The "BAPTISM" PRINCIPLE pertains to the removal of evil (of death) and replacing it with that which is good (of life). This principle has been exemplified in many ways and situations through the centuries as reported in the Bible. In the "process pattern" the "baptism" principle is the primary factor that spans both Phase 3 and Phase 4. Here are some examples of its exemplification:

THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY was used to wash away a mankind that had become grieveously evil and to begin anew with eight good souls. Following that baptismal bath, God gave us the gift of the rainbow, which in its beauty of holiness, symbolizes the gift of the Holy Spirit that is received by born-again Christians today.

THE PASSING OF THE HEBREWS THROUGH THE RED SEA was another exemplification of the baptism principle. Beginning with Abram, the progression was from man and wife, to family, to twelve patriarchs, to twelve tribes in captivity, to a liberated people beyond the Red Sea, and to a victorious Hebrew nation in the promised land. Pharaoh's army exemplified the "body of Sin" (evil) that was washed away in the "Red Sea baptism". The "liberated people" in the wilderness beyond the Red Sea were in Phase 5 of the "process pattern".

THE PASSING OF ELIJAH AND ELISHA THROUGH THE JORDAN RIVER also exemplifies the baptism principle. Elijah's earthly state was removed and he was elevated into a heavenly state of being. Likewise, Elisha was gifted with a higher spiritual essence and power. (2Kings 2:8)

THE JEWISH RITE OF CIRCUMCISM is an example of the "cutting away" aspect of the baptism principle -- the removal of the deadening effect of flesh (evil) and the attainment of a higher state of sensitivity (good). This rite was established by God as a foreshadowing of the true baptism later to come when Jesus baptizes His believers with the Holy Ghost -- whereby washing away our old body of sin and creating us anew into the body of Christ. (2Corinthians 5:17)

THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE WAS RENT IN TWAIN FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM as Jesus gave up the ghost on the cross at Golgotha. The most holy place in the temple was beyond a tall heavy veil. Its being torn open upon the death of Jesus, signified the release of the Holy Spirit into the world. For, as Jesus told us, when He is gone away the Father will send the Holy Ghost to us in Jesus' name. Here again, an exemplification of the baptism principle wherein flesh is replaced by spirit.

There are many other such exemplifications of the baptism principle in the Holy Bible. You will find it a rewarding experience as you search them out.

When you find the numbers 4, 40, 400, or 4000 in reference to periods of time such as hours, days, and years you very likely may find yourself looking into a situation in Phase 5 of the "process pattern" or something similar. The principle of "fours in decimal increments" refers to times when people or some aspect of God's creation are going through trials, purgings, and preparation for the next advancement.

Sometimes the "fours" appear in situations or events that are being given as analogies compared with something else. The Lazarus event was one of these. He had lain dead in the tomb for FOUR days; thus representing all of mankind's existence in the realm of death and darkness during the 4000 years since our "fall" in the Garden of Eden. Just as Jesus was calling Lazarus to "Come forth!", He is calling to all of mankind today to "COME FORTH!" out of the darkness of spiritual death into His marvelous light of everlasting life. (read John 5:24 and 1Peter 2:9)

You can find many such examples of these periods of time (trials, purgings, and preparations) in the Bible, including these:

Noah's Ark during 40 days and nights of rain

Three 40-year periods in the life of Moses

Jesus' 40 days among His disciples between His resurrection and His asencion

The Hebrews' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness

The Hebrews' 400 years of bitter bondage in Egypt

Goliath of Gath challenged the army of Israel forty days

Jesus was in the wilderness of temptation for forty days