In Romans 9–11, Paul discusses God’s ways with Israel in the past (ch. 9), in the present (ch. 10), and in the future (ch. 11). Today, individuals from Israel are saved and added to the Assembly of God (Eph. 2:13–18). However, God is not done with the nation of Israel. In a future day, this nation, which has been guilty of crucifying their Messiah, will be restored, and all the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will yet be fulfilled. This is our God and Father’s amazing grace! This restoring grace has been shown to us, too.

In this context our verse is found. How encouraging to know that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Our God does not change His mind! When He gives a gift, or when He calls in His grace, He does not change, in spite of the failure of His people. All that we are and all that we would be, He fully knew when He called us and gave us His gifts. Our failures do not surprise Him. He has made full provision for this in the suffering, death, and resurrection of His own beloved Son. This does not excuse us for sinning. We have no excuse, really. He has made every provision for us to walk in holiness. He may chastise His own if they depart from Him, as the children of Israel had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. But He had promised through Moses that He would bring them into the land of Canaan, and in His faithfulness He did this: “There failed nothing of all the good things that Jehovah had spoken to the house of Israel: all came to pass” (Josh. 21:45; cf. 23:14).

So it is for you and me. His gifts, such as eternal life (Rom. 6:23), and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 5:32), He will never take away. Also His calling to salvation He will never revoke. Praise His name!