for God exceeded virtually everything on this earth, and Abraham modeled the perfect love that God has for all of us. This event portends the eventual coming of the messiah, and this event was so powerful, that God identifies himself to prophets after this as the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”. God sees no greater love than one’ laying down his life fro another, and Abraham, despite much personal consternation, was willing to sacrifice what was dearest to him, as to not offend the Lord. How we need to be more like this today.

God then makes a promise to Abraham for the third time. Notice in this third promise, he includes both aspects of the first two promises in one statement: And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your descendants as the STARS of heaven AND as the sand which is on the seashore. And your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your descendants shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves, because you have obeyed my voice”” Genesis 22: 16-18

If one notices, God does not acknowledge Ishmael as Abraham’s son when it came to the promises made of inhabiting the lands promised to Abraham’s offspring, but also addresses the issue that Abraham’s going along with Sarah to have a child out of wedlock was a God give solution to God’s promise, and apparent procrastination in keeping his promise. This has hermeneutical relevance, in that we cannot change God’s ultimate plans, but definitely can change the pathway in which God’s will is ultimately fulfilled. The descendants of Ishmael continue to be influential in world matters, and are at the heart of what is known as the RELIGION OF PEACE. As was covered 2 weeks ago, this conflict will continue until the time of the anti Christ.

Abraham proved that walking in faith can have unbelievable positive outcomes, just like taking matters into one’s own hands can have very negative consequences. This story shows how one man’s faith can change the course of history, and it is a lesson that is lost to modern man. It is rare that anyone in the Church will walk in faith, and challenge those to walk beyond their own sight and understanding of the major issues of the day. For instance, most in the pro life movement do not believe the issue can be resolved in one swift move, but done in increments. This is the poison of man’s understanding, and not that of God, who is capable of making anything possible, even with one faithful man. We need to look at this story, and take in the lessons of faith, and apply them to our times. After all, God still exists, and is still the same God that wants salvation for all, regardless of how ‘sophisticated’ we think we are.

HERMENEUTICS 101: SODOM AND GOMORRAH

George Offerman

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is that of a microcosm of God’s love, and demonstrates the balance between Divine Mercy and Divine Justice. It also demonstrates how God views sexual sins, especially homosexuality, and the ultimate demise of these two cities shows the outcome of rampant and blatant misuse of God’s gift of sexuality to mankind. It also reflects the principle of the full cup, and how God will eventually break into history and pronounce and carry through on His judgments. And the last point is that both cities were destroyed by fire. This fire was so consuming that not a trace of the cities were left and God cursed the ground so nothing would ever grow there, nor would a city ever be built in that location ever again.

The story starts in Genesis 18:16 and runs through chapter 19:29, and is effectively broken up into three stories within the main story. The first is the fairly well known discourse Abraham has with the Lord pertaining to how many righteous men it would take to ‘save’ the cities. The second story is of the two angels who enter the city, and the men of the city want to ‘ravish’ them. The third part is the total destruction of the city with fire and brimstone, and Lot’s wife turning to look, and becoming a pillar of salt. This particular story, and series of events also have an eschatological meaning for Revelation times, as it demonstrates the need to be ‘in touch’ with God, and to utilize free will in matters of faith.

The discourse starts with the Lord stating to the two angels whether the Lord should inform Abraham of his plans to destroy the cities. Abraham then jumps into the conversation, and challenges the Lord on the Lord’s own precepts of not destroying the righteous with the wicked, and treating them the same. The Lord acquiesces on this point, and Abraham is able to get the lord to promise that if only 10 righteous could be found in the cities, the Lord would hold off judgment. This discourse shows, hermeneutically, that man is an active participant in the outcome of matters, and that calling God on his word, if done accurately, results in constancy of application.

The idea of only 10 righteous people holding off this severe of a judgment demonstrates how important each individual is to God, and that even one person living a righteous life, can change the outcome of regions. It is also a perfect demonstration of last week’s topic of the full cup principle, as there were no righteous people to be found, other than Lot and his family, and they were ordered to leave immediately. Given that the continued existence of Sodom and Gomorrah would have caused only needless suffering, God in his Divine Justice acted to end this needless suffering.

Abraham accompanies the two angels and goes to the home of Lot. The Men of Sodom observed Abraham with the two angels, who were incarnated as men. The inhabitants were so engrossed and/or possessed by their sexual passions that they surrounded the house and demanded to have these two men sexually. Even with the offers of Lot’s two daughters, the men of Sodom were only interested in the men. The punishment dealt to these lustful men was literal blindness. However, this judgment mirrored the moral blindness these men already suffered from, and they were now in the midst of physical darkness, mirroring their spiritual darkness. These men did not see the light, so they had their ability to see any light extinguished. This is often how it is with God. Very often, the consequences and judgments sent by God are very similar to the nature of the sin committed, so there will be no mistaking what the source of this is.

After the men are struck with blindness, the Lord is clear in his pronouncement that the cities will be destroyed, and that Lot and his family must leave immediately. The story states Lot ‘tarried’ and the angels responded by taking Lot and his family by the hand and removing them from the cities. This demonstrates that once God decides to act, it is sudden, and on his time line. God is clear with Lot and his family that the destruction is going to be so harsh and complete, that they are not even allowed to look at it “lest they die’. Lot’s wife, like someone in a garden in days gone by, decided to challenge those words, but this time God carried through with his promise. Lot then hid in a cave with his two daughters, as the only survivors of this judgment.

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah has eschatological ramifications. It was totally destroyed by fire and brimstone and nothing was left but ash. In the times of Revelation, fire and brimstone will be used on three separate occasions. The first trumpet is ‘fire mixed with hail’ that will destroy 1/3 of the trees and green plants, but will destroy all of the green grass. The city of Babylon will be destroyed by fire, and will burn in an inferno while the unsaved are forced to watch and contemplate their own fate, and finally the whole earth will be cleansed by fire that will consume virtually every archive and sign of sinful man to have ever existed on this planet. However, like Lot, the righteous will be told to leave the city before this fate occurs. Part of their righteousness will be to listen to this prompting and to obey. God will then finish off this ultimate monster, created by both evil men and the evil angel king. This destruction will be complete and permanent, so that nothing will be left from the age of sin to contaminate a new and perfect eternity.

For those who may be skeptical of many of the biblical accounts in the Old Testament, here is a site that may peak some of your interests. I was introduced to this information while Ron Wyatt was alive, and had access to some picture and information I no longer see on the site. It gives one pause to see such information and to contemplate how such judgments took place, while thinking about a God who is unchanging and will carry through with the same principles, no matter when in history sin takes place. For your discernment.

http://www.wyattmuseum.com/cities-of-the-plain.htm

HERMENEUTICS 101: ABRAHAM'S PROMISE

George Offerman

This particular posting goes into the promises, and predictions made by God to Abraham. In it, you will note the accuracy and exactness of the fulfillment, and how the dynamics between the two ‘half brothers’ is still in existence to this day. It also demonstrates how God keeps his word, no matter what interference man throws into the mix. It also demonstrates the exactness of consequences an individual or group will pay when ‘meddling’ with God’s prophecy.

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those that bless you, and him who curses you I will curse: and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves” Genesis 12:1-3

For all the land which you would see I will give to you and to your descendants for ever. I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your descendants also can be counted. Genesis 13:15-17

And he brought him outside and said, “Look towards heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be” Genesis 15:5

Three times God made a promise to Abram concerning the future nation of Israel, and each time God made the promise, He used allegories that Abraham would not mistake or misinterpret, and after the third promise, scripture points out that Abram believed this despite having no offspring for himself, and being advanced in age. But due to some mischief from Sarai, with Abram’s cooperation, these plans took a detour, and this misadventure by Abram and Sarai has caused trouble from that day on, and continues to this day.

Sarai’s ‘indecent proposal”

Now, Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar; and Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children” go into my maid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her” And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. Genesis 16:1-2

Scripture refers to the timeframe in which God made a promise to Abram was about 10 years, and Abram and Sarai took it upon themselves to ‘fulfill’ the prophecy given to them by God. However, this had very large and unintended consequences for the future nation of Israel. The intended son, who was to fulfill this prophecy, although not born, and despite the ‘forced’ effort to fulfill God’s prophecy by his parents (similar to today) now would have to contend with God’s promise to make Abram’s descendants as ‘numerous with the stars’ with an illegitimate heir. It was God’s intention of keeping this promise to Abram’s “God given” son, but God kept his promise to multiply ALL of Abram’s descendants, thus causing future problems for all involved.

We pick up after Hagar fled to the desert out of fear of Saria:

The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. And He said “Hagar, maid of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai. The angel of the Lord said to her “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” The angel of the Lord also told her I will so greatly multiply your descendants that they cannot be numbered for multitude”. And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Behold, you are with child and shall bear a son; you shall call his name Ishmael; because the Lord has given heed to your affliction. He shall be a wild ass of a man, his hand against every man and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen”. Genesis 16:7-12

Ishmael, the illegitimate son of Abram and Hagar, was still entitled to the promise God made to Abram, but it ended up becoming a thorn in the side of the future nation of Israel. God demonstrated through this series of scriptures that He will keep his word, no matter how much interference is run by man’s way of thinking and acting. It also demonstrates what kind of trouble we can get ourselves into when we try to do God’s thinking for him. Scripture is rife with the struggle between these two half siblings and their offspring, and it fulfills passages in scripture, as well as Biblical principles that God keeps his promises.

The descendants of Ishmael eventually inhabited the majority of the Middle East, where they continue to live to this day. They are known as the Arabs, and their religious system is Islam. In considering the series of verses, this prophecy has been fulfilled in totality, as history has confirmed the constant infighting between these two clans. It is of no surprise that many in Islam want to see the total destruction of the Jewish nation and peoples, as they see them as the ‘illegitimate’ son of their father Abraham. As we can see, the struggle between the Jewish nation and Islam has been prophesized and fulfilled in scripture. This struggle will continue until the time of the Anti-Christ, and peace is not possible. We can see this through all the efforts put into the peace process, and it has been written that it will not occur.

The lessons to be gleaned from the likes of Abraham, considered one of the great fathers of the faith is, that no one is ‘above the law’ concerning God and His will. No matter what our perceived status may be, we are subject to His Holy will, and nothing we do can change the mind of God, who knows the beginning from the end.

HERMENEUTICS 101: THE FULL CUP PRINCIPLE

George Offerman

“I the Lord have spoken. The time has come for me to act. I will not hold back; I will have no pity, nor will I relent. You will be judged according to your conduct and your actions, declares the Sovereign Lord”. Ezekiel 24:14

The Bible is unequivocal concerning the state of man, the nature of sin, and the unchanging nature of God. This posting will quote several scriptural verses to demonstrate the full cup principle from both the Old and New Testaments, which will fulfill the requirement that it not be taken out of context, and to demonstrate this principle continues to be in effect especially in the (near) future. God is unchanging and knows the beginning from the end. Our modern theology likes to paint God as somewhat distant and unconcerned with day to day activities and neglects to discuss the Judgment factors God will mete out in the future. The Church loves to talk about the Divine Mercy of God, but rarely, if ever, talks about the Divine Judgment of God.

“When the Lamb opened the fourth seal… I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by the sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth” Revelation 6:7-8

In our modern times, all manner of sin is taking place and is seemingly ignored by God due to what appears to be His silence. This has lead to much complacency in our Churches, as the word sin is rarely ever used, and the average Christians sees themselves as going to heaven regardless of what they do, because they are ‘saved”. For the churches, this only proves their dereliction of duty, and false teachings. Many people are ready to fall into a trap, and the Churches are encouraging them on this road. The idea that one has a ‘cup to fill’ goes against the ‘anything goes’ philosophy and theology of our modern times, and most scoff at the idea that God is anything but ‘love’ (read: tolerance of sin). What does the Bible have to say about this?

“Now, all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God WILL BRING EVERY DEED into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

“I have brought upon Jerusalem – every disaster I have brought upon it. You will be consoled when you see their conduct and their actions, for you will know that I HAVE DONE NOTHING IN IT WITHOUT CAUSE, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 14:21-23.

“Then the Lord said to him (Abraham) Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will PUNISH THE NATION they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, FOR THE SINS OF THE AMORITES HAS NOT YET REACHED ITS FULL MEASURE”. Genesis 15:13-16

“No, it is on the account of the WICKEDNESS OF THESE NATIONS that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; BUT ON THE ACCOUNT OF THE WICKEDNESS OF THESE NATIONS...” Deuteronomy 9:4-5.

New Testament examples

“…you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. God will give to each person according to what he has done. But for those who are self seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil there will be WRATH AND ANGER.” Romans 2:5,6,8

“For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” 2 Corinthians 5:10

Finally, the words of Jesus

“FILL UP, THEN, THE MEASURE OF THE SIN of your forefathers! You Snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” Matthew 23:32-33

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. LOOK, YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT TO YOU DESOLATE.” Matthew 23:37-38

Finally, for future references and continuity

“Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which WOULD BRING GOD’S WRATH TO COMPLETION” Revelation 15:1


There are numerous verses that demonstrate this principle and I leave it up to the reader to do his own research on this matter. But the above verses should clearly demonstrate God does have a limit in his patience and tolerance of sin. This is called Divine Justice. Divine Justice counterbalances Divine Mercy, and both must be present in order for perfect love to exist. God cannot turn a blind eye to the evils perpetuated against the innocent, and be considered a loving God if all are treated in the same manner. Love requires protection of the innocent and vulnerable, and if these evil people and beings had access to heaven, heaven would soon become hell, and God will not stand for that. That is why Satan has been banned from heaven, as all who choose to follow evil will be at the end of time.

The epitome of the full cup principle is that God is longsuffering, and desires all to be saved. However, there does come a time in which continued existence of those choosing to practice evil will only be destructive for the righteous, and it is at that point God breaks into history and Judges. The full cup principle covers not only the world (as will be seen in Revelation times), but nations, regions, communities and even individuals. One’s cup is full when continued existence bears no positive fruits, promptings by the Holy Spirit are rebuffed, and the heart is totally cold. Judgment is forestalled (Nineveh) if one repents prior to filling his cup, but once the cup is filled and that ‘unpardonable sin’ is committed, judgment proceeds.

The full cup principle exists for the safety of the righteous. If good and evil are on the same plane, God truly would be a cosmic liar and bully, as Satan has painted him out to be. God’s way is the superior way, and the only way, for that matter. Only the righteous will gain heaven and they attain this by living out the Biblical principles given to us by Jesus and the prophets. This also includes those who have yet to be born, and the shedding of innocent blood is the NUMBER ONE SIN in the Bible. The shedding of blood will bring about the harshest of judgments, and judgment will occur without atonement. Atonement can be accomplished only through repentance and changing the lawless ways. Do we see this happening in this country at this time? As a country, we do have a cup, and we fill it more every day as we allow the shedding of innocent blood to occur. There is an end point; that we can count on.

Why our churches shy away from teaching this principle is beyond my understanding. The more Christianity is liberalized, the worse our society gets, and there seems to be more fear and insecurity than ever before. The time we need to have the clearest and strongest teachings, which is now, seems to be the time of the greatest fall of the Church in their duty to be the ‘light of the world’. What would Jesus say, if He were to make an appearance in Washington, D.C? Would it sound something like this? (for your discernment)

“O AMERICA, AMERICA, you who kill the prophets and abort those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. LOOK, YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT TO YOU DESOLATE.”