Discover Nicky Gumbel’s powerful message about God’s unchanging promises and the truth that ‘your calling is irrevocable‘. Learn why God’s covenant with Israel endures and consider whether or not the Church has replaced the Jewish people.
In one of his thought-provoking daily devotions, Nicky Gumbel speaks about the unchanging nature of God’s promises and purposes. The well-known British Christian leader emphasises that ‘your calling is irrevocable’ – a statement that finds its foundation in Scripture and offers profound hope to believers. Reflecting on Romans 11:29, the Anglican vicar and pioneer of the Alpha Course explains how God’s gifts and call remain firmly in place, never withdrawn or cancelled. This truth reminds us that God’s plan for our lives cannot be undone, no matter the circumstances.
This message is part of the Bible in One Year devotional from Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, available on the YouVersion Bible App. If you haven’t got the app yet, you need to download it – it’s an incredible resource and this particular devotional series is one of the best out there for daily encouragement and insight.
God’s faithful love and covenant remain unchanged
Drawing from the Psalms, Nicky reminds us that God’s covenant with His people will last forever. Referring to Psalm 89, he explains that God’s call to David – to be anointed, strengthened, and loved – was a promise that could not be rescinded. He notes how Eugene Peterson’s translation of Romans 11:29 beautifully expresses this: “God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty – never cancelled, never rescinded.” The call on David’s life is reflected in our own lives today through Jesus. Just as David was chosen and anointed, Nicky says that each believer can rest assured that their calling, too, is irrevocable.
He points to the Apostle Paul’s understanding of God’s call on the Jewish people, highlighting that this call remains intact despite any challenges or unbelief that might exist today. Although many Jewish people have not yet embraced Jesus as the Messiah, Nicky, whose father was Jewish, stresses that God has not forgotten His people. God’s promises to Israel will prevail because He is the covenant-keeping God.
The message makes it clear that the Church has not replaced the Jewish people. Paul eagerly anticipates the day when “all Israel will be saved,” and Nicky emphasises that God’s ultimate plan includes restoring the Jewish people fully. God will faithfully graft the Jewish branches back into His olive tree, an image of both hope and restoration. This is a crucial truth, especially in light of misconceptions about Replacement Theology, which suggests that the Church has taken the place of Israel. Nicky’s message stands as an excellent resource to share with anyone who may be misguided in this area, demonstrating clearly that God’s covenant with Israel is everlasting.
Your calling is irrevocable – What this means for us today
Nicky uses powerful imagery from Romans 11 to illustrate how Gentile believers have been grafted into God’s people. He reminds us that our calling as Christians is not based on our own merit but on God’s grace. Like the ‘wild olive shoots’ grafted in, we have become part of the story of God’s people. And just as Paul writes about the ultimate restoration of Israel, he encourages believers to look forward to a future when God’s entire family – both insiders and outsiders – will be reunited.
By unpacking the example of the Old Testament and the promises made to David, Nicky shows that God’s gifts and His calling to each one of us will never be withdrawn. Our identity, strength, and anointing are assured, not because of who we are but because of who God is. “God promises that He will maintain His love for you forever,” he says, affirming that we inherit the blessings promised to David through Jesus.
The importance of prayer
Nicky also draws from 1 Chronicles to highlight how God’s generous character and unchanging blessings are evident throughout history. He explains that our actions, although guided by God’s sovereign plan, can have real significance. Using the contrasting stories of Reuben and Jabez, he calls on believers to resist acts of dishonour, like Reuben, who lost his inheritance due to his impulsive behaviour, and to instead be like Jabez, whose prayer made a difference. He reminds us that while the battle belongs to God, our prayers matter – they play a role in how God’s will unfolds in our lives. He encourages us to pray boldly, asking God for blessing and protection, just as Jabez did, because our calling is irrevocable.
Hope for the future
Nicky concludes by reflecting on the overarching story of God’s faithfulness, shown through the fulfilment of His promises in Jesus. He points to Paul’s words in Romans, celebrating how God ensures that both Jews and Gentiles alike have a way back to Him. As Paul writes, God “makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that He can personally open the door and welcome us back in.” This highlights that God’s ultimate desire is for us all to return to Him and experience the fullness of His love.
Nicky leaves readers with a prayerful hope, longing to see a large-scale conversion of both Gentiles and the people of Israel. He assures us that, despite the uncertainties we face, God’s gifts and His calling remain, and that should fill us with great hope and expectation. God’s covenant remains firm, and the promise that “all Israel will be saved” reminds us that He has not abandoned His people. His plan includes both the Church and the Jewish people, standing together.
About Nicky Gumbel
Nicky Gumbel is a well-known British Anglican leader, writer and one of the primary leaders behind the Alpha Course – a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith that has reached millions of people worldwide. He served as the vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London, a vibrant church known for its commitment to evangelism and community outreach. Nicky’s passion for sharing the Gospel, particularly in accessible and engaging ways, has made him a respected voice within the global Christian community. His insights into Scripture and his ability to relate timeless truths to everyday life have encouraged many to embrace their own faith journey, secure in the knowledge that God’s call is indeed irrevocable.
To experience more of these powerful insights and be encouraged daily, the Bible in One Year devotional by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel is available on the YouVersion Bible App. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, it’s an excellent resource to deepen your relationship with God, and this particular devotional series is one of the best for guiding you through the Word each day.
Also read: Nicky Gumbel prays for ‘the greatest revival in Church history’ at Unite714 Pentecost Prayer Event
UK Christian
FAITH • HOPE • LOVE. We aim to bring a fresh mix of inspirational reports, articles, stories and testimonies to encourage Christians across the UK and beyond.
