A Revised Version Of The Four Spiritual Laws

Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI), first published his well known tract, "The Four Spiritual Laws," in 1952. Since then over a million copies have been distributed as a tool for evangelism.

As an evangelical Christian, I don't want to negate Bright's succinct summation of God's good news, but here is another wording I'd prefer:

1. LAW ONE

God loves everyone in the whole world, and has a wonderful plan to restore all creatures and all creation to God's intended peace and harmony (shalom).

2. LAW TWO

From the beginning of time human beings have been hell-bent on gaining their own self-centered versions of the good life through violence, manipulation and sheer force. 

3. LAW THREE

Jesus Christ, the Sent One, has come to offer a way of restoration and redemption based on our renouncing our selfish and sinful living and on loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength--and our every neighbor, friend and foe alike, as ourselves.

4. LAW FOUR 

Together we must acknowledge Jesus's way of peace and reconciliation with God and with others, and join with God's people everywhere to work and pray for God's will to be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

Footnote:

I recently ran across a story about Arthur Burns, former chair of the United States Federal Reserve System and a person of faith. As a diligent seeker for truth he regularly met some members of the White House staff for prayer and for fellowship. 

As the only Jewish member of the group he was typically not asked to lead in the closing prayer, as others thought he might not feel comfortable doing so with a group of professed Christians.

One day when he finally was asked, he prayed as follows:

"Lord, I pray that you would bring Jews to know Jesus Christ. 
I pray that you would bring Muslims to know Jesus Christ. 
Finally, I pray that you would bring Christians to know Jesus Christ. Amen"

I would add my own Amen to that.

The Arthur Burns vignette is from Os Guinness's book, The Call.