I was studying this morning and came across an interesting verse in the NIV. Even though I am sure I have read right over the top of this verse a hundred times, when I read it this time it hit me like a ton of bricks. Mainly because, about a month ago, with the intent of sharing my belief of Universal Salvation I shared a few verses of scripture with a friend of mine, . (see the following)
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV
Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. KJV
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. KJV
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: KJV
His response was “Just because I give a gift to another does not mean that they have actually received it (consider the ‘art’ of re-gifting for instance.)”
Even though I new that his reponse was nonsense, I didn't have an imediate scriptural response. I asked myself….Is that possible? If God gives us a gift are we able to refuse it?
Well.....Now the verse!!
Rom 11:29 for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. New International Version
What does irrevocable mean??
Irrevocable–adjective
not to be revoked or recalled; unable to be repealed or annulled; unalterable: an irrevocable decree.
Amazing!! It looks to me like God’s Gifts are pretty permanent!!
I wanted to be sure of what I was reading so I looked in some other versions and here is what I found.
Rom 11:29 God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or forget about the people he has chosen. Contemorary English Version
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. English Majority Text Version
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. English Standard Version
Rom 11:29 God never changes his mind when he gives gifts or when he calls someone. God’s Word
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. King James Version
Rom 11:29 For God is not changeable in his free gift and in his calling. James Murdock New Testament
Rom 11:29 For God does not repent of His free gifts nor of His call; 1912 Weymouth New Testament
Rom 11:29 for unrepented of are the gifts and the calling of God; Young’s Literal Translation
To me it’s very clear!! It is a true free gift to all, and God is not taking it back!!
2Co 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
I would like to get some of you thoughts on this. Does it make sense? Am I twisting scripture to arrive at a presuposed conclusion? Can anybody add to this line of thought?
Thanks for your help!
Brad