Book Summary and more

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 How can the Four c’s relate to our imputed and imparted new nature? 

• Carat-is the measure of a diamond. It can be compared to our new regenerated nature.  We all receive a bundle of grace when we become a new creature which includes but is not  limited to a measure of: our new nature, faith, righteousness, justification, new characteristics  and moral qualities. 
• Color diamonds can be yellow, pink, black, and transparent. It can be compared to our  righteousness in which Christ imparts to us. We have Christ’s righteousness which refracts  God’s glory. 
• Clarity is the measure of imperfections in a diamond. It can be compared to our imputed  justification. Christ has made us flawless is God’s Sight. (Col 1:22). 
• Cut is the shape which makes a diamond unique and allows the light to shine in different  directions. It can be compared to our sanctification. God cuts off our old nature through  different processes and leaves a Christ-like character which refracts His glory to others. 

Each cut  can represent godly characteristics. E.g. the fruit of the Spirit, Christ-likeness, divine nature [see  2 Peter 1:3-11 

 How can the Four c’s relate to our imputed and imparted new nature? 

When looking at the analogy of a diamond and a Christian in the making, you may be surprise by their similarities. 

A side by side comparison reveals before conversion that coal is black and whatever it touches gets dirty. A Christian before conversion is a sinner and whatever he touches gets dirty. The sinful nature of the old man influences others to miss the mark or sin. Under pressure there is a turning point. Coal turns into a diamond and the sinner turns into a saint. Both are not pretty. A diamond is just a hard uncut rock which does not show its prized optical properties. It has to go through a four step proses of cutting and polishing. This steps include cutting, bruting, polishing and final inspection. It is a process which determines it carat, cut, clarity and light reflecting qualities it can produce. 

Excerpt from Chapter 14 "The Journey of the Renewing of the Mind"

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:8a) 

"How do we draw near to God?  First of all we must be born again, saved.  That is, we must believe the gospel and desire the same desires that God desires with a willing committed heart.  There is no half stepping.  The belief in the gospel is our faith in God, His word, Jesus’ finished work, the Holy Spirit and our willingness to say, be, go and do the will of God.  Our faith is the key that opens the door to the life God created us to live.  God responds to our faith. ... 

Holy fear is the start of drawing near to God.  Don’t worry about why the sinners get away with this or that.  They are missing out on God’s love and the real meaning of life. Let us walk all the daylong in the Holy Fear of God, knowing that we will be blessed in so many ways. "