January 15

‘Buried with Him…that…even so we also should walk in newness of life.’ – Romans 6:4

                In order to enter into life with Christ, we must be willing to let our old self die. Without the death of the former self, sanctification is only an unattainable ideal. Oswald Chambers refers to this as the ‘white funeral’. It is the recognition that the self before Christ is unworthy in all aspects and the reconciliation of this shortcoming through the thorough giving up of the former self.

                Chambers goes on to say that this reconciliation is incomplete unless all aspects of our selves has been allowed to perish. If we hold on to even one sinful aspect, refusing to let it go, it is akin to keeping our former selves on life support. We cannot be sanctified unless we are resurrected to a new life in Christ. We cannot be resurrected into a new life with Christ until we are ‘baptized in His death’.

                The process of dying is one of crisis. We struggle to remain living even to our last breaths. Being baptized in His death is just as traumatic. We do not go to the cemetery happily. It is sorrowful to allow the old self, whom we hold dear, to fall away even if it is in preparation of a new life in Christ.

                Joy is found in the resurrection. In ceasing to be our self and becoming one with Christ, a new joy is found. His sanctification redeems us and the whole world is new. We begin on a journey in which we come to know Him as well as ourselves. Our perspective is shifted from egotism to humility and compassion is kindled for all that is God’s creation.