Irrevocable
Jump to: Webster'sConcordanceThesaurusGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The term "irrevocable" refers to something that cannot be changed, reversed, or annulled. In a biblical context, it often pertains to the unchangeable nature of God's promises, gifts, and calling. The concept underscores the reliability and steadfastness of God's word and His divine plan.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 11:29 · "For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable."
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the irrevocable nature of God's promises. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes that God's gifts and calling to Israel are unchangeable. Despite Israel's disobedience, God's covenantal promises remain firm, highlighting His faithfulness and the assurance that His plans will come to fruition.

2. Numbers 23:19 · "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?"
This passage from the account of Balaam underscores the immutability of God's word. Unlike humans, God does not lie or change His mind. His declarations are steadfast, and His promises are certain, reinforcing the concept of irrevocability.

3. Hebrews 6:17-18 · "So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged."
The author of Hebrews highlights God's unchanging purpose and the assurance provided by His oath. The irrevocability of God's promise offers believers a strong encouragement and hope, rooted in the certainty of His word.

Theological Implications:

The irrevocable nature of God's promises is foundational to the Christian faith. It assures believers of the certainty of salvation, the reliability of God's word, and the fulfillment of His divine plan. This concept is crucial for understanding the security of the believer in Christ, as God's promises of redemption and eternal life are unalterable.

Application in Christian Life:

Believers are encouraged to trust in the irrevocable nature of God's promises, finding peace and assurance in His unchanging character. This trust fosters a deeper faith and reliance on God's word, encouraging Christians to live in obedience and hope, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail.

Historical Context:

Throughout history, the irrevocable nature of God's promises has been a source of comfort and strength for the Church. During times of persecution, trial, and uncertainty, the assurance of God's unchanging word has provided believers with the courage to persevere and remain steadfast in their faith.

In summary, the concept of "irrevocable" in the Bible highlights the unchangeable and reliable nature of God's promises and purposes. It serves as a foundation for the believer's faith, offering assurance and hope in the certainty of God's word.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(a.) Incapable of being recalled or revoked; unchangeable; irreversible; unalterable; as, an irrevocable promise or decree; irrevocable fate.
Greek
278. ametameletos -- not repented of
... Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and metamelomai Definition not repented
of NASB Word Usage irrevocable (1), without regret (1). without regret. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/278.htm - 7k
Library

The Irrevocable Past
... THE IRREVOCABLE PAST. ... So I take it now as expressing in a vivid way, and irrespective
of Pilate's intention, the thought of the irrevocable past. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the irrevocable past.htm

Love's Triumph Over Sin
... sullen refusal of their tenderness. How the thought that it is all irrevocable
now embitters the remorse! How passionately we long ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/loves triumph over sin.htm

Vocation.
... proceedings might be changed, and consequently their fatal result averted when foreseen,
the step made in the choice of a state of life is irrevocable and a ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xii vocation.htm

Clairvoyance
... As we look, the opposite of Eternity rises up before us. There is Time,
swift and silent; or Life, fleeting and irrevocable. So ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/clairvoyance.htm

On Divine Predestination
... seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life." (John 6:40; Romans
10:9.) This decree, therefore, is peremptory and irrevocable; because the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 15 on divine predestination.htm

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
... The Father's offer, that he might not be wanting to help it forward, is to
dispone,(297) by an irrevocable covenant, having the force of an absolute donation ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv and the redeemer.htm

The Two Debtors
... What we have written we have written. Tears will not wash it out, and amendment
will not alter the past, which stands frowning and irrevocable. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the two debtors.htm

"What is Your Life?"
... has gone before. IV. What is your life? Life is an irrevocable thing. We
have just finished an irrevocable year. As we look back ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/what is your life.htm

Ascetic.
... Pr??vii. It has been represented that St. Basil introduced the practice of
irrevocable vows. cf. Dr. Travers Smith, St. Basil, p. 223. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iii ascetic.htm

Saul Rejected
... But God left him to 'walk in his own ways, and be filled with the fruit of his own
devices,' by no irrevocable abandonment, however the decree of rejection ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/saul rejected.htm

Thesaurus
Irrevocable (1 Occurrence)
... (a.) Incapable of being recalled or revoked; unchangeable; irreversible; unalterable;
as, an irrevocable promise or decree; irrevocable fate. ...
/i/irrevocable.htm - 6k

Calling (145 Occurrences)
... With reference to Israel, it is on the part of God irrevocable, not repented of. ...
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. ...
/c/calling.htm - 38k

Irreverent (1 Occurrence)

/i/irreverent.htm - 6k

Irrigate (1 Occurrence)

/i/irrigate.htm - 6k

Gifts (144 Occurrences)
... needed. (See RSV). Romans 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are
irrevocable. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Romans ...
/g/gifts.htm - 61k

Resources
Will all Israel be saved in the end times? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Can a Christian lose salvation? | GotQuestions.org

Irrevocable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Irreversible Reproach
Top of Page
Top of Page