'Buried with' (Rom. 6:4)

'Dead with' (2 Tim. 2:11)

'Crucified with' (Rom. 6:6)

The first six steps in this blessed ascent are taken during the present

life: the seventh and last step awaits the resurrection.  The first six steps

are taken while we are still mortal; the seventh and the last step awaits

immortality.  The first six steps are ours only by 'reckoning'.  Steps 1, 2

and 3 are beyond our personal participation.  Steps 4, 5 and 6 are a kind of

first fruits and ours by reckoning.  The seventh and last step will be ours

in reality.