Here is my personal testament in response to your claim, tpaine, above:
Not only is God not an "Indian-giver," but God does not lie.
Odd reply betty.
I quite clearly wrote that "men" claim, -- thus, -- they can also make a claim revoking such a claim.
You all right? - I'm not challenging your concept of God. Never have. You know better.
"Men" can claim whatever they want to claim, or think they can claim and get away with. However, my sense is: When it comes to claims, Reality is a very exacting and uncompromising "editor" of gratuitous human wishes, hopes, and dreams.
On the other hand, God does not play "footsie" with his creatures.
If He says something, He MEANS IT.
And it won't be a "different story" next week, when the "situation is different," or visions of personal advantage in the minds of the "powerful" shifts the "equation" in favor of their own personal gain....
Good night, dear tpaine! I've got to turn in for now....