Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Lesson Book of the Universe
The sacrifice required of Abraham was not only for his good
nor for the generations to come; it was also for the instruction of the
sinless beings of heaven and other worlds. This earth, on which the
plan of redemption is carried out, is the lesson book of the universe.
Because Abraham had shown a lack of faith, Satan had accused him
before angels and God. God desired to prove the loyalty of His
servant before all heaven, to demonstrate that nothing less than
perfect obedience can be accepted, and to open the plan of salvation
more fully before them.
The test given to Adam in Eden involved no suffering, but the
command to Abraham demanded the most agonizing sacrifice. All
heaven watched Abraham's unswerving obedience with wonder and
admiration, and all admired his loyalty. Satan's accusations were
shown to be false, and God's covenant testified that obedience will
be rewarded.
When the command was given to Abraham to offer his son, all
heavenly beings watched each step in the fulfillment of this
command with intense earnestness. Light was shed on the mystery
of redemption, and even the angels understood more clearly the
wonderful provision that God had made for our salvation (see 1
Peter 1:12).
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