Do You Walk in White?
In Oswald Chambers’ reflection Do You Walk in White?, we are confronted with a striking question: Have you had your “white funeral”? It’s not a question of physical death but of spiritual surrender—the kind of death that leads to resurrection life in Christ.
Chambers challenges us to stop striving in our strength and instead yield completely to God, allowing the old self to be buried so that Christ’s life might flow through us. Let’s explore what it means to walk in newness of life and why this "white funeral" is central to progressive sanctification.
1. The Necessity of a “White Funeral”
What Is a White Funeral?
A “white funeral” symbolizes the burial of the old self—our striving, independence, and self-will. Chambers explains, “No one experiences complete sanctification without going through a ‘white funeral.’” This moment is not one of excitement but of surrender, where we stop resisting and agree with God that our old life must end.
Scriptural Anchor
Romans 6:4 declares, “We were buried with Him… that just as Christ was raised from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.” To experience this newness, we must first fully accept the death of our old self.
2. Why Do We Resist This Death?
Chambers observes that we often avoid the spiritual cemetery, clinging to our own efforts to live a Christ-like life. Whether by striving for perfection or relying on religious performance, we hesitate to release the grip of the old man. Dr. Charles Solomon poignantly noted, “I don’t see many people lining up at the foot of the Cross.” This resistance reflects our reluctance to embrace the total surrender required for true transformation.
Yet, trying harder is never the solution. Sanctification is not a product of self-effort but the result of yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit. The old self cannot be improved or refined— it must be reckoned crucified with Christ.
3. The Moment of Agreement
Chambers highlights the significance of a pivotal moment when we stop striving and wholeheartedly agree with God. This “last day” marks a turning point—a humble realization that living the Christian life in our own strength is impossible. Only Christ Himself can live it, and He desires to express His life in us and through us.
Reflection:
Have you reached this decisive moment in your spiritual journey?
Can you point to a time in your life and say, “That was my ‘white funeral,’ the day I surrendered fully to Christ”?
4. Newness of Life: Walking in White
When we surrender to the “white funeral,” we are raised to walk in newness of life. This isn’t merely about changed behavior; it’s about Christ living His life through us.
Sanctification in Action
Progressive sanctification is not a self-improvement project. It’s the natural outflow of a surrendered life. As 1 Thessalonians 4:3 reminds us, “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” When we yield to Him, He transforms us moment by moment, day by day.
A Witness for Christ
Chambers describes this resurrected life as one with a singular purpose: to be a witness for Him. Nothing can defeat a life wholly surrendered to Christ because it no longer depends on human strength but on divine power.
Practical Takeaways
Stop Striving
Reflect on areas where you’re still striving in your own strength. Bring these to God and surrender them completely.Mark Your Moment
If you haven’t experienced your “white funeral,” why not consider today as the day to fully align with God? Surrender your old life, trusting Him to reveal that you have already been raised to walk in the newness of life through Christ.Walk in Newness Daily
Sanctification is an ongoing process. Each day, yield your will to Christ and trust Him to live His life in you and through you.
Encouragement for Today
The journey of progressive sanctification begins with surrender. As Oswald Chambers reminds us, “Death means you stop being. You must agree with God and stop being the intensely striving kind of Christian you have been.” When we die to the self-life and yield fully to Christ, we find a life far richer, freer, and more fruitful than anything we could achieve on our own.
Reflection Question
Have you experienced your “white funeral,” and how has it changed the way you live out your faith?
Closing Prayer of Praise
Lord Jesus, thank You for the invitation to walk in newness of life. We praise You for the cross, where our old self was crucified, and for the resurrection, where we are raised with You. Thank You for teaching us to surrender daily, yielding to Your Spirit and trusting You to live through us. May our lives reflect Your glory as we walk in white. Amen.
Additional Resources
To explore more reflections like this one, visit Oswald Chambers’ writings. You’ll find wisdom and encouragement to deepen your walk with Christ. For this specific devotional, see the entry on Do You Walk in White? here.