Daily Reading: Romans 11-13
Romans 11:29
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
There are many gifts extended from God the Father to all people. Of all these gifts focus on one. …The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23b). Eternal life is a gift. That is what God’s Word clearly states.
So, follow this, if …the gifts and calling of God are without repentance how then can, could, or would, God take back the gift of eternal life. Oh, and by the way, if the life He gives is eternal then how can, could, or would it end? For if it could end, it is not eternal. But back to the thought at hand.
Without repentance means that God will not repent, or change His mind or actions, about that which is stated. His gifts are without repentance. Nor His calling, but that is another thought for perhaps another day. Eternal life, everlasting life, life without end, that is the life He gives. He gives it!
I have given many gifts; in appropriate times those gifts are never rejected. For example, of all the multitude of gifts I have personally handcrafted for Christmas, never has someone said, “No, I don’t want that gift.” It is because it is expected that gifts are given at Christmas time. During this time of year every person in my church receives a gift from Mrs. Howe and me. Hurry up and join our church before Christmas, I’ll probably make you something.
But let’s say during the year I come up to a person in my realm of acquaintance and attempt to give them $100 as I am known to do. Many try to reject that gift. Or if I try to buy a meal, they reject that too. They reject a gift that I want to give. Oh, I understand why, but fear they do not understand why I want to give the gift. It is not out of constraint or need or superiority (as I have been accused) but simply because I want to give them a gift. If I could not afford it or did not want to give them a gift…I wouldn’t, for I’m really not that nice.
I’ve never given a gift, then later asked for that person to give the gift back. I’ve never repented of giving good gifts to people I love. If I as a wicked, fallen, sin-sick, crooked stick of a person can give a gift and not take it back. How much more will the Everlasting Father, the Glorious God, the Champion of Love do the same…and more. Infinitely, no doubt! Therefore, once the gift of eternal life is extended and received, it will never be revoked. For it is a Gift, the Gift of God.
Until tomorrow, live for Christ today.