First, it DEMEANS the character of God
First, it DEMEANS the character of God. He is portrayed as having misled the children of Israel in allowing them to believe that there would be a literal kingdom yet to come, in which they would have a part, when in reality He never intended that there would be such a thing. Through the many centuries in Old Testament times, He made no attempt to correct their false expectation. Hence, God is made out to be a God that makes false and misleading promises.
However, God said what He meant, and He meant what He said—literally (Num. 23:1919God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)). When the Lord appeared to His disciples in resurrection, and they asked Him, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" He didn't deny that it would be set up in that literal way. He simply said, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons, which the Father hath put in His power" (Acts 1:6-76When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. (Acts 1:6‑7)). The Father had His time to bring in the kingdom with its promised blessings in a literal way, but it would be sometime later. If it was not to be, the Lord would have corrected their mistaken expectations at that time, but He made no attempt to set them straight on this because they had it right.
Second, it DEPRIVES the Lord Jesus of the Display of His Kingdom Glory in this World
Third, it DENIES the Scriptures That Clearly State That God's Present Calling of the Church by the Gospel
Third, it DENIES the Scriptures that clearly state that God's present calling of the Church by the gospel, disclosed in the Mystery, was unknown by the Old Testament saints (Rom. 16:25-2625Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (Romans 16:25‑26); Eph. 3:3-103How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Ephesians 3:3‑10); Col. 1:25-2725Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:25‑27)). Covenant theologians say that it was known by the Old Testament prophets who prophesied of this new departure of God. But it is a flat-out denial of the plain statements of Scripture that say that they didn't know about it. It was a "secret" that was "hidden" in those past ages, and only revealed when the Spirit of God came to dwell on earth in the Church.
Furthermore, teaching that the Church was in existence in Old Testament times (as Covenant theologians do) is a denial of the Lord's statement in Matthew 16:1818And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18). He said, "I will build My Church." By stating that He was going to build His Church shows that it was not in existence at the time when He was on earth teaching and preaching. It did not begin until Pentecost when the Spirit of God was sent to form the Church, the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13); Acts 2:1-4, 47; 5:111And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1‑4)
47Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47)
11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. (Acts 5:11)). This action of the Spirit is called a "beginning," not a continuation (Acts 11:1515And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (Acts 11:15)).
Fourth, it DEFERS the Lord's Coming
Fourth, it DEFERS the Lord's coming, and this opens the door to all kinds of negative things that impact a believer's life practically (Matt. 24:4848But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (Matthew 24:48)).
Fifth, it DOWNGRADES the Church
Fifth, it DOWNGRADES the Church from being a heavenly thing with distinctive blessings belonging to it alone (Eph. 1:33Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3)), to being that of a millennial saint on earth. Scripture teaches that the Church is indeed a distinct entity among the companies of blessed men in the system of grace. It is called the "assembly of the firstborns" or "church of firstborn ones" (Heb. 12:22-2322But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22‑23) — W. Kelly Trans.). Firstborn, is a term that refers to that which is first in rank and pre-eminence; hence the Church has a preeminent place among the other saints of God. Those who compose the Church are viewed as "sons" in the household of God, whereas an Old Testament saint is viewed as a "child" and a "servant" in the house (Gal. 4:1-71Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:1‑7)). The Jewish household custom of a bar mitzvah illustrates this difference. Again, Revelation 19 sees the Lamb's "wife" as distinct from the other heavenly saints who are "called to the marriage supper" (i.e. the friends of the Bridegroom — John 3:2929He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. (John 3:29)). As the wife, she has a special place in relation to the Lamb that the others do not have. Scripture states that God will have many families of blessed beings in heaven and on earth with different relationships to Him—they are not all one company (Eph. 3:1515Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (Ephesians 3:15)). But there are none that have a place of favour and nearness to Christ as do Christians who are members of His body (Eph. 5:23-3223For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:23‑32)).
Sixth, it DEPRIVES the remnant of Israel
Sixth, it DEPRIVES the remnant of Israel of their inheritance in their homeland. Scripture states that it has not been taken away from them in spite of their failure (Rom. 11:2929For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Romans 11:29)).
CHART Erroneous Covenantal Interpretations of Scripture
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Seventh, it DEPARTS from sound principles of Biblical exegesis
Seventh, it DEPARTS from sound principles of Biblical exegesis, and supposes that because things in the Old Testament are quoted by the Holy Spirit in the New, it means that they are fulfilled today in the Church. But this is assuming something that the Spirit of God did not necessarily intend.
In truth, as a rule, when an Old Testament passage is quoted in the New Testament as a fulfillment, it will state that it is. But when the Spirit of God quotes an Old Testament passage in the New, but does not say that it is "fulfilled," it is to merely show the character of a thing, or that the principle involved coincides with the moral ways of God. Compare John 19:3636For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. (John 19:36) with 19:37; Acts 1:16, 2016Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (Acts 1:16)
20For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. (Acts 1:20) with Acts 2:16-2116But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: 20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:16‑21); Acts 13:2727For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. (Acts 13:27) with 47, etc. Covenant Theology does not observe this principle when interpreting the Scriptures and infers things into various passages that are not intended. And thus, erroneous conclusions are drawn as a result.
Covenant theologians are also often inconsistent in their method of "spiritualizing" the Scriptures. They teach that the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled today in the Church allegorically. Yet many Old Testament passages have been fulfilled literally. This cannot be denied. Take, for example, the curses and judgments pronounced on Israel. If they did not meet their covenant relationship responsibilities, they were warned that they would be destroyed by their enemies and carried away as captives from their land. This actually happened; the ten tribes were carried to Assyria and the two tribes to Babylon. Also, the prophecies concerning the first coming of the Messiah—His virgin birth, His life and ministry, His rejection, His death and resurrection, etc. These are things that have all happened literally.
This being the case, Covenant theologians are forced to admit that only some of the Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled allegorically. But this leaves the serious Bible student in a quandary. Which parts should he take literally, and which should he take allegorically? And, what authority does he have to pick and choose which is which? Covenant theologians will say that the blessings are to be taken allegorically, but that the judgments are literal. But what Scriptural authority do they have to make this qualifying distinction? If this is true, why hasn't God told this to us in His Word?
When we examine this idea (that the Old Testament blessings are fulfilled allegorically, but the judgments are literal), we find that many times it is not consistent. Many of the blessings promised to Israel were fulfilled literally. For instance, the blessings in Deuteronomy 27-31 were realized in the days of Joshua, and again in the time of David and Solomon. Also, the blessings promised in restoring the children of Israel from captivity, if they humbled themselves—these were also fulfilled literally in Ezra and Nehemiah. Thus, there is no consistency with this method of interpretation. And why should we think that some parts of the Old Testament are fulfilled spiritually or allegorically when God has already shown us how He intends to fulfill those things by having brought many of them to pass literally? Logically, one would expect that if He has started that way, He will continue to fulfill the remaining prophecies in that literal way.
Orthodox Bible Interpretation Believes in a Literal Fulfillment of Scripture
Orthodox Bible interpretation believes in a literal fulfillment of Scripture. This does not mean that every word or phrase found in the Bible is literal, but that the fulfillment of those things is literal. The Spirit of God uses many figures and symbols in the Word of God; these are not literal things, but what they symbolize are always literal. For example, Scripture speaks of "the sun" not shining and "the stars" falling from heaven (Matt. 24:2929Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (Matthew 24:29)). This could not be taken literally. Many of the stars are thousands of times the size of the earth; if one of them were to fall to the earth, it would be destroyed immediately. These things are obviously symbolic. They are meant to signify that the great apostasy, which the Antichrist will bring in, will take away divine light and truth (the sun) from men, and many leaders (the stars) will succumb to the spiritual darkness, and give up their acknowledgement of God. These things will happen literally.
Covenant theologians have no problem inferring things into Scripture to make them fit their ideas. We call this "the fudge factor." An example of this is the invention of "the Covenant of Works" and "the Covenant of Grace"—of which Scripture makes no mention. They also say that the "new covenant" (Jer. 31:31-3431Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: 33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jeremiah 31:31‑34)) has been made now with the Church—but there is no Scripture which says it. Each time the new covenant is mentioned, it clearly states that it is with "the house of Israel and with the house of Judah"—never the Church (Heb. 8:10-1210For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 8:10‑12)). The Apostle Paul confirms this, stating that "the covenants" and "the promises" belong to his countrymen. He qualifies exactly who they are, so as to leave no doubt in anyone's mind, saying, "My brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh" (Rom. 9:3-43For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; (Romans 9:3‑4)). This cannot possibly be construed as a company of believers today from among the Gentiles, as Reformed theologians teach. As a rule, Christian blessings are seen as a present possession of believers (Eph. 1:3-143Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3‑14) — "hath"), whereas Israel's blessings in prophecy are future.
Covenant Theology Departs from Sound Principles of Biblical Exegesis
Another example where Covenant theology departs from sound principles of Biblical exegesis is in the reversing of the meaning of "Israel" from the Old Testament to the New. Such disrupts the progressive revelation of truth in Scripture. A great principle of Bible interpretation—that Bible students would do well to observe—is that new revelations never contradict revelations previously given. A concept in the Old Testament cannot be taken to be the opposite in the New Testament, otherwise the Bible would be filled with contradictions. As Scripture was written, God gave additional light on certain subjects, but those new revelations do not contradict previous ones. Scripture unfolds truth like a building being constructed; a foundation is laid, then a framework is added, etc. One thing is built on another; and, any new thing added doesn't tear down a previous thing. Hence, it cannot be that the nation of Israel, which is a literal thing in the Old Testament, has lost its literalness when mentioned in the New Testament. Romans 9-11 Confirms this. The term "Israel," is used a number of times in these chapters for the natural descendants of Abraham (Paul's kinsmen according to the flesh), not the spiritual descendants of Abraham. Thus, the word "Israel" has not changed its meaning in the New Testament.
The right and proper way of handling the Scriptures is demonstrated by the Apostle Paul. He "reasoned with them out of the Scriptures" (Acts 17:22And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, (Acts 17:2)). He did not reason into the Scriptures with preconceived notions, but rather, he took his thoughts from the Scriptures.
Eighth, Covenant Theology DEFIES Logic in Many of its Interpretations
Eighth, Covenant theology DEFIES logic in many of its interpretations. When worked out to their logical conclusion, many of their "spiritualizations" don't make sense. For instance, we are told that we are in Christ's (millennial) kingdom now. But the descriptions in Scripture of His kingdom in power indicate that Christ will rule with a rod of iron (Rev. 2:2727And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (Revelation 2:27)), and righteousness will pervade the whole world (Isa. 32:1-191Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. 2And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. 3And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. 4The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. 5The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful. 6For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. 7The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right. 8But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. 9Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech. 10Many days and years shall ye be troubled, ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come. 11Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins. 12They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine. 13Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city: 14Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks; 15Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. 16Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. 17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; 19When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place. (Isaiah 32:1‑19)). Also, Satan and his fallen angels will be bound in the bottomless pit and will not be able to go forth to deceive the nations (Isa. 24:21-2221And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. 22And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. (Isaiah 24:21‑22); Rev. 20:1-31And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Revelation 20:1‑3)). Furthermore, judgment will be executed every morning on offenders (Psa. 101:88I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord. (Psalm 101:8); Zeph. 3:55The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. (Zephaniah 3:5)). And, the wolf and the lamb will feed together, with the desert blossoming like a rose (Isa. 11:6; 35:1-7; 65:256The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)
1The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 2It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. 3Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 7And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. (Isaiah 35:1‑7)
25The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 65:25)). Whatever way a person chooses to interpret these things—allegorically or spiritually—it would be very difficult to convince anybody that such is happening today.
Are we to believe that righteousness is reigning now in this world? Is Satan really bound today? How can we honestly think this when his evil working can be seen in every nation and walk of life? Does judgment really fall on offenders every morning as Scripture states? They may "spiritualize" these things, but this would be going back on their own teaching that the judgments in Scripture are literal. And, is the animal kingdom at peace? If they say that the leopard and kid are lying down together spiritually today, what could this mean?
Ninth, Covenant Theology DESTROYS the Types and Figures of Scripture
Ninth, Covenant theology DESTROYS the types and figures of Scripture. The beautiful dispensational pictures in both the Old Testament and the New, showing the temporary setting aside of Israel and the present interposed heavenly calling of the Church, before God resumes His dealings with a remnant of Israel, must all be written off as mere fiction. These figurative pictures cover some 50 or 60 chapters in our Bibles!
Tenth, Covenant Theology DISRUPTS the Order of Prophetic Events
Tenth, Covenant theology DISRUPTS the order of prophetic events. Except perhaps for the coming of the Lord and the final casting of the wicked into the lake of fire, we are told that prophecy in the Old Testament and in the book of Revelation has been fulfilled already! Hence, there is no seven-year Tribulation coming, no Antichrist coming, no Armageddon, etc.!