Theme: Death behind, life ahead

Exegetical note
In this passage Paul suggests a new perspective on death for the Christian on two grounds: (1) first, it is not a future prospect but a thing of the past, since Christians have died with Christ Jesus; and (2) it is not a grim reality, but a positive experience, for it has freed the believers from sin and opened them up to new life. The verb tenses throughout the passage indicate that death is behind, and life is ahead.

Call to Worship
Leader: Let us praise God for allowing us to …