Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Paul made this statement from Romans as part of a discussion concerning the salvation of the Jewish people.

Ever since God's calling of Abraham in Genesis 12, God had chosen Abraham's descendants through his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob (also known as Israel) as the people from whom the Messiah -- Whom God had promised immediately after mankind first fell into sin (Genesis 3:15) -- would be descended.

God provided greater detail concerning this promise over time, indicating that the Messiah would be specifically descended from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10), and then from the lineage of David (Psalm 132:11 and Isaiah 9:7). 

Although many centuries elapsed prior to Jesus' birth, God's promise was realized when Mary (who was descended from David through his son Nathan (Luke 3:23-38)) gave virgin birth to Jesus. (Although Mary's husband Joseph was not Jesus' biological father, he was also descended from David through the royal line of Solomon, as recorded in Matthew 1:1-17.) 

Although Jesus and His original followers had all been Jewish, the Jewish people, for the most part, had not accepted Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior. Starting in Acts 10, God opened the Christian church to the Gentiles, and, over time, the Christian church became an institution that was composed predominantly of Gentiles rather than Jews.

However (according to Paul in the passage being asked about), this does not mean that God's calling of, and promises to, Abraham and his descendants have been nullified or superseded. The covenant that God made with them is, as Paul characterized it, "irrevocable", or, as the questioner put it, "without repentance" on God's part. As indicated by Paul in Romans 11:25, after all the Gentiles who will be saved will have come to Christ, God will show mercy on the descendants of Abraham, and they, too, will finally accept Christ and also receive the gift of salvation.

December 11 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Cindy Jennings Supporter 1 Saved by Grace

Notice that the verse says not without repentance but are "irrevocable."

God's calling of the Nation Israel as His chosen people is an irrevocable covenant, no matter how rebellious and apostate they have become as a nation.

In the end, after the Tribulation, one-third of the Jews will be saved.- Zech 13:8-9 as they will finally recognize Jesus as their Shepherd and will safely dwell in Jerusalem - Zech 14:11

December 11 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

JD Abshire Supporter

The main theme of Romans 11 concerns God's eternal purpose regarding National Israel. Even though presently set aside, God has in no wise abandoned them. Although a Jew and a Pharisee, Paul’s personal conversion (salvation) is proof God has a remnant just as he did in Elijah’s day according to the election of grace. 

Israel’s unbelief was foreseen and prophesied (v.7-10) which became the Gentiles’ opportunity (v.11-25). Although broken off from the good olive tree (v.17-22) In the future Israel will be grafted in again. (v.23-24) with their deliverer coming out of Zion who will save the nation (v.25-29)

Romans 11:28-29 “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Considering the context I believe Paul is stating that National Israel is presently an enemy, at extreme variance and in opposition to the saving gospel, namely Christ’s birth, death, burial and resurrection. Their rejection of Messiah has provided Gentile opportunity (See Eph. 2:11-13). However, because of God’s election and covenant promises made to the fathers, (Abraham Isaac and Jacob) Israel is beloved. Know for a certainty that God has no regrets concerning his election of grace and his divine plan is unchangeable and irrevocable.

December 11 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Andrew Osakue Supporter Ex: Chief T. Officer, Fish Farmer, Bible Teacher, Men Leader

Romans 11:29 has to be read in context if it is to be understood. The rebellion of the Jews against the gospel of Christ is what opened the way for the Gentiles to be saved or grafted into the vine of God.
Ordinarily, rejection of the Gospel of Christ will lead to eternal death. But not so in the case of the Jews because of God's promise to Abraham in Gen 22: 18, 28:14 regarding the blessing of Abraham's seed.

Salvation through believing in Jesus Christ is a gift and calling of God on the Jews which are irrevocable. This simply means that the Jews who are presently in rebellion will later be saved when the fullness of the Gentiles has been reached. How unsearchable is the wisdom of God who keeps His covenant for ever.

December 11 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Scripture Guide Supporter Evangelist Remolded by the Potter to share the Living Gospel

What is meant by the scripture, "for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance?"

Pardon of sin is laid as the foundation of all the blessings of the new covenant,... 

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:12

Now from all this he infers that certainly God had great mercy in store for that people, something answerable to the extent of these rich promises: and he proves his inference by this truth: 

For the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. Romans 11:29

Repentance is sometimes taken for a change of mind, and so God never repents, for he is in one mind and who can turn him? Sometimes for a change of way, and that is here understood, intimating the constancy and unchangeableness of that love of God which is founded in election. Those gifts and callings are immutable; whom he so loves, he loves to the end. We find God repenting that he had given man a being,... 

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:6

and repenting that he had given a man honour and power... 

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: 1 Samuel 15:11

but we never find God repenting that he had given a man grace, or effectually called him; those gifts and callings are without repentance.

February 12 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Vessels Supporter

The Gifts of God are, Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Pastors & Evangelists. They are given for the work of the Ministry, for the PERFECTING of the SAINTS. God can call & chose whoever he wants to use because he is God. There are more gifts of God, but these are the gifts of the Ministry found in Eph 4th chapter.

December 11 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report