And He That Sat Upon the Throne Said, . . . It Is Done
A transactional commitment, like salvation and sanctification, requires a permanent and irrevocable surrender to God.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound difference between mere action and a true transaction with God, highlighting that while we may act without real progress, a transaction signifies a permanent commitment to Christ. He explains that salvation and sanctification are such transactions, where we surrender completely to the Holy Spirit, who then seals our commitment and empowers our lives. Simpson encourages believers to make explicit and irrevocable covenants with God regarding healing and obedience, urging them to recognize the significance of these commitments. He prays that many will experience the transformative power of declaring, 'It is done,' as they embrace their relationship with Jesus, the living Vine.
Text
Great is the difference between action and transaction. We may be constantly acting without accomplishing anything, but a transaction is action that passes beyond the point of return and becomes a permanent committal. Salvation is a transaction between the soul and Christ in which the matter passes beyond recall. Sanctification is a great transaction in which we are utterly surrendered, irrevocably consecrated and wholly committed to the Holy Spirit; then He comes and seals the transaction and undertakes the work. Our covenant for our Lord's healing should be just as explicit, definite and irrevocable.
This should also be true of the covenants to which God is leading His children from time to time in regard to other matters of obedience and service.
God grant that during this hallowed day many a consecrated life may be able to say with new significance and permanence, Tis done, the great transaction's done." For the living Vine is Jesus; in whose fullness we may hide; And find our life and fruitfulness As, we in Him abide.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of a Transaction
- The Importance of Irrevocable Commitment
- Applying Transactional Commitment to Our Lives
- Our covenant for healing should be explicit and irrevocable
- God's covenants with His children require obedience and service
Key Quotes
“Great is the difference between action and transaction.” — A.B. Simpson
“God grant that during this hallowed day many a consecrated life may be able to say with new significance and permanence, Tis done, the great transaction's done.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive for explicit and irrevocable covenants with God in areas such as healing and obedience.
- Sanctification requires utter surrender and consecration to the Holy Spirit.
- A transactional commitment, like salvation, passes beyond recall and becomes a permanent committal.