for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.  Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.  Romans 11:29-3

I think, what a beautiful word, “irrevocable”. When it comes to understanding God it might be one of the most beautiful descriptions of His grace and calling. We should love irrevocable, and its synonyms: irreversible, unalterable, unchangeable, immutable, final, binding, permanent, carved in stone. Both gift and call, Paul says to the small house churches of Rome, can not be changed once given by God.

But it also might be challenging. We are people who are entitled, so we expect to receive the generous gift of grace from God, but we are not so crazy about the calling part. That requires sacrifice, maybe even suffering. But Paul warns that it is irrevocable. It can not be changed. It is final, binding written stone. Grace and call, not one or the other. What are we to do?