Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Chapter 11
Abraham, the Father of All Believers
This chapter is based on Genesis 12.
After Babel, idolatry again became nearly universal, and the
Lord finally left the hardened sinners to follow their evil ways,
while He chose Abraham, a descendant of Shem, and made him the
keeper of His law for future generations. God has always had a
remnant to preserve the precious revealings of His will, and
Abraham inherited this holy trust. Uncorrupted by the widespread
apostasy, he faithfully persisted in worshiping God. The Lord
communicated His will to Abraham and gave him a knowledge of
His law and of salvation through Christ.
God promised Abraham, "I will make you a great nation; I will
bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing."
To this was added the assurance that the Redeemer of the world
would come from his descendants: "In you all families of the earth
shall be blessed." Yet, as the first condition of fulfillment, there was
to be a test of faith; a sacrifice was demanded.
The message of God came to Abraham, "Get out of your
country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land
that I will show you." Abraham must be separated from the
influence of relatives and friends. His character must be distinct,
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