How can we prove that the supernatural or paranormal doesn't exist? Calvinism Vs. Arminianism. who has made us both one . And the key difference is this: Calvinists believe that God has to produce in us the decisive desire for Christ. Arminianism was a response to Calvinism during the 17 th century. At the same moment God regenerates the person, and the person places his faith in Christ. Now that does not mean that regeneration and faith happen chronologically one after the other as though in the first moment God regenerates someone and then in the next moment that person places his faith in Christ. The total sovereignty of God (while disputed in some theological circles) carries a lot of Biblical evidence with it. [4] However, under the Calvinist view, God would desire to judge some sinful people, and he does not desire all people to be saved.[5]. It is not as though you place your faith in Christ, and so God saves you. People have free will in all sorts of things. There is one more passage from Shank on page 48 that I would like to read. God gives grace to those whom He has selected their saving faith is a gift of God as a result of His grace, not a cause of it. To the Calvinist, Christ's atonement is limited to the elect. 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays That is to say, it is in Christ that a person is elect. we are members of one another . This is one of the primary issues that threaten to cause a split in the Southern Baptist Convention. What Is the Difference Between 'Man' And 'Son of Man' in Num 23:19? Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. What Does The Bible Say About Fake Christians? If God chose to save only one person, sending the rest to hell, this wouldnt be fair; it would be merciful. 3 salvation for mankind.3 Logically, however, God could just as well have chosen to irresistibly save all of mankind in the Calvinist scheme.4 Reformed Arminians solve the issue of total depravity with universal enabling grace (prevenient grace).5 "The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men." Tit 2:11 (145-146) Christians as a body v. 3) for Himself out of the world. Bloomfield comments on Ephesians 1:5, . The elect are chosen by God. If Christ came back sooner, these elect wouldnt come to Christ yet. Insofar as a person is in Christ he is elected and predestined, as the passage teaches. We agree with the consistency of Calvinism on this point: God is under no obligation to dispense grace. Why Don't Christians Expose Evil Anymore? John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. And, as Bruce Alderman points out, the Bible says God "desires everyone to be saved". . You find this all the way through this passage. One of the most divisive debates in the history of the Church centers around the opposing doctrines of salvation known as Calvinism and Arminianism. (5) Prayers are not scripted; they are free expressions of the heart (see the Psalms for good examples of this). Ephesians 1:4 Are some chosen for heaven and others for hell? 100 Inspirational Bible Verses About Thankfulness To God, What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness? . increase of the body . (8) God himself is a free moral agent, who is not determined (Rev. I can only speak from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective. What Does The Bible Say About Mental Health? 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays That does not mean that God cannot force someone to accept his grace, but I'm not sure there is any evidence of God doing that. Jacob Arminius was ordained in 1588. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV ], . 1:24) I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention., (Jer. The Arminian may insist that a person can fall away and lose his or her salvation. Elsewhere, Jesus prayed that Gods will would be done on Earth, as it is in heaven (Mt. Quenching the Spirit in 1 Thessalonians. . If youre not familiar with this idea of explanatory priority, let me give an illustration to try to make it clear. If there is any obligation to be merciful then it is no longer mercy. Saving faith for the Calvinist will involve three elements: knowledge, assent, and trust. In the gospel according to Luke, we read, The Pharisees and experts in the law rejected Gods purpose (Greek boul) for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John (Lk. The Scripture is clear God alone is sovereign over who will be saved. . Its all a bit cloudy. Arminianism, the popular designation of the doctrines held by a party formed in the early days of the seventeenth century among the Calvinists of the Netherlands. . 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays Ordo Salutis is a Latin term that means "the order of salvation." It has historically been used to describe the process or actions involved in the salvation of a person. 100 Inspirational Bible Verses About Thankfulness To God, What Does The Bible Say About Fear? 22:42). Two points of interpretation need to be emphasized in the Arminian understanding of these verses. 100+ Inspirational Bible Verses About Love This book is a valuable . How is that possible? 11:1-2 NIV) When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. Jesus said that he would draw all men to [Himself] (Jn. Most Bibles translate this to that whosoever believes. a holy temple . These two views talk about God's grace and salvation but are somehow different in their schools of thought. . With respect to regeneration, on a Calvinist view those who have been predestined and effectually called by God, God then regenerates. The Holy Spirit draws us to intimacy with God our process of progressive sanctification that can be quenched. 336-337. 100+ Inspirational Bible Verses About Love I believe God gives us the freedom to choose so that when we do choose to accept His grace, it is a conscious, humble, obedient choice. Election is primarily corporate in nature, not individual. 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality? It isnt that the chandelier is somehow forcing the chain up to the ceiling. Second, he will assent to it that is to say, he will give his agreement to it. John Wesley said it like this: [a Christian may] " make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, that he may fall, not only foully, but finally, so as to perish forever ." Scriptural Evaluation But what exactly do Arminians believe? What Does The Bible Say About Fear? [8] Olson, Roger E.Against Calvinism. But the relation of dependence between them is that the chandelier depends on the chain. In that case, salvation is not by faith alone, apart from works. Those principles are often summarized in English under the . 2 Peter 3:9 Does this passage invalidate limited atonement? God cannot act in a way that is in violation of His divine nature. What Does The Bible Say About Haters? . This is an excellent resource for study of the Arminian view for those seeking to defend their theological position. . Lange comments on Ephesians 1:3. . 18:8) If that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned., (Ps. Where does this (supposedly) Gibson quote come from? . Christs redemption plan secures everything necessary for our salvation including the saving faith He gives to us. Arminianism is a branch of Protestantism initiated in the early 16th century, based on the theological ideas of the Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius and his historic supporters known as Remonstrants. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also . . What Does The Bible Say About Fear? They hold to Calvinism except for limited atonement. Since salvation was not due to anything that we do ourselves we cant be the cause of it failing. [7] This list is similar to Carsons list. 7:30; Acts 7:51; Mt. 2:4; 2 Pet. God is all knowing. His sovereignty is not a limit on what he can do or not do. (Hos. Even Reformed authors like D.A. There is not a moment in time when God does not entirely know everything. It is found in John 8:52, John 21:25, and 1 John 1:2. Why Don't Christians Expose Evil Anymore? Because it sounds fair.. What Does The Bible Say About Trusting God? Calvinism is based on the theological beliefs and teachings of a leader of the Reformation named John Calvin who was alive in the 1500's, and Arminianism is based on the views of the Dutch . If you are interested in seeing an Arminian perspective on this passage, I highly recommend this little book by Robert Shank entitled Elect in the Son. 118. What Does The Bible Say About Haters? . . Is Smoking Marijuana Sinful? 100 Inspirational Bible Verses About Thankfulness To God, What Does The Bible Say About God's Love? from your pastor, priest, or other trustworthy counselor, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Acceptable comments policy for Christianity Stack Exchange. The book of Hebrews is unique in that parts of it are clearly directed at believers, whereas other parts including Hebrews 3:15 are directed at the non-Christians who have an intellectual understanding of the gospel, but do not have saving faith. In the Calvinistic understanding, regeneration is explanatorily prior to the exercise of saving faith. Clearly, this is not supported scripturally. 16:8). The difference between the phonemes /p/ and /b/ in Japanese. What Does The Bible Say About Mental Health? 15 Scriptures To Help With Hopelessness Christ is the elect in Gods real kingdom in the absolute sense, so that all His followers are chosen with Him as organic members, according to their organic relations (Eph. Christs redemption plan secures everything necessary for our salvation including the saving faith He gives to us. But truthfully, we dont want fair. "Calvinism Vs. The sovereignty of God is the belief thatGod is in complete control over everything that happens in the universe. I would say your argument is entirely backwards. Soli Deo Gloria. [By contrast,] a central thesis of the Biblical doctrine of election [that is to say, from the Arminian perspective] may be stated thus: The election to salvation is corporate and comprehends individual men only in identification and association with the elect body.[/blockquote]. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will., Psalm 65:4 How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. as much as in obeying the LORD? 6:10). 100 Inspirational Bible Verses About Thankfulness To God, 25 Verses To Help Identify Fake Friends Jesus said, Remove the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? So, they removed the stone. The movement was named for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch Reformed theologian of the University of Leiden (1603-09) who became involved in . What exactly does all this mean? Your argument doesn't need that citation anyway, so I'd strongly recommend removing it. Consider this. What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness? Arminians believe . This grace cannot be obstructed or resisted. Arminianism:Christ died for everyone. If he does not wish to let us do that, then that will not happen. This is especially important when reading promises made to the twelve disciples or to Paul. Through "prevenient grace," God removed the guilt of Adam's sin. They hold to a decisional view of salvation and they reduce saving faith to a notional ("mental") assent that does not include repentance. It's important to note that all of the doctrinal points in both theological positions have a biblical foundation, which is why the debate has been so divisive and enduring throughout church history. Otherwise, it wouldnt be grace! to make in himself of twain one new man . ", Compare Beliefs of Calvinism Vs. Arminianism. Perseverance of the saints is tied to the "once saved, always saved" debate and the question of eternal security. . However, it would be anachronistic to believe that Arminius was the first to hold this view. He is under no obligation to be merciful. Some Arminians charge that Calvinism is unfair. However, this should not be the starting point for Arminian theology. What Does The Bible Say About God's Love? An omnipotent being desires something that clearly is not happening. Arminian scholar Roger Olson comments, What sense does this verse make in light of irresistible grace? Can I tell police to wait and call a lawyer when served with a search warrant? 25 Verses To Help Identify Fake Friends What Does The Bible Say About Mental Health? Likewise, Peter writes that believers are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father (1 Pet. There are a number of passages that Arminians need to address in this discussion. We all deserve Hell. Acts 13:48 Were some appointed for eternal life? Consider several examples: (Isa. What Does The Bible Say About Fake Christians? The Arminians were dismissed and many persecuted. How does St Peter's view on salvation reconcile with that of Jesus? Jack Cottrell writes that Arminianism was the consensus belief in Christendom prior to Augustine (A.D. 354430).[1]. 1:1-2). . God is perfectly just and is not required to be merciful. . God's decrees are associated with his foreknowledge of man's response. God alone is responsible for redeeming sinners. In 1610 the Remonstrant Arminianism was debated at the Synod of Dort, which was the official gathering of the Dutch Reformed Church. It could happen like that; but regeneration and faith could also be simultaneous they could happen at the same moment. This belief states that Christs redeeming work made it possible for everyone to be saved, but that it did not actually secure salvation for anyone. 2. . 1 John 2:2 affirms limited atonement. The latter part of his life became full of controversy for which he would be known throughout history. One argument we often hear from Calvinists is that Arminianism is barely disguised salvation by works, Pelagianism or semi-Pelagianism, because it believes, so they say, that the sinner's free. God is both creator and ruler of the universe. Then as history unfolds, he unilaterally causes those persons to respond to his call to repentance and faith. 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays (2021, August 31). 7:23-26) This is what I commanded them, saying, Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you. 24 Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward. Except for God's irresistible grace, men are entirely incapable of responding to God on their own. Does the Confessional Calvinism rule Arminianism as a heretic teaching? We have already explained the case for Calvinism (see Calvinism versus Arminianism). But the word whosoever isnt actually there. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.. Romans 9:13 Are some predestined for heaven before birth? 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays the redemption of the purchased possession . Arminianism, a theological movement in Protestant Christianity that arose as a liberal reaction to the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. This passage in Hebrews 6 says that these people were enlightened. An unregenerate, spiritually dead person cant exercise saving faith. TheArminian may insist that a person can fall away and lose his or her salvation. Ephesians 2:1, 5 Does this verse support the Calvinist doctrine of total inability? . 100+ Inspirational Bible Verses About Love We have to look at it in context especially since it starts with the word therefore. We have to see what the therefore is there for. That would be an Arminian perspective on Ephesians 1. Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil., Ephesians 1:5,11 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will., Romans 9:16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy., Romans 8:30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.. . If he wishes to let humans decide whether to accept salvation, then that is what will happen. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. All Rights Reserved. How could that be? The Arminian view of salvation posits that man has free will and the choice to accept salvation is purely on our own free will. Calvinists read all passages on choosing to refer to going to heaven, rather than going to work. Therefore, as you read difficult passages, ask yourself if the passage is describing how a person was chosen for a purpose in ministry, or if they were chosen to go to heaven. one body . Our will to make choices is not outside of Gods control. is very interesting. What Does The Bible Say About Haters? We all committed treason against the Creator of the Universe. Galatians 5:4 does not teach that you can lose your salvation. Christ is the head of the church . 1. . What Does The Bible Say About Fear? Man is utterly wicked and a dead man cant bring himself to life. . If God's grace is offered to all people, then why haven't all people who know of God's grace accepted it? A classical Arminian may have a slightly different understanding. So, the biblical evidence is substantial for both the Arminian and Calvinist positions. When we take a look at John 3:16-17 in the Greek we see something really unique: Houtos gar egapesen ho Theos ton kosmon, hoste ton Huion ton monogene edoken, hina pas ho pisteuon eis auton me apoletai all eche zoen aionion. 4:11). This belief states that man is depraved due to the fall, but man is still able to come to God and accept salvation. Last time we discussed the doctrine of effectual calling. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2006. the Apostle has here no reference to the personal election of individuals. Once a person believes in Christ, he is eternally secure no matter what his subsequent . Is Smoking Marijuana Sinful? (4) God tests his people, which implies our ability to pass or fail (Gen. 22:1; Jas. It is a kind of Americanized short-hand for the fifth of the core theological principles of Calvinist theology (perseverance of the saints) articulated by the Synod of Dort (1618-1619). 23:3, 37; Mt. They had fallen from the grace alone concept and were destroying that concept by their beliefs of adding works to it. Matthew records that Jesus said, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! It is not that the chain depends on the chandelier. 7:23-26). 1 John 2:2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world., John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!, Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people., Frequently, in conservative circles, you will have people who are on the fence about this debate. However, before jumping to these passages, consider these four hermeneutical principles that should be considered. Arminianism." 100 Inspirational Bible Verses About Thankfulness To God, What Does The Bible Say About Trusting God? 21. . This statement says that Jesus died for everyone, even those who are not the elect. 14 I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries.. John 6:37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away., John 11:38-44 Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Evidence Unseen 2023. Quenching is to put out a fire. Why do many companies reject expired SSL certificates as bugs in bug bounties? This is consistent with what he wrote in John 11. The movement began early in the 17th century and asserted that God's sovereignty and human free will are compatible. What Is Pelagianism and Why Is It Condemned as Heresy? But the prevenient grace of God prepares and enables sinners to receive the . What Does The Bible Say About Trusting God? 100 Inspirational Bible Verses About Thankfulness To God, 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays What Does The Bible Say About Fake Christians? What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness? 12:32). In summary, Calvinism centers on the supreme sovereignty of God, predestination, the total depravity of man, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. How to notate a grace note at the start of a bar with lilypond? . The division between Calvinism and Arminianism, saving faith is a gift of God as a result of His grace, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, Our will to make choices is not outside of Gods control, because of His great love with which He loved us, 20 Reasons Why God Is Allowing Trials In Your Life. Is there a solution to add special characters from software and how to do it. 65:12) I will destine you for the sword, and all of you will bow down to the slaughter. What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality? John 11:51-52 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad., Ephesians 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will., 1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure., Ephesians 1:4-5 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. (Jer. What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness? This teaching says that God inwardly calls people who are also called outwardly, that God does all He can to bring a sinner to salvation but man can thwart that calling and harden himself to God. What Does The Bible Say About Fear? Jesus was not determined; instead, he submitted his will to the Fathers will (Lk. We are not made to obey, but asked to obey in the same way we are asked to believe in Jesus Christ and accept salvation. . Is Smoking Marijuana Sinful? Weve been talking about a Calvinistic doctrine of salvation. 6:10; Jn. There is not a moment in time when God does not entirely know everything. Can a human being through His free will reject God even though God desires their salvation? 50:2; Jer. What Does The Bible Say About Fake Christians? 50 Good Bible Verses For Birthdays How do non-universalists account for these passages talking about the salvation of all? . In light of those two statements, here is my question. Is Smoking Marijuana Sinful? I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me. When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Looking at this passage this is an entire passage written directly to those who have already been converted. But God, being rich in mercy. . Learn Religions. But the word whosoever isnt actually there. John is saying that Jesus is the propitiation for the Jews, but not for the Jews only, but for even the Gentiles. (7) God desires all men to believe in him (1 Tim. Why Don't Christians Expose Evil Anymore? There are elect people in the future, who have not yet come to Christ, and God is waiting for them to come to him. . Here the author is explaining that Jesus is better than the priests or the temple even better than Melchizedek. Regeneration means a quickening, of bringing of spiritual life, being born again where before there was simply spiritual death. So, what is quenching? Peter writes, The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Pet. Starting an argument wouldn't be constructive and helpful for future users. Humans are rewarded and punished according to their actions. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? Lets look first at Ephesians 1:3-14, this time from an Arminian perspective. The division between Calvinism and Arminianism is a hotly debated subject amongst evangelicals. 100+ Inspirational Bible Verses About Love Judgment only makes sense, if we are free to choose and culpable for our choices. Do Southern Baptist traditionalists agree with the Arminian view of prevenient grace? Prevenient grace is defined as the preparatory work of the Holy Spirit, given to all, enabling a person to respond to God's call to salvation. . It concerns those who are in Christ. These people were never saved to begin with. Arminianism points out that God desires all people to have a relationship with himnot just some. Sproul, Chosen by God, p.195. Why Don't Christians Expose Evil Anymore? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. 22:3). 22 But Samuel replied: Lightfoot writes, The election of Christ involves implicitly the election of the church. Westcott comments on Ephesians 1:4, . Further, if God relied on mans choice then He would not be all powerful or in complete control. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass., 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that [a]it would be shown that they all are not of us.. [blockquote]A second aspect of election is implicit in Pauls Ephesian doxology: the election to salvation is corporate as well as Christocentric. According to classical Arminianism, the biblical ordo must do justice equally to God's action and ours in salvation with priority being given to God's without neglecting ours as essential. He says. But, like Catholicism, there is no real assurance of salvation in Calvinism where salvation is deemed to be predestinated and therefore inaccessible by our choice or will. Galatians 1:15 Paul was set apart before birth? This is universalism and is heretical. Other Views of Salvation on the Spectrum. Jesus died for all people. Nothing limits him from arranging things as he wishes. What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality? We respond to these in detail below. 2 Timothy 2:25 Does God cause or force repentance? Grieving is what the Holy Spirit does in response to our quenching. Often, passages on chosenness or election are referring to the entire church, rather than individual believers (Eph. Here the author is saying do not harden your hearts like the Hebrews did after they had seen proof of God for 40 years in the wilderness. These were the Judaizers. It contains a number of broad, sweeping teachings that support the traditional concept of libertarian freewill. So according to Shank, Pauls conception of election is primarily electing this corporate body or group of people that God calls, justifies, and brings to glory. Conditional election is based on man's response to God's offer of salvation. 7:1-22). What Does The Bible Say About Mental Health? This is still loving because He is perfectly just. The Scripture is clear God alone is sovereign over who will be saved. Arminianism:Election is based on God's foreknowledge of those who would believe in him through faith. Calvinism:While God extends his common grace to all humankind, it is not sufficient to save anyone. Explaining the Impossibility of an Infinite Regress to High School Students, Doctrine of Salvation (Part 3): Regeneration and Arminianism. 100 Inspirational Bible Verses About Thankfulness To God, Is Smoking Marijuana Sinful? . God values our obedience. See D.A. This is the only completely gracious and merciful option. Arminianism is named after Jacob Arminius (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian who strongly objected to the Reformed systemespecially limited atonement. . This has to do with our intimacy with God. Believers are secure in the faith because God will finish the work he began. Even if regeneration and faith occur simultaneously, the faith is the result of Gods regenerating work. Christ will never fail to save who He has set out so save because He is the all-powerful God. 15:16). [1] I want to read a couple of passages from this book on the notion of corporate election. Is Smoking Marijuana Sinful? We all deserve Hell. the mystery from the beginning of the world [now disclosed in] the church [as fulfillment of] the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord . This phrase pas ho pisteuon is used in John 3:15, John 12:46, Acts 13:39, Romans 10:11, and 1 John 5:1. . Conditional election states that God only chooses those whom He knows will choose to believe. [1] [1] Robert Shank, Elect in the Son (Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1989). Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Calvinism saysGods grace is irresistible, whileArminianismargues that it can be resisted.
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