Evidence points to it being invented by the famous London Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon, in a message given on January 11, 1866[2] to several hundred orphans regarding Psalm 51:7 "Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

The book consists of several blocks of pure color that, in sequence, represent a nonverbal catechism about basic Christian teachings for the instruction of children, the illiterate, or people of different cultures.

[4] The presentation of the book is meant to be a verbal experience, however, providing the "reader" a visual cue to expound Christian doctrine extemporaneously or in impromptu situations.

It has been used by missionaries and teachers such as Jennie Faulding Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Fanny Crosby (who was blind), and the modern-day Child Evangelism Fellowship, which added a fifth color: green (after white, before gold) – representing one's need to grow in Christ after salvation.

Among these are salvation bracelets and various sports gear, including soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs and martial arts belts.