I
have heard a portion of the scripture used in different ways which I feel doesn’t
so align with its original intent and I thought it’s necessary to look into
this. We must move away from an unspecific Christian life where it seems we can’t
be sure of what God says about certain issues. As some will say it’s God who
knows those who serve Him. Such comments are not biblical. Here goes the
scripture:
“For
God’s gift and his call are without repentance” Rom 11vs29
This
I have heard most of the times to be interpreted to mean a man can derail from
the ways of God and still perform in the capacity he did before the derail. Perhaps
there was a gift the person manifested in, despite no longer being in God, it
is without repentance he still performs excellently. So, it is used to explain
the scary situation that you may be so active for God but been long rejected by
God.
This
assertion seem so true and have been the knowledge existing for over a decade
now. Even though it sounds so true, it is not in context. Let’s do a little
perusal of the scriptures.
The
question is what gifts is the scripture referring to and what also is the
calling? The book of Romans is one of the books of the bible that centres on
explaining what salvation truly is, how to receive it and how to keep it. Paul spent
much time exposing the truth of the gospel to the Gentiles who were seen as the
enemies of God.
The
gentiles who the Jews believed were not a part of God’s family were also
extended God’s grace. This, Paul had to explain well to the Gentiles so they don’t
miss out on God’s plan thinking they have become God’s favourites as against
the Israelites.
The
Israelite are finding it difficult to understand that the gifts of God doesn’t come
by being a fruit of Abraham, so came the need to make them see this by
introducing it to people who are not of Abraham. Even though they are God’s
elect (Called) by lineage and inheritance, they needed to launch into the new
order of accessing God’s gifts. It was difficult for them to understand this
until they saw gentiles manifesting God’s grace.
God
had not and cannot withdraw His election (call) of the Israelite and as such He
has not stop giving them gifts (salvation &Holy Spirit) but they are
finding it difficult to understand the method to receiving His gifts. They were first introduced to this.
So,
in that scriptures Paul made it clear to the Gentiles not to see themselves as
the new favourite of God or be so joyous thinking they are better than the
Israelites. The Israelites are the root, Gentiles are only engrafted branch. For
God had made His promises to the fathers of Israel and had made Israel His
elect; this which can never be reversed. This call (Election) and gifts (Salvation
& Holy Spirit) are without repentance.
As
far as the gospel is concerned they are enemies on the gentles account but as
far as election is concerned, they are loved on the account of the patriarchs. The
rejection of the Israelites on God’s method of the gifts (Salvation & Holy
Spirit) does not change God’s promises on their election (call).
He
was addressing guys who were just understanding the basics, not those who were
already taking solid food. The gifts isn’t just about healing, performing
miracles and all He has to give. Those are gifts wrapped in the Son because
they can be done now only in His name through the Holy Spirit which explains
why it is called the gift of the Spirit. God’s own gifts came in the Son and He
called men to enjoy it.
In
the old covenant, the gifts and call is summarized as Promise, in the new
covenant it is called Grace. It has been dished out, God can’t revoke it, but
there is a formula to receiving it. So, the gift isn't all about performace but renewal. And if you think you can derail and still be fire brand without knowing, something is wrong somewhere.
“…whoever
lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me
you can’t do a thing” John15vs6
If
as a son of God, you are drifting and you still feel same way you felt when you
were standing, the devil has taken complete sponsorship of your life. Ask
Judas! But the good news is God doesn’t give up on you, He never repents on
reaching out only if you are ready to receive.
Friend,
you are now God’s elect (call) by the virtue of Christ’s sacrifice and the
gifts (salvation and the Holy Spirit) is been given but can only be received
through God’s formula –Believing. He can’t revoke this two, they are without
repentance. All is dependent on your reception.
Be
Innovated
Olufemi
Ibitoye
@toyeolufemi
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