What is the true definition of repentance in Romans 11:29?
In Romans 11:29, repentance means a change of mind or change of thinking, not weeping in sorrow for sin. The verse teaches God’s gifts and calling are without repentance—that is, God has not changed His mind concerning Israel, because His promises rest on the patriarchs.
Les explains that in verse 29 the word “repentance” is often misunderstood. It is not falling down on your face and weeping in sorrow for sin; in this context it means a change of mind, a change of thinking. He then asks whether God has changed His mind in dealing with Israel, and answers no. So the gifts and calling of God are without His changing His mind. Les ties this back to God’s love for the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and so on—and says Paul is referring back to Genesis 12 and the promises connected with them.
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
More Questions
What does 'without repentance' mean in Romans 11:29?
Treating repentance as changing His mind, the gifts and calling of God are without changing His mind.