Christ Crucified & the Lord is the Spirit!

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You can download a PDF of this study:  Christ Crucified & the Lord is the Spirit – PDF

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Content

“If then you have been RAISED with Christ, SEEK the things ABOVE, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your MINDS on the things ABOVE, NOT the things on the earth. For you have DIED, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3.   

Introduction

In this study, we will continue to address the serious ERROR which Christians make, in failing to distinguish between the Death and Life of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our inability to distinguish the difference between the two, has been the cause by which many have failed to understand God’s judgements. We are the last generation before the Lord returns, as such there is a MESSAGE that NEEDS to be proclaimed to the Church that is fast asleep. To those, that are in DANGER of losing their CROWN because of the neglectful way they view their salvation, being lulled into false security of tradition and customs. Christianity is NOT a national activity, it is NOT an appeasement of rituals, and it certainly is NOT denominational, but of the knowledge of God by His Word and Spirit.    

Great harm has been done by Cultural Christianity in the christening of babies, because we have been fooled to ASSUME Christians are born to culture, which is NOT true. As such, many have been denied the opportunity to make Christ their own through the confession of faith and baptism of water for newness of life. The consequence of which is that a great deal of NOMINAL Christianity is  focused on the Death of the Lord. That is, we have an idea of what this means as it relates to our sins, but have given no due regard to what His LIFE is meant to represent. We have put EVERYTHING under His DEATH, without understanding that His death is MEANT to be the foundation upon which we are expected to build according to His LIFE. And we need to be awakened to the TRUTH that it is His LIFE that will determine our inheritance of the Kingdom of God, which we have ALL taken for granted.

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Born of Water

Christians MUST be BORN AGAIN, and this means we have to CONSCIOUSLY make the Lord to be the ruler of our lives in the confession of faith, and to turn away from the course of this world. As such, Baptism in Water in the confession of faith is a VITAL STEP in the walk of Christianity, and it is not to be taken lightly. The Lord said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless anyone be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. That having been BORN of the flesh is flesh, and that having been BORN of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:5-6. The important point for us to see is that the Lord is describing the TWO-FOLD nature of salvation, which we have mostly taken to mean one indivisible act consisting of “Water and Spirit.” However, the Lord is saying, “you must be born of Water,” AND “you must be born of the Spirit.” And we know this because, in the next verse, He draws a distinction between “being born of the flesh,” and “being born of the Spirit,” and He does not make mention of WATER. Meaning, “being born of WATER,” has to do with the FLESH, since the Spirit portion of the condition for entering the kingdom of God is already applied. The point being, the Water serves one purpose, and the Spirit another. As such the MESSAGE that causes us to be Born of Water is the message of the Gospel, as Paul said to the Corinthians, “And I having come to you, brothers, did not come according to excellency of speech or wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him having been crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. Which is the same message by which he reminded the Galatians saying, “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as having been crucified?” Galatians 3:1. That is, the FIRST condition to seeing the Kingdom of God is in relation to the Death of the Lord. 

So, Christ Crucified, in relation to the NATURE of our flesh is the PRIMARY message which has to be declared to the world, which is the FOUNDATION of TRUTH that every believer must first be GROUNDED on. That is, the FLESH aspect of our nature MUST first be put to death with the Lord, before we can be BORN to be SPIRITS. As Peter said of the Lord, “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you to God, having been put to DEATH indeed in the FLESH, but having been made ALIVE in the SPIRIT.” 1 Peter 3:18. The Lord had to die as flesh in order to be raised as Spirit, and this is what it means to be BORN AGAIN. And this is NOT some spirit RE-BIRTH, which is one of the great errors of Christianity that is ROOTED in the FALSE assumption that mankind was created spirit. To be Born Again, actually means to be born out from DEATH. As such, Paul says of the Lord, “He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, FIRSTBORN out from the DEAD.” Colossians 1:18. And John also says, “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the FIRSTBORN of the DEAD, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Revelation 1:5. The point being, if the Lord Himself is the firstborn from the dead, then ALL who are His must themselves be born from the dead as He is. And it is THIS concept of birth through death that is being portrayed when the Lord said, “you must be born of WATER.”  

Now, being born of WATER also means to be born of the WORD, as Peter said, “Having been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, by the living and abiding WORD of God.” Then he says, “And this is the WORD having been proclaimed to you.” 1 Peter 1:23,25. Peter is making the point that it is the message of the Gospel that declares to us, “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” which causes us to be Born Again. Now, we do understand the message of the Gospel consists of both His death and resurrection, but the point is that each aspect addresses a relevant portion of salvation. His DEATH as it relates to Sin and the Flesh, and His resurrection as it relates to Righteousness and the Spirit. And it is the latter part which the SECOND condition for seeing the Kingdom of God refers to as being BORN of the Spirit. And both parts of the CLAUSE must be true for Christians to see the Kingdom of God, as it relates to His DEATH & LIFE. 

Now, the fact the Lord described the first part of the clause in relation to WATER is significant. The Lord could have simply said, “you must be born of the Word and the Spirit,” and we would know exactly what He meant, yet He chose to use “WATER.” The significance of which is to illustrate the word of the Gospel that declares to us the FACT we have died with Christ, being crucified with Him. As such, this must elicit a response from us in agreement with this Truth, for which Water Baptism is a portrayal of being buried with the Lord in DEATH. Water is a CLEANING agent, as such it is used here as it relates to both BODY and SOUL. So, Water as the Word of the Gospel that is proclaimed to us, with which we come in agreement in the confession of our faith that Christ died for the sins of the world, and we with Him. By whose BLOOD our SOUL is cleansed to be set free from the condemnation of death, and in response to this truth we submit our BODY to be buried in WATER. Through which we are Born from the DEATH of the flesh, to a new life in the Spirit. In the declaration of our LIBERTY from the kingdom of darkness through a Soul that is cleansed from sin and a Body washed in water, as Paul said, “Our HEARTS having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our BODY having been washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22. Peter also says, “Baptism now saving you, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the demand of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21. As such the term WATER, addresses both concepts of Body and Soul, as it relates to the end of the nature of our flesh which we inherited from Adam. 

And we have Israel as an example, when they applied the blood of the lamb on the two doorposts and the lentil of the house, for the purpose of protecting themselves from the Destroyer of the Firstborn, who specifically came to take their SOUL. [Exodus 12:7.] And at the Red Sea, the children of Israel were delivered from the power of Pharaoh, who specifically came out to bring their BODY UNDER BONDAGE. As Moses wrote, “The heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from SERVING us?” Exodus 14:5. Pharaoh did NOT come out to kill Israel, but to bring them back under SLAVERY. And Moses, describing the deliverance which God was going to bring through the Red Sea, said, “For the Egyptians you see today, you shall see again NO MORE FOREVER.” Exodus 14:13. And it is the same EXACT principle that applies to us, in respect to our Soul and Body. That is to say, our SOUL being sprinkled clean by the BLOOD of the Lord Jesus Christ, as to have a CLEAN conscience, so that HADES has no right to our SOUL. At the SAME time our BODY must be buried in a Baptism of WATER, the effect of which is to break the power of Sin, that ruled in the corruption of the desires of our flesh. Sin dwells in the flesh, which is the consequence of the disobedience of Adam and Eve. And it is THIS body we baptise in water, in the burial of death for the putting away the body of sin, in order to break the dominion of the power of the spirit of the air. 

And Paul describing water baptism said, “Therefore we were BURIED with Him through BAPTISM into DEATH, so that, just as Christ was raised up out from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4. Then he elaborates what this death means, saying, “KNOWING THIS, that our old man was CRUCIFIED with Him, so that the BODY of sin might be ANNULLED, that we are no longer ENSLAVED to sin. For the one having died has been FREED from sin.” Romans 6:6-7. And also in Colossians Paul says, “In whom also you were circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in the REMOVAL of the BODY of the FLESH, in the circumcision of Christ, having been BURIED with Him in BAPTISM, in which also you were RAISED with Him through the FAITH of the WORKING of God.” Colossians 2:11-12. Please note, the enemy seeks to enslave us the same way he sought to bring Israel BACK under bondage. Which is through the exercise of his dominion over our BODY, from which we MUST be set free in the BURIAL of water with the LORD. Water Baptism is an act of FAITH, and it is BECAUSE we have BELIEVED we have died with Christ, that we take this STEP to be BURIED with Him. The result of which is that we are set FREE from the dominion of sin through the working of God. 

The main objective of the four Gospels are ALL about being SAVED from the FIRST DEATH, and it CANNOT be otherwise, since it is ALL about the Lord Jesus Christ in His FLESH. As such, the parting message of the Lord to His disciples was focused on making disciples, through the preaching of the Gospel in His name for repentance and remission of sins. The EVIDENCE of acceptance was to be expressed in Baptism of Water. The Lord said, “Therefore having gone, disciple all the nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20. And again, “The one having believed and having been BAPTISED will be saved, but the one having disbelieved will be condemned.” Mark 16:16. Now, the Holy Spirit is mentioned in relation to the disciples. In Luke, in regard to waiting to receive Power from on High for the purpose of being witnesses. In John, when He breathed on His disciples after He was raised, in respect to being made a New Creation of spirits. Nevertheless, ALL four Gospels end in death, burial and resurrection, in order to make way for the Ministry of the Spirit. 

And this concept is best illustrated in the ministry of an Evangelist, the primary focus of which is to deliver sinners from the kingdom of darkness through the proclamation of Christ Crucified. For which we have Phillip the Evangelist as a prime example, who went about preaching Christ and baptising people in water, after which he moved on to the next assignment. And we see this pattern in respect to the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch, to whom he ministered. And as it relates to the Samaritans, the ministry was passed to Peter and John, that they may minister to them in respect to the Holy Spirit. [Acts 8:12,14, 38.] So having set the foundation in the death and burial of the Lord Jesus Christ in setting people free from the dominion of sin, he gives way for others to build the spiritual house. So to the world who are in the flesh, Christ crucified is the MOST IMPORTANT message. In order for them to come out from being in the FLESH and from the kingdom of darkness, to be in the SPIRIT and the kingdom of God. As Paul says, “[God, ] who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14. So, the realisation of Christ having died, the death of the cross for the forgiveness of the sins of the world once and for all, is a VITAL point. For this reason, we take part in the baptism of water, as an expression of taking part in His death in order to be raised to a new life in the Spirit. 

And when Peter preached the very first message of the New Covenant, he said, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, AND you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38. Now, the forgiveness of sins has to do with our Soul being set free from the condemnation of Death, however repentance has to do with the changing of course, as many teachers have pointed out. And water baptism is given as an aspect of changing course, and that from the world as it relates to the BODY. Paul said, “John baptised a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” Acts 19:4. And the ministry of John the Baptist was described by the angel of God as, “He will TURN many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go forth before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to TURN the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16-17. Please note how Water Baptism is used to express TURNING, that is REPENTANCE. 

Now, this takes a DEEPER meaning in the Lord, because it goes to the CORE issue which is Sin that is found in our BODY, that works to corrupt our desires according to the COURSE of the world. As Paul said, “Once you walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, among whom we all also once lived in the desires of our flesh, doing the things willed of the flesh and of its thoughts.” Ephesians 2:2-3. Therefore, a body that is submitted to such an influence is PROBLEMATIC, for which reason it NEEDS to be buried in baptism of water for the putting away of the body of sin, as an aspect of turning towards God. The idea being for us to break free from the course of THIS world with whom we were in agreement through the BODY of Sin. We have to understand as the land of Egypt ruled by Pharaoh was the place of enslavement for the children of Israel. Similarly, our body ruled by the spirit of the air was the place of our enslavement from which we needed to be delivered. As such, the DEATH of the Lord specifically addresses both aspects of our SOUL and BODY. This is also portrayed in the Lord’s Supper, in relation to Bread and Wine, for the remission of sins and the healing of our body. The COMMON problem we have in the church is that we think flesh is a spiritual concept that is born out of a dead spirit, rather than what it truly is, the spirit of the air ruling in our body to the corruption of our desires. People are enslaved to their bodies, to its whims and desires that are being enticed by the course of the world, from which we need to TURN. For which, the initial step is to be baptised in water for putting away the body of sin, meaning to be Born of Water.

However, many times we have used the thief on the cross to be an example against the importance of Water Baptism. Without taking into account, on the cross the body of his enslavement was being brought to death, as such he had no more life to live. For which reason his state has NO application to us, who have to remain in this life, and have NEED to subject our body to be under discipline. As Paul said, “Each of you to KNOW how to win mastery over his own VESSEL in holiness and honour, not in the passion of lust, as also the Gentiles, not knowing God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:5-7. [1 Corinthians 9:27.] The late great teacher, Derek Prince, used to emphasise the urgent need to baptise people in water the moment they come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He used to stress the point that the devil would vehemently oppose baptism in water because he knows his power will be broken. However, the enemy has successfully bewildered a GREAT portion of the Church that has relegated the importance of Water Baptism to a mere ritual sprinkling, and that at infant hood. 

And the evidence that we have taken our salvation in complacency is expressed by the way we approach water baptism. In the Book of Revelation, the church of Laodiceans did not even know they were not saved, being complacent in their traditions and customs, and this should be a warning to us. John the Baptist came, baptising in water so that the Lord may be revealed to Israel. [John 1:31.] And those that believed him and took part in his baptism, recognised the Lord at His appearance, but those that rejected this simple step were bewildered to the very end. As Luke writes, “The Pharisees and the lawyers REJECTED the counsel of God as to themselves, NOT having been BAPTISED by him.” Luke 7:30. We are also required to be baptised in the Lord, in order for us to recognise the way of life we are to lead in the Spirit. We have to understand the rejection of this truth has a COST, because it will affect the life we are expected to live in the Spirit, which will determine our inheritance. The ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ was preceded by a baptism of water, which John administered. Now, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in enabling us to live according to His own NATURE is also preceded by a baptism of water. It is a preparation of ways, in cutting ties with the kingdom of darkness through the burial of our body, which we ourselves must WILLINGLY take part. The importance of water baptism is expressed in the words of Peter, when he witnessed the hearts of the household of Cornelius being purified by faith in the evidence of the Gift of the Holy Spirit, he said, “Is anyone able to withhold the water to baptise these who have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also have?” Acts 10:47. Receiving the Holy Spirit did not NULLIFY the NEED for water Baptism, in fact it became grounds for affirmation.

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Abolishment of Death

The main point we are trying to firmly establish is that, the Death of the Son of God served to ABOLISH the COVENANT of Sin and Death. In which respect Isaiah says, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will NOT REMEMBER your sins. Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted. Your first father sinned, And your mediators have transgressed against Me.” Isaiah 43:25-27. Please note how God expresses ALL Mankind had fallen from His glory, and points to Adam as it relates to the NATURE of sin that encompasses the entire world, and the mediators in respect to the Law. So, there is no means by which we may justify ourselves before Him, for which reason He says, “I have bloated out your transgression for My own sake, and will NOT remember them.” The point we have to see is that, THIS covenant applies to the ENTIRE world, to those that are of the sons of Adam, and to those that are of the Law. And if God has declared NOT to remember the sins of the WORLD, then there is NO judgement on the account of it! God’s mandate to the Lord Jesus Christ was, “I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a COVENANT to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, … “To open blind eyes, to bring out PRISONERS from the PRISON, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.” Isaiah 42:6-7. That is to say, the DEATH of the Lord Jesus Christ is directly aimed at the kingdom of darkness that held the souls of mankind in captivity. 

And Paul makes this point in his letter to the Hebrews saying, “He also likewise took part in the same things, [that is flesh and blood, ] so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death, that is, the devil, and might set free those who all their time to live were subject to slavery through fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15. Paul is expressing the ALL ENCOMPASSING effect of the Lord’s Death, that has abolished DEATH for EVERYONE. It is like saying He saved Adam from Death by satisfying the wages of Sin. As Paul said, “One has died for all, therefore ALL have DIED.” 2 Corinthians 5:14. Please note, if Adam is saved from DEATH, so is EVERYONE that came from his loins. As Paul says, “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, because of the suffering of death, having been crowned with glory and with honour, so that by the grace of God He might TASTE death for EVERYONE.” Hebrews 2:9. We have to understand, the death of the Lord is specifically aimed at annulling the judgement of death that came on the account of the sin of Adam, for which reason the Lord in His flesh is called, “the Last Adam.” [1 Corinthians 15:45.] 

And Isaiah speaking of THIS salvation says, “Thus says the LORD: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in the day of SALVATION I have HELPED You; I will preserve You and give You as a covenant to the people, to restore the earth, to cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; That You may say to the prisoners, “Go forth,’ To those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.’” Isaiah 49:8-9. This is the same verse which Paul quoted in his second letter to the Corinthians, describing what this help was, saying, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, NOT reckoning their trespasses to them, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19. And in another place he elaborated by what means this reconciliation was obtained, saying, “For if, being enemies, we were RECONCILED to God through the DEATH of His Son.” Romans 5:10. And the ALL encompassing effect of this redemption is expressed in the restoration of the Earth, as to express EVERYTHING associated with the Fall of Adam, was WHOLLY paid for. Redemption means to be bought back, and in Christ this means He has bought back the entire world through the price of His Blood, in satisfying the requirement of Sin and Death. Through which, the GATE of Sin that  KEPT us in PRISON has been REMOVED! Paul writes, “And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, DEATH having taken place for redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, those having been CALLED MIGHT receive the promise of the Eternal Inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15. DEATH was the PRICE of “Redemption,” for ALL the transgressions committed by Mankind in the Flesh, through which the world was reconciled to God. 

Similarly, Paul explaining the New Covenant says, “By that WILL, we are having been SANCTIFIED through the offering of the BODY of Jesus Christ ONCE for ALL.” Hebrews 10:10. That is to say, through the WILL of God, the WORLD is SANCTIFIED from Sin through the DEATH of Jesus Christ. JUST to be CLEAR, this means both believers and unbelievers have been SANCTIFIED from Sin by the Body of Jesus Christ. Meaning, DEATH is ABOLISHED in CHRIST for everyone, just as it was ESTABLISHED in Adam, and the ONLY WILL that is of consequence in bringing this to pass is that of God. As Mankind had NO say in respect to the DEATH we were subjected to in Adam, now we also have NO say in respect to the resurrection that is made available in Christ Jesus. As Paul says, “For as indeed in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22. However, in this New Covenant, HELP is provided to those that are CALLED, in order to LIVE according to the ways of God through the provision of His Holy Spirit, so that they MAY inherit the Eternal Inheritance. The point is the Entire Earth is REDEEMED by the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, but we have to be CALLED out from the Dominion of the kingdom of Darkness through belief in the Gospel. Which the Lord describes as, “If anyone keeps My word, he shall NEVER TASTE of DEATH, to the age.” John 8:52. That is the Death He Himself TASTED for ALL our sake. 

God is NOT judging sin of the flesh, in fact He CANNOT, the same way He could not redeem mankind from Hades without first satisfying the requirement for sin. Now the inverse is true, meaning now that He has redeemed mankind from Hades by the sacrifice of His Son, He CANNOT judge mankind for the sins of the flesh, because the PRICE is ALREADY paid. That is why the WRATH of God is expressed, in relation to the Covenant of Righteousness and NOT that of sin, for the one that despised the BLOOD by which he was ALREADY sanctified, and insulted the Spirit of Grace. [Hebrews 10:29.] God has put ALL our sins behind His back, having reconciled the world to Himself through the Cross of Christ, and this is applicable for EVERYONE. If the accuser of Mankind CANNOT bring a single charge before God against ANYONE, be it believer or unbeliever, then who is LEFT to accuse? [Romans 8:33-34, Revelation 12:10.] Then how could God judge us for sin? Nevertheless, we are required to come in agreement with the Gospel of Truth, through the confession of our mouth and baptism of water, in order to be reconciled with God. Through which we ESCAPE the dominion of the kingdom of darkness, which is to be BORN of WATER. As the Lord said to Paul, “The Gentiles to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes, that they may TURN from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may RECEIVE forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been SANCTIFIED by faith in Me.” Acts 26:17-18.

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Born of the Spirit

The  SALVATION of Mankind can be expressed in the two expressions of the Son of God. The first, which has to do with Christ in His Flesh as it relates to the kingdom of darkness, which we have addressed according to the Four Gospels as being Born of Water. Now, we have come to the Second condition for seeing the Kingdom of God, which is described as being Born of the Spirit, that is of Righteousness for the purpose of obtaining the inheritance. For which, the epistles of the New Testament starting from Acts are an illustration of the Ministry of the Holy Spirit. As such, the Lord is no longer portrayed in His flesh as in the Four Gospels, but as the Spirit. Paul said, “Therefore, from now, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have regarded Christ according to flesh, yet now we regard Him thus NO LONGER. Therefore, if anyone is IN Christ, he is a New Creation. The old things have passed away; behold, the new has come into being.” 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. So, what we were in Adam has come to an end in the Burial of Water, so that we may be RAISED according to the Heavenly Man, that is of the Spirit. [Romans 6:4, Romans 7:6.] This New Creation is intended for  sanctification by the Spirit for the purpose of the inheritance of the kingdom of God. So, for Christians that have come out from the world in the knowledge of Christ Crucified, the MOST IMPORTANT thing for them is to KNOW the Lord as the SPIRIT.  

But the general mistake Christians make is that they have taken their deliverance from the kingdom of darkness to be all that there is, and have taken everything else for granted. So, we are focused on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins, and give no regard to the Spirit for a life of righteousness. The example we want to use here is that of Israel coming out of Egypt by the blood of the lamb, and through the Red Sea. And every one of them came out of Egypt with the promise to inherit the land of milk and honey. Nevertheless, ONLY those that walked according to God in faith obtained the promise, while the rest perished in the wilderness. Jesus Christ is NO LONGER on the CROSS, and we have to perceive Him as He is, that is Spirit! And the way we see Him will determine how we LIVE! Which is an expression of the spiritual house being built by the Spirit of God, being founded on Christ Crucified. So, if we see the Lord perpetually on the Cross, then the focus of our lives is all about Sin and Forgiveness, and we fall short of the expectation God has for our lives. The cross is meant to be the expression of His weakness. [2 Corinthians 13:4.] However, His life toward us by the Spirit of God is meant to be the expression of His power. As Paul says, “The surpassing greatness of His power toward us believing according to the working of the power of His might, which He worked in Christ, having RAISED Him out from the dead, and having set Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20. So, when we see the Lord as the Spirit, we are EMPOWERED to live according to His nature which is of righteousness. 

And this is where the MATURE aspect of Christianity is addressed, which has to do with WALKING in Righteousness. Paul after declaring to the Corinthians the fundamental message of “Christ and Him Crucified,” afterwards he says, “But we speak WISDOM among the MATURE, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to naught. But we speak in a mystery, the wisdom of God having been hidden, which God foreordained before the ages for our glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:6-7. That is to say, the wisdom of the deep things of God are taught by the Holy Spirit, in respect to what God has made provision to those that believed in the Gospel. [1 Corinthians 2:10-12.] So, Paul through the MESSAGE preached, makes distinction between INFANTS, and MATURE Christians. The main point of which is that, Christians are EXPECTED to GROW by building upon the foundation of the ROCK that is Christ Crucified. [1 Corinthians 3:10-15.] 

And in his letters to the Hebrews, he expresses the expectation for growth saying, “For even by the TIME you OUGHT to be teachers, you have need of one to teach you again what is the beginning of the principles of the oracles of God; and you have become those having need of MILK, and not of SOLID FOOD.” Hebrews 5:12. He is saying, you act like you just came to faith as to be told again the basic principles. That is, things that have to do with the DEATH of the Lord for the forgiveness of sins, as to be BORN of WATER. Then he says, “For everyone partaking of MILK is UNSKILLED in the WORD of RIGHTEOUSNESS, for he is an INFANT.” But to the Mature he says, “the ones by constant use having trained the senses for distinguishing both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14. Paul is saying, even though Righteousness is GIVEN as a Gift, yet God requires us to be proficient in the knowledge of it, so that we may put it to PRACTICE, by distinguishing both good and evil. [1 John 3:7-8.] Through which we are expected to INHERIT the Kingdom of God. As he wrote to Titus saying, “For the GRACE of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, INSTRUCTING us that, having denied ungodliness and worldly passions, we should LIVE discreetly and righteously and piously in the present age.” Titus 2:11-12. That is to say, the Spirit of God teaches us to distinguish both good and evil, which is an expression for being SKILLED in the Word of Righteousness. [Ephesians 4:21-24.]     

Now, it is important to note, after expressing the need for growth in the knowledge of God to the effect of the manner we live, Paul gives the STRONGEST of ALL Warnings in both his letter to the Corinthians and also to the Hebrews. To the Corinthians he says, “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone [defiles] God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. And to the Hebrews he says, “For it is impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and having tasted the goodness of God’s word and the power of the coming age— and then having fallen away—to restore them again to repentance, crucifying in themselves the Son of God and subjecting Him to open shame.” Hebrews 6:4-6. God is giving this warning to those that have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, as to become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit since He is NOT given to the world, but only believers. 

Being Born of the Spirit is all about appropriating the RESURRECTION life. Christ came into the world in the likeness of our sinful flesh, and submitted His body unto death. But when He was raised from the dead, He was raised by the Spirit of God. And it is THIS LIFE, which He now IMPARTS to those that believe in Him. To be BORN AGAIN means, having come out of the Flesh, to be put in the Spirit in the likeness of the Lord. As such, we have addressed the DEATH of the flesh being buried with Christ in Water. Now, the Second aspect of being Born of the Spirit, is described as having the Spirit of God that RAISED the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead dwelling in us, on the account of Him. So Paul says, “Now you are NOT in flesh but IN Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you; but if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not of Him. But if Christ is in you, the BODY is indeed DEAD on account of sin, but the spirit is LIFE on account of righteousness.” Romans 8:9-10. Meaning the New Creation is ALL about having His Spirit, that is the Spirit of God dwelling in us.

And the PRESENCE of the Spirit of Christ is DIRECTLY associated with our spirit being LIFE on the ACCOUNT of righteousness. And the ONE fact we are required to believe is in the RESURRECTION, as Paul says, “To whom [Righteousness] is about to be credited, to those believing on the One having RAISED Jesus our Lord out FROM the DEAD, who was delivered over for our trespasses, and was RAISED for our justification.” Romans 4:24-25. And again, “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God RAISED Him out from the DEAD, you will be saved. For in the HEART is belief unto RIGHTEOUSNESS, and in the mouth is confession unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10. Meaning, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ by the Spirit of God, is to be  the EVIDENCE that sin was utterly and completely put away. As such, the belief of THIS truth purifies our heart from all condemnation of sin, and we are given the Holy Spirit, that is, the Spirit of Christ to dwell in us. This New Birth is NOT about the re-creation of the human spirit, but receiving the Spirit of God Himself, on the account of which the NATURE of Righteousness is IMPUTED to us. The way to see this is in respect to our BODY that was subject to sin, being under the dominion of the ruler of the world. Likewise, our spirit is now subject to righteousness, being under the dominion of the Spirit of God. Righteousness is a NATURE, just as Sin is a Nature, that is why Paul used the BODY as a contrast to being in the SPIRIT. 

The Holy Spirit has absolutely NOTHING to do with Sin and Death, since as far as God is concerned, sin is utterly and completely put away in the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, His main purpose is to HELP the seed of Abraham in the process of sanctification, for the purpose of the inheritance. That is why the first thing Paul described, after declaring to us how the Lord Jesus Christ destroyed the devil through His death in order to set the captives free, is the provision He made to HELP, saying, “For surely He helps not the angels, but He HELPS the SEED of Abraham. … For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being TEMPTED.” Hebrews 2:16,18. Now, for a person to be considered a SEED of Abraham, that person must first be found in Christ, as Paul says, “Now if you are of Christ, THEN you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29. So, Paul is making this statement in relation to His death by which He destroyed the devil, thereby describing the PURPOSE for which the LIFE of the Lord Jesus Christ that has come in the Person of the Holy Spirit. In which respect Paul says in another place, “Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved in His life!” Romans 5:9-10. Please Note, the distinction Paul makes between the BLOOD that is to say His DEATH and that of His LIFE, that is to say the Spirit. So, the HELP He provides is for the purpose of inheriting His kingdom and an escape from the WRATH to come.

And the provision of THIS HELP as the expression of the Power of God is intended to enable us to LIVE right, through which we inherit the Kingdom of God. Take the example of the children of Israel in the wilderness, they failed to take possession of their inheritance simply because they DID NOT believe the POWER of God to HELP them to overcome their enemies. [Numbers 14:8-9.] This had nothing to do with what they were in Egypt, but what they were in the present having the Lord in their midst, as such, they were expected to walk with Him in faith. Likewise, we have to see the forgiveness of sins as a foregone conclusion, in order to make way for the greater purpose which God has always intended, that we may share in HIS NATURE and walk in it by faith. As Paul says, “Now, having been set free from sin, and having become slaves to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end is eternal life.” Romans 6:22. Righteousness is intended to bring forth the FRUIT of Sanctification, for the purpose of the eternal inheritance. [Romans 6:19.] There is GRACE as it relates to DEATH, which came by the Man Jesus Christ, to deliver us from the kingdom of darkness in the forgiveness of sins. And there is also GRACE as it relates to LIFE, in the GIFT of righteousness given in the Person of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of inheriting the kingdom of God. As Paul says, “For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, how much more will those receiving the abundance of GRACE AND of the GIFT of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ!” Romans 5:17. 

Being Born of the Spirit, is ALL about the PROVISION which God has made available through His Spirit in order for us to walk in it. The Holy Spirit is called, “the HELPER,” in respect to which Paul writes, “For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin. THEREFORE, we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive MERCY and may find GRACE for HELP in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. Paul is saying, because of the weakness of our flesh and the state of the world, He is ready and willing to help us in the provision of Mercy and Grace. This is in order to empower us in times of our temptation. However, the condition is, we MUST COME TO HIM. In regards to which, Paul said, “No temptation has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful, who will NOT ALLOW you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will also provide with the temptation the escape, to be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. 

As noted previously, the neglect of Water Baptism stems from our misunderstanding of its intended function, which is specifically tied to the BODY and designed to break the dominion of darkness. Now, our BODY having been set free from sin, is expected to be submitted to the Spirit of God for the purpose of Sanctification. So that the life of the Lord Jesus Christ may be manifested in our mortal body. [2 Corinthians 4:10-11.] And Paul describing the expression of the POWER of this resurrecting LIFE says, “And if the Spirit of the One having raised up Jesus out from the dead dwells in you, the One having raised up Christ Jesus out from the dead also will give LIFE to your MORTAL BODIES, on account of His Spirit dwelling in you.” Romans 8:11. That is to say, it is through the Holy Spirit we are able to hold our body in honour, NOT because we have some GREAT WILL POWER, but because the dictates and desires of our body are brought into alignment by the SUPPLY of the Spirit of God. [Galatians 3:3.] The prince of the power of the air worked in our body through the corruption of our desires to bring forth death, for which reason our body was called, “the Body of Death.” [Romans 7:24.] However, now the Spirit of God works to bring forth LIFE to our mortal body, helping us to put to death the passions and desires of the body. As Paul says, “For if you live according to flesh, you are about to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13. [Galatians 5:24-25.] So, being Born of the Spirit, is to have the resurrection POWER of God in our BODY. 

Here, it is important to bear in mind the two terms which Paul uses to describe our body. The first, is the body of sin, which was the place of our enslavement. The second, is the Mortal Body, that is a body that is circumcised by the circumcision of Christ through baptism in water. Which Paul showed in Romans 6:4-6, in relation to the body of sin having been put away, being set free from sin. After which, he refers to the same body as a mortal body, saying, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, in order to obey its desires.” Romans 6:12. And it is to this Mortal Body that life is given by the Holy Spirit, for sanctification of life. So, in water we have an act of resisting the kingdom of darkness, and in the Spirit, the submission of our body to God. As Paul says, “To present your BODIES as a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy to God, well-pleasing, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for you to prove what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2. Everything we have from God is given as a gift on the merit of the Lord Jesus Christ, but what we do with that gift matters. And the GIFT of righteousness given in the Person of the Holy Spirit is not any different. So, how we live according to this GIFT will bear consequences, which Paul reminds us saying, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from God?” 1 Corinthians 6:19.

The inheritance of the Kingdom of God, is NOT a FOREGONE conclusion, but is conditional on a life sanctified by faith. However, we have taken it for granted, because we have not distinguished between being saved from the kingdom of darkness, and that of possessing the eternal inheritance. Consider, Paul the Apostle of Grace did not take it for granted, since he says, “I batter my body and bring it into servitude, lest having preached to others, I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27. Paul realised how he holds his body is of significance. And speaking of the inheritance, he says, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and joint-heirs of Christ, IF INDEED we SUFFER with Him, so that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:16-17. The question is, why does Paul give the inheritance of the kingdom of God, to be subject to the condition of suffering with Him, if the inheritance is a foregone conclusion? 

And throughout the discourse contained in his two epistles to the Corinthians, we see the progression of his message, starting from the basic principle of Christ Crucified, he ends admonishing them in respect to sins they continued to practice, saying, “For indeed He was crucified in weakness, YET He lives by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, but we will live with Him by God’s power toward you. Examine yourselves whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are unapproved?” 2 Corinthians 13:4-6. Paul is making the point, the resurrection life of Jesus Christ, which is of the POWER of God, ought to produce a life that has REPENTED from the old manner of ways. That is, Paul is making distinction between the DEATH and LIFE of the Lord Jesus Christ, as it relates to the things done in the BODY. So, Paul was NOT arguing with them about the foundation of Christ Crucified, in the forgiveness of sins, but rather in respect to their failure to realise the POWER of God which lives toward them by the Spirit of God.  

So, how we perceive the Lord matters, either of weakness or that of power, which is determined by what we believe. As such, the best way for us to WALK in the ways of righteousness is for us to change our GAZE. As the main text of our study says, “If then you have been RAISED with Christ, SEEK the things ABOVE, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.” In regard to which Paul says, “God has chosen you from the beginning unto salvation in the SANCTIFICATION of the Spirit, and by FAITH of the TRUTH; to this also He CALLED you through our gospel TO the obtaining of the GLORY of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14. This can be summarised in the sayings of Pastor Joseph Prince, “Right believing will lead to right living.” The Spirit of God works with the Word of God, therefore, what we BELIEVE will determine His ability to work in us.

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Judgement of Righteousness

Christ  is NOT judging us for sin! However, there is a judgement of righteousness, which is based on the expectation of FRUIT according to what God has given. And the lack of this understanding, has caused MANY to disregard the Holy Spirit, and to live a life of perpetual sin and forgiveness that falls far short of the inheritance of the kingdom of God. Paul said, “For as many as have sinned without the Law also will perish without the Law; and as many as have sinned in the Law will be judged by the Law.” Romans 2:12. Likewise, we are now in the dispensation of the SPIRIT, as such, our judgment is going to be ACCORDING to the SPIRIT. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians, said, “For God has not CALLED us to IMPURITY, but into HOLINESS. So then, the one rejecting this does not disregard man but God, the One also giving His Holy Spirit to you.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8. The fact God has called us to holiness is upheld by the SUPPLY of His Holy Spirit. That is, the manner we are expected to hold our body, ALWAYS comes back to the provision of His Holy Spirit, which is meant to be the expression of His resurrection power towards us. When Israel failed to take possession of the promised land, God’s response was, “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me.” Numbers 14:11. Meaning, the expression of our conduct in the body is a result of either making use of His HELP, or the rejection thereof, for which we are held responsible. 

We need to change the perspective we have of the Judgement of God, which we CONSTANTLY taint with the perspective of sin, for which the outcome is simply DEATH. Paul said, “So then, just as through one trespass, it is unto condemnation to all men, so also through one act of righteousness it is unto justification of life to all men.” Romans 5:18. The point is, the judgement to come, which is of righteousness, is for the purpose of GIVING LIFE, the measure of which is the LIFE of the Lord Jesus Christ, to those that walk with Him in truth. We have made the salvation of mankind about the re-creation of the human spirit, when it is all about the cleansing of the conscience of our soul by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the sanctification of our body by the Holy Spirit. As Paul says, “Now I say, WALK by the Spirit, and you should NOT GRATIFY the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16. Which is the EMPHATIC statement by which EVERY Christian is expected to live. 

That is why, when Paul admonishes the believers, who continue in the practice of the things of the flesh, it is always in respect to the inheritance of the kingdom of God, since they have ALREADY passed from death, in the forgiveness of sins. Saying, “do you not know that the unrighteous ones will not inherit the kingdom of God?” 1 Corinthians 6:9. And again, “I forewarn you, even as I warned before, that those doing such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.” Galatians 5:21. And when speaking in relation to those that are in the world, he says, “For this you know, realizing that any fornicator, or unclean person, or covetous man, who is an idolater, has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the WRATH of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7. Please note, the sons of disobedience are NOT made subject to death, since they already are, but to WRATH, for which reason he warns us NOT to be partakers with them of the SAME punishment. The point is, Paul does not take it for granted, that the forgiveness of sins is inheritance. The same way we ought NOT to think the DEATH of the Lord is deliverance from WRATH,  it is NOT, His LIFE is.

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The Apparent Paradox of Paul & James

The point is, we, as the seed of Abraham, have the option to pursue the works of the flesh and lose our inheritance, or pursue the things of the Spirit and obtain the kingdom of God. As Paul says, “Do not be misled: God is not mocked. For whatever a man might sow, that also he will reap. For the one sowing to his own flesh, from the flesh will reap decay. But the one sowing to the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8. Meaning, the manner we hold our BODY is of significance. This is the very reason why Paul repeatedly warned people as it relates to the deeds of the flesh, that they will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

And this concept of the FRUITS of Righteousness as it relates to our BODY can be explained in relation to the teaching of Paul and that of James. Now, when Paul makes reference to the righteousness of faith, which Abram had, he was referring to his faith in believing the promise of the SEED, that is, a son to be given to him, intended for the inheritance of the promised land. [Genesis 15:6.] Which Paul described as, “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his SEED. It does not say “and to seeds” as of many, but “and to your SEED” as of One, who is Christ.” Galatians 3:16. So, Abram looked forward to the day of Christ which is to come and believed, and his faith was counted for him for righteousness. And the details of THIS COVENANT which God entered with Abram, by passing through the animals that were cut in two, was described by God, in relation to the deliverance of Israel, from the hands of the oppressor, whom he was going to judge. [John 12:31.] So, God entered into a covenant with Abraham promising to cause him to inherit the land, even at the pain of death, which it did take in respect to the Cross of Christ. And Pastor Joseph Prince points out that, in this COVENANT of the ANNULMENT of Sin and Death, Abram was DEEP ASLEEP. Meaning, it required NOTHING from him except to believe. [Genesis 15:9-21.]

And it is to this moment in time which Paul points to, when speaking about justification by faith apart from any works. That is, when “Abraham,” was still called, “Abram.” The significance of which is that his name is meant to represent a man who was still in the flesh, uncircumcised and under sin. [Romans 4:10.] So, Paul says, “To the one not working, but BELIEVING on the One justifying the UNGODLY, his FAITH is reckoned for righteousness.” Romans 4:5. Please note, by saying UNGODLY, Paul is referring to the initial state of mankind, as to be in the flesh, being under the dominion of sin, hence Abram. Therefore, justification from Sin and Death, which has to do with the Death of the Son of God is APART from any works. [Romans 4:3-4.] 

However, when James makes a reference to the righteousness of faith, he is referring to a time when “Abram,” is called “Abraham,” as one who is in the Spirit, and cut away from sinful flesh through circumcision, so as to walk blameless before God. Therefore, the term UNGODLY NO LONGER applies to him. [Ephesians 2:12-13, 19.] And James making reference to Genesis 22, says, “Was not Abraham our father JUSTIFIED by WORKS, having offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that his FAITH was working with his WORKS, and by his works, his faith was perfected. And the Scripture was fulfilled, saying, “And Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” James 2:21-23. When Paul addressed the issue, it was in relation to the promise of the SEED, as it relates to DEATH. But, when James addressed the issue, it was in relation to the SEED, as it relates to the RESURRECTION. Which Paul described, saying, “By FAITH Abraham, being TESTED, has offered up Isaac. Even the one having received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, as to whom it was said, “In Isaac your offspring will be reckoned,” having REASONED that God was able even to RAISE him out from the DEAD, from where he received him also in a simile.” Hebrews 11:17-19. Please Note, at this point Abraham was very MUCH awake, and his action was purely based in his faith on the RESURRECTION power of God. Hence Paul says, “He reasoned that God would raise Isaac from the dead.” So, Isaac on the altar being offered to God is meant to be an expression of a living sacrifice, not of sinful flesh, but that of a MORTAL BODY, for sanctification by the Spirit, which Paul calls our reasonable service to God. [Romans 6:13,19, Romans 12:1-2.] Therefore, it is meant to be the expression of the evidence of our faith in the resurrecting power of God. 

So, God was TESTING the willingness of Abraham’s heart to walk in His ways. Faith MUST be tested! As Peter says, “At present for a little while if it is being NECESSARY, having been put to grief by various trials, so that the proven genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, perishing though being refined by fire, may be discovered to result in praise and glory and honor in the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1  Peter 1:6-7. Therefore, James is describing works that are born out of the New Life of the Spirit, as to be a confirmation of FAITH. While Paul is describing being saved from the kingdom of darkness through faith in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, Faith in the resurrection power of God, as it relates to the manner of life we live in the offering of our body to God is the main point. And the combination of these two seemingly contradictory points, is summarised by Paul as, “To know Him and the POWER of His RESURRECTION and the fellowship of His sufferings, being CONFORMED to His DEATH, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from out of dead.” Philippians 3:10-11. That is, Paul recognised the GRACE of God in delivering him from the power of sin and death, having been conformed to the Death of the Lord. Now, he looks forward to the POWER of His resurrection to help him LIVE THIS LIFE, for the hope of the Eternal Inheritance. We are also tested, and the danger to Christians of the present day is to have a form of godliness, yet denying its POWER.  

So, believers must be exhorted to walk holding firm to the Gospel of Truth, being FULLY ASSURED, Death and Hades are behind us ALL. So that we may encourage each other in the pursuit of life by the Spirit in the knowledge of the Son of God, so that we may inherit the kingdom of God. We have to move beyond the forgiveness of sins, since EVEN God has put all our sins behind Him! As such, He is not looking at ANYONE of us according to the Flesh, but according to the EXPECTATION He has for our LIFE, as it relates to His HOLY SPIRIT, through whom He waits to give us the inheritance of His Kingdom. So, we need to be diligent in the pursuit of righteousness, in word, prayer, and worship, that is, being filled with the words of Christ and His Holy Spirit. So that we may grow in His likeness to the manifestation of His LIFE in our mortal body.

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