EGW WritingsGenesis 18
Ellen G. White
Read Genesis 18 in the BibleGenesis 18:1-19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 201, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 201, 1903, par. 10
When the Lord was about the destroy Sodom for its great wickedness messengers from heaven were sent to make a visit to Sodom. [See] Gen. 18:1-5. This courtesy, Abraham thought, was only being given some weary travelers, but he was entertaining angels, heavenly guests. The father of the faithful had not then all the definite instruction in printed articles that we have, but the Lord had the moulding and fashioning of the mind of Abraham as a sample of that which men should be in politeness and in courtesy and benevolence. Under the teaching and moulding of the Lord the heart will be kind and attentive in doing just as Abram did.18LtMs, Ms 201, 1903, par. 11
After partaking of the refreshments as common travelers, the men—for they were to all appearance as only human beings—“rose up from thence and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way (that is, to show them the best route for their journey). And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:16, 17, 19).Genesis 18:1-33
Christ Triumphant
Lot’s Experience Serves as a Warning, March 7
CTr 73.5
We read [in Genesis 18] of visitors coming to Abraham as he was sitting in the door of his tent.... These were angels of God, and one of them was no less than the Son of God. When these guests came up to his tent, they were strangers, but he observed the rules of true courtesy toward them. The Word of God tells us to “be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Abraham did this. And when the heavenly guests made themselves known to Abraham, they told him what their purpose was in regard to Sodom.... And while Abraham was not in Sodom, was not connected with Sodom, yet we see that he had an intense interest that Sodom should not be destroyed if God could spare it.—Manuscript 19, 1886.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 12—Abraham in Canaan
PP 132.1
Abraham returned to Canaan “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” Lot was still with him, and again they came to Bethel, and pitched their tents by the altar which they had before erected. They soon found that increased possessions brought increased trouble. In the midst of hardships and trials they had dwelt together in harmony, but in their prosperity there was danger of strife between them. The pasturage was not sufficient for the flocks and herds of both, and the frequent disputes among the herdsmen were brought for settlement to their masters. It was evident that they must separate. Abraham was Lot’s senior in years, and his superior in relation, in wealth, and in position; yet he was the first to propose plans for preserving peace. Although the whole land had been given him by God Himself, he courteously waived this right.PP 132.2
“Let there be no strife,” he said, “between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”PP 132.3
Here the noble, unselfish spirit of Abraham was displayed. How many under similar circumstances would, at all hazards, cling to their individual rights and preferences! How many households have thus been rent asunder! How many churches have been divided, making the cause of truth a byword and a reproach among the wicked! “Let there be no strife between me and thee,” said Abraham, “for we be brethren;” not only by natural relationship, but as worshipers of the true God. The children of God the world over are one family, and the same spirit of love and conciliation should govern them. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10), is the teaching of our Saviour. The cultivation of a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do to others as we would wish them to do to us, would annihilate half the ills of life. The spirit of self-aggrandizement is the spirit of Satan; but the heart in which the love of Christ is cherished, will possess that charity which seeketh not her own. Such will heed the divine injunction, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4.PP 133.1
Although Lot owed his prosperity to his connection with Abraham, he manifested no gratitude to his benefactor. Courtesy would have dictated that he yield the choice to Abraham, but instead of this he selfishly endeavored to grasp all its advantages. He “lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, ... even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.” The most fertile region in all Palestine was the Jordan Valley, reminding the beholders of the lost Paradise and equaling the beauty and productiveness of the Nile-enriched plains they had so lately left. There were cities also, wealthy and beautiful, inviting to profitable traffic in their crowded marts. Dazzled with visions of worldly gain, Lot overlooked the moral and spiritual evils that would be encountered there. The inhabitants of the plain were “sinners before the Lord exceedingly;” but of this he was ignorant, or, knowing, gave it but little weight. He “chose him all the plain of Jordan,” and “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” How little did he foresee the terrible results of that selfish choice!PP 133.2
After the separation from Lot, Abraham again received from the Lord a promise of the whole country. Soon after this he removed to Hebron, pitching his tent under the oaks of Mamre and erecting beside it an altar to the Lord. In the free air of those upland plains, with their olive groves and vineyards, their fields of waving grain, and the wide pasture grounds of the encircling hills, he dwelt, well content with his simple, patriarchal life, and leaving to Lot the perilous luxury of the vale of Sodom.PP 133.3
Abraham was honored by the surrounding nations as a mighty prince and a wise and able chief. He did not shut away his influence from his neighbors. His life and character, in their marked contrast with those of the worshipers of idols, exerted a telling influence in favor of the true faith. His allegiance to God was unswerving, while his affability and benevolence inspired confidence and friendship and his unaffected greatness commanded respect and honor.PP 134.1
His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously guarded and enjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion cannot be thus held, for such a spirit is contrary to the principles of the gospel. While Christ is dwelling in the heart it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence, or for that light to grow dim. On the contrary, it will grow brighter and brighter as day by day the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.PP 134.2
The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He intends that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world. Scattered all over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they are God’s witnesses, the channels through which He will communicate to an unbelieving world the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace. It is His plan that all who are partakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for Him. The piety of the Christian constitutes the standard by which worldlings judge the gospel. Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the character before the world, revealing the contrast with the darkness that comes of the selfishness of the natural heart.PP 134.3
Rich in faith, noble in generosity, unfaltering in obedience, and humble in the simplicity of his pilgrim life, Abraham was also wise in diplomacy and brave and skillful in war. Notwithstanding he was known as the teacher of a new religion, three royal brothers, rulers of the Amorite plains in which he dwelt, manifested their friendship by inviting him to enter into an alliance with them for greater security; for the country was filled with violence and oppression. An occasion soon arose for him to avail himself of this alliance.PP 134.4
Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, had invaded Canaan fourteen years before, and made it tributary to him. Several of the princes now revolted, and the Elamite king, with four allies, again marched into the country to reduce them to submission. Five kings of Canaan joined their forces and met the invaders in the vale of Siddim, but only to be completely overthrown. A large part of the army was cut to pieces, and those who escaped fled for safety to the mountains. The victors plundered the cities of the plain and departed with rich spoil and many captives, among whom were Lot and his family.PP 135.1
Abraham, dwelling in peace in the oak groves at Mamre, learned from one of the fugitives the story of the battle and the calamity that had befallen his nephew. He had cherished no unkind memory of Lot’s ingratitude. All his affection for him was awakened, and he determined that he should be rescued. Seeking, first of all, divine counsel, Abraham prepared for war. From his own encampment he summoned three hundred and eighteen trained servants, men trained in the fear of God, in the service of their master, and in the practice of arms. His confederates, Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, joined him with their bands, and together they started in pursuit of the invaders. The Elamites and their allies had encamped at Dan, on the northern border of Canaan. Flushed with victory, and having no fear of an assault from their vanquished foes, they had given themselves up to reveling. The patriarch divided his force so as to approach from different directions, and came upon the encampment by night. His attack, so vigorous and unexpected, resulted in speedy victory. The king of Elam was slain and his panic-stricken forces were utterly routed. Lot and his family, with all the prisoners and their goods, were recovered, and a rich booty fell into the hands of the victors. To Abraham, under God, the triumph was due. The worshiper of Jehovah had not only rendered a great service to the country, but had proved himself a man of valor. It was seen that righteousness is not cowardice, and that Abraham’s religion made him courageous in maintaining the right and defending the oppressed. His heroic act gave him a widespread influence among the surrounding tribes. On his return, the king of Sodom came out with his retinue to honor the conqueror. He bade him take the goods, begging only that the prisoners should be restored. By the usage of war, the spoils belonged to the conquerors; but Abraham had undertaken this expedition with no purpose of gain, and he refused to take advantage of the unfortunate, only stipulating that his confederates should receive the portion to which they were entitled.PP 135.2
Few, if subjected to such a test, would have shown themselves as noble as did Abraham. Few would have resisted the temptation to secure so rich a booty. His example is a rebuke to self-seeking, mercenary spirits. Abraham regarded the claims of justice and humanity. His conduct illustrates the inspired maxim, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Leviticus 19:18. “I have lifted up my hand,” he said, “unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.” He would give them no occasion to think that he had engaged in warfare for the sake of gain, or to attribute his prosperity to their gifts or favor. God had promised to bless Abraham, and to Him the glory should be ascribed.PP 136.1
Another who came out to welcome the victorious patriarch was Melchizedek, king of Salem, who brought forth bread and wine for the refreshment of his army. As “priest of the most high God,” he pronounced a blessing upon Abraham, and gave thanks to the Lord, who had wrought so great a deliverance by His servant. And Abraham “gave him tithes of all.”PP 136.2
Abraham gladly returned to his tents and his flocks, but his mind was disturbed by harassing thoughts. He had been a man of peace, so far as possible shunning enmity and strife; and with horror he recalled the scene of carnage he had witnessed. But the nations whose forces he had defeated would doubtless renew the invasion of Canaan, and make him the special object of their vengeance. Becoming thus involved in national quarrels, the peaceful quiet of his life would be broken. Furthermore, he had not entered upon the possession of Canaan, nor could he now hope for an heir, to whom the promise might be fulfilled.PP 136.3
In a vision of the night the divine Voice was again heard. “Fear not, Abram,” were the words of the Prince of princes; “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” But his mind was so oppressed by forebodings that he could not now grasp the promise with unquestioning confidence as heretofore. He prayed for some tangible evidence that it would be fulfilled. And how was the covenant promise to be realized, while the gift of a son was withheld? “What wilt Thou give me,” he said, “seeing I go childless?” “And, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.” He proposed to make his trusty servant Eliezer his son by adoption, and the inheritor of his possessions. But he was assured that a child of his own was to be his heir. Then he was led outside his tent, and told to look up to the unnumbered stars glittering in the heavens; and as he did so, the words were spoken, “So shall thy seed be.” “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3.PP 137.1
Still the patriarch begged for some visible token as a confirmation of his faith and as an evidence to after-generations that God’s gracious purposes toward them would be accomplished. The Lord condescended to enter into a covenant with His servant, employing such forms as were customary among men for the ratification of a solemn engagement. By divine direction, Abraham sacrificed a heifer, a she-goat, and a ram, each three years old, dividing the bodies and laying the pieces a little distance apart. To these he added a turtledove and a young pigeon, which, however, were not divided. This being done, he reverently passed between the parts of the sacrifice, making a solemn vow to God of perpetual obedience. Watchful and steadfast, he remained beside the carcasses till the going down of the sun, to guard them from being defiled or devoured by birds of prey. About sunset he sank into a deep sleep; and, “lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.” And the voice of God was heard, bidding him not to expect immediate possession of the Promised Land, and pointing forward to the sufferings of his posterity before their establishment in Canaan. The plan of redemption was here opened to him, in the death of Christ, the great sacrifice, and His coming in glory. Abraham saw also the earth restored to its Eden beauty, to be given him for an everlasting possession, as the final and complete fulfillment of the promise.PP 137.2
As a pledge of this covenant of God with men, a smoking furnace and a burning lamp, symbols of the divine presence, passed between the severed victims, totally consuming them. And again a voice was heard by Abraham, confirming the gift of the land of Canaan to his descendants, “from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.”PP 137.3
When Abraham had been nearly twenty-five years in Canaan, the Lord appeared unto him, and said, “I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” In awe, the patriarch fell upon his face, and the message continued: “Behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.” In token of the fulfillment of this covenant, his name, heretofore called Abram, was changed to Abraham, which signifies, “father of a great multitude.” Sarai’s name became Sarah—“princess;” for, said the divine Voice, “she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.”PP 138.1
At this time the rite of circumcision was given to Abraham as “a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised.” Romans 4:11. It was to be observed by the patriarch and his descendants as a token that they were devoted to the service of God and thus separated from idolaters, and that God accepted them as His peculiar treasure. By this rite they were pledged to fulfill, on their part, the conditions of the covenant made with Abraham. They were not to contract marriages with the heathen; for by so doing they would lose their reverence for God and His holy law; they would be tempted to engage in the sinful practices of other nations, and would be seduced into idolatry.PP 138.2
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and talked with him as friend with friend. When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful example of hospitality.PP 138.3
In the hot summer noontide the patriarch was sitting in his tent door, looking out over the quiet landscape, when he saw in the distance three travelers approaching. Before reaching his tent, the strangers halted, as if consulting as to their course. Without waiting for them to solicit favors, Abraham rose quickly, and as they were apparently turning in another direction, he hastened after them, and with the utmost courtesy urged them to honor him by tarrying for refreshment. With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food, and while they were at rest under the cooling shade, an entertainment was made ready, and he stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his hospitality. This act of courtesy God regarded of sufficient importance to record in His word; and a thousand years later it was referred to by an inspired apostle: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2.PP 138.4
Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little thinking that among them was One whom he might worship without sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now revealed. Though they were on their way as ministers of wrath, yet to Abraham, the man of faith, they spoke first of blessings. Though God is strict to mark iniquity and to punish transgression, He takes no delight in vengeance. The work of destruction is a “strange work” to Him who is infinite in love.PP 139.1
“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.” Psalm 25:14. Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes. “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” said the Lord. “The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.” God knew well the measure of Sodom’s guilt; but He expressed Himself after the manner of men, that the justice of His dealings might be understood. Before bringing judgment upon the transgressors He would go Himself, to institute an examination of their course; if they had not passed the limits of divine mercy, He would still grant them space for repentance.PP 139.2
Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God. And the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he had saved them by his sword, now he endeavored to save them by prayer. Lot and his household were still dwellers there; and the unselfish love that prompted Abraham to their rescue from the Elamites, now sought to save them, if it were God’s will, from the storm of divine judgment.PP 139.3
With deep reverence and humility he urged his plea: “I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.” There was no self-confidence, no boasting of his own righteousness. He did not claim favor on the ground of his obedience, or of the sacrifices he had made in doing God’s will. Himself a sinner, he pleaded in the sinner’s behalf. Such a spirit all who approach God should possess. Yet Abraham manifested the confidence of a child pleading with a loved father. He came close to the heavenly Messenger, and fervently urged his petition. Though Lot had become a dweller in Sodom, he did not partake in the iniquity of its inhabitants. Abraham thought that in that populous city there must be other worshipers of the true God. And in view of this he pleaded, “That be far from Thee, to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: ... that be far from Thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Abraham asked not once merely, but many times. Waxing bolder as his requests were granted, he continued until he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be found in it, the city would be spared.PP 140.1
Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham’s prayer. While he loathed the sins of that corrupt city, he desired that the sinners might be saved. His deep interest for Sodom shows the anxiety that we should feel for the impenitent. We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner. All around us are souls going down to ruin as hopeless, as terrible, as that which befell Sodom. Every day the probation of some is closing. Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. And where are the voices of warning and entreaty to bid the sinner flee from this fearful doom? Where are the hands stretched out to draw him back from death? Where are those who with humility and persevering faith are pleading with God for him?PP 140.2
The spirit of Abraham was the spirit of Christ. The Son of God is Himself the great Intercessor in the sinner’s behalf. He who has paid the price for its redemption knows the worth of the human soul. With an antagonism to evil such as can exist only in a nature spotlessly pure, Christ manifested toward the sinner a love which infinite goodness alone could conceive. In the agonies of the crucifixion, Himself burdened with the awful weight of the sins of the whole world, He prayed for His revilers and murderers, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.PP 140.3
Of Abraham it is written that “he was called the friend of God,” “the father of all them that believe.” James 2:23; Romans 4:11. The testimony of God concerning this faithful patriarch is, “Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” And again, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” It was a high honor to which Abraham was called, that of being the father of the people who for centuries were the guardians and preservers of the truth of God for the world—of that people through whom all the nations of the earth should be blessed in the advent of the promised Messiah. But He who called the patriarch judged him worthy. It is God that speaks. He who understands the thoughts afar off, and places the right estimate upon men, says, “I know him.” There would be on the part of Abraham no betraying of the truth for selfish purposes. He would keep the law and deal justly and righteously. And he would not only fear the Lord himself, but would cultivate religion in his home. He would instruct his family in righteousness. The law of God would be the rule in his household.PP 141.1
Abraham’s household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God, found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith. Thus a great responsibility rested upon him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of government would be carried out in the households over which they should preside.PP 141.2
In early times the father was the ruler and priest of his own family, and he exercised authority over his children, even after they had families of their own. His descendants were taught to look up to him as their head, in both religious and secular matters. This patriarchal system of government Abraham endeavored to perpetuate, as it tended to preserve the knowledge of God. It was necessary to bind the members of the household together, in order to build up a barrier against the idolatry that had become so widespread and so deep-seated. Abraham sought by every means in his power to guard the inmates of his encampment against mingling with the heathen and witnessing their idolatrous practices, for he knew that familiarity with evil would insensibly corrupt the principles. The greatest care was exercised to shut out every form of false religion and to impress the mind with the majesty and glory of the living God as the true object of worship.PP 141.3
It was a wise arrangement, which God Himself had made, to cut off His people, so far as possible, from connection with the heathen, making them a people dwelling alone, and not reckoned among the nations. He had separated Abraham from his idolatrous kindred, that the patriarch might train and educate his family apart from the seductive influences which would have surrounded them in Mesopotamia, and that the true faith might be preserved in its purity by his descendants from generation to generation.PP 142.1
Abraham’s affection for his children and his household led him to guard their religious faith, to impart to them a knowledge of the divine statutes, as the most precious legacy he could transmit to them, and through them to the world. All were taught that they were under the rule of the God of heaven. There was to be no oppression on the part of parents and no disobedience on the part of children. God’s law had appointed to each his duties, and only in obedience to it could any secure happiness or prosperity.PP 142.2
His own example, the silent influence of his daily life, was a constant lesson. The unswerving integrity, the benevolence and unselfish courtesy, which had won the admiration of kings, were displayed in the home. There was a fragrance about the life, a nobility and loveliness of character, which revealed to all that he was connected with Heaven. He did not neglect the soul of the humblest servant. In his household there was not one law for the master and another for the servant; a royal way for the rich and another for the poor. All were treated with justice and compassion, as inheritors with him of the grace of life.PP 142.3
“He will command his ... household.” There would be no sinful neglect to restrain the evil propensities of his children, no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism; no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and righteous laws.PP 142.4
How few there are in our day who follow this example! On the part of too many parents there is a blind and selfish sentimentalism, miscalled love, which is manifested in leaving children, with their unformed judgment and undisciplined passions, to the control of their own will. This is the veriest cruelty to the youth and a great wrong to the world. Parental indulgence causes disorder in families and in society. It confirms in the young the desire to follow inclination, instead of submitting to the divine requirements. Thus they grow up with a heart averse to doing God’s will, and they transmit their irreligious, insubordinate spirit to their children and children’s children. Like Abraham, parents should command their households after them. Let obedience to parental authority be taught and enforced as the first step in obedience to the authority of God.PP 143.1
The light esteem in which the law of God is held, even by religious leaders, has been productive of great evil. The teaching which has become so widespread, that the divine statutes are no longer binding upon men, is the same as idolatry in its effect upon the morals of the people. Those who seek to lessen the claims of God’s holy law are striking directly at the foundation of the government of families and nations. Religious parents, failing to walk in His statutes, do not command their household to keep the way of the Lord. The law of God is not made the rule of life. The children, as they make homes of their own, feel under no obligation to teach their children what they themselves have never been taught. And this is why there are so many godless families; this is why depravity is so deep and widespread.PP 143.2
Not until parents themselves walk in the law of the Lord with perfect hearts will they be prepared to command their children after them. A reformation in this respect is needed—a reformation which shall be deep and broad. Parents need to reform; ministers need to reform; they need God in their households. If they would see a different state of things, they must bring His word into their families and must make it their counselor. They must teach their children that it is the voice of God addressed to them, and is to be implicitly obeyed. They should patiently instruct their children, kindly and untiringly teach them how to live in order to please God. The children of such a household are prepared to meet the sophistries of infidelity. They have accepted the Bible as the basis of their faith, and they have a foundation that cannot be swept away by the incoming tide of skepticism.PP 143.3
In too many households prayer is neglected. Parents feel that they have no time for morning and evening worship. They cannot spare a few moments to be spent in thanksgiving to God for His abundant mercies—for the blessed sunshine and the showers of rain, which cause vegetation to flourish, and for the guardianship of holy angels. They have no time to offer prayer for divine help and guidance and for the abiding presence of Jesus in the household. They go forth to labor as the ox or the horse goes, without one thought of God or heaven. They have souls so precious that rather than permit them to be hopelessly lost, the Son of God gave His life to ransom them; but they have little more appreciation of His great goodness than have the beasts that perish.PP 144.1
Like the patriarchs of old, those who profess to love God should erect an altar to the Lord wherever they pitch their tent. If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Fathers and mothers should often lift up their hearts to God in humble supplication for themselves and their children. Let the father, as priest of the household, lay upon the altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice, while the wife and children unite in prayer and praise. In such a household Jesus will love to tarry.PP 144.2
From every Christian home a holy light should shine forth. Love should be revealed in action. It should flow out in all home intercourse, showing itself in thoughtful kindness, in gentle, unselfish courtesy. There are homes where this principle is carried out—homes where God is worshiped and truest love reigns. From these homes morning and evening prayer ascends to God as sweet incense, and His mercies and blessings descend upon the suppliants like the morning dew.PP 144.3
A well-ordered Christian household is a powerful argument in favor of the reality of the Christian religion—an argument that the infidel cannot gainsay. All can see that there is an influence at work in the family that affects the children, and that the God of Abraham is with them. If the homes of professed Christians had a right religious mold, they would exert a mighty influence for good. They would indeed be the “light of the world.” The God of heaven speaks to every faithful parent in the words addressed to Abraham: “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him.”Daughters of God
Sarah, Wife of Abraham, Mother of Nations
DG 25.3
There was given to Abraham the promise, especially dear to the people of that age, of a numerous posterity and of national greatness: “I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” And to this was added the assurance, precious above every other to the inheritor of faith, that of his line the Redeemer of the world should come: “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Yet, as the first condition of fulfillment, there was to be a test of faith; a sacrifice was demanded.DG 25.4
The message of God came to Abraham, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” In order that God might qualify him for his great work as the keeper of the sacred oracles, Abraham must be separated from the associations of his early life. The influence of kindred and friends would interfere with the training which the Lord purposed to give His servant. Now that Abraham was, in a special sense, connected with heaven, he must dwell among strangers. His character must be peculiar, differing from all the world. He could not even explain his course of action so as to be understood by his friends. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and his motives and actions were not comprehended by his idolatrous kindred.DG 26.1
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8....DG 26.2
Besides Sarah, the wife of Abraham, only Lot, the son of Haran long since dead, chose to share the patriarch’s pilgrim life....DG 26.3
During his stay in Egypt, Abraham gave evidence that he was not free from human weakness and imperfection. In concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, he betrayed a distrust of the divine care, a lack of that lofty faith and courage so often and nobly exemplified in his life. Sarah was fair to look upon, and he doubted not that the dusky Egyptians would covet the beautiful stranger, and that in order to secure her, they would not scruple to slay her husband. He reasoned that he was not guilty of falsehood in representing Sarah as his sister, for she was the daughter of his father, though not of his mother.DG 26.4
But this concealment of the real relation between them was deception. No deviation from strict integrity can meet God’s approval. Through Abraham’s lack of faith, Sarah was placed in great peril. The king of Egypt, being informed of her beauty, caused her to be taken to his palace, intending to make her his wife. But the Lord, in His great mercy, protected Sarah by sending judgments upon the royal household. By this means the monarch learned the truth in the matter, and, indignant at the deception practiced upon him, he reproved Abraham and restored to him his wife, saying, “What is this that thou hast done unto me? ... Why saidst thou, She is my sister? So I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way”....DG 26.5
Abraham returned to Canaan “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” Lot was still with him, and again they came to Bethel, and pitched their tents by the altar which they had before erected....DG 26.6
In a vision of the night the divine Voice was again heard. “Fear not, Abram” were the words of the Prince of princes; “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” But his mind was so oppressed by forebodings that he could not now grasp the promise with unquestioning confidence as heretofore. He prayed for some tangible evidence that it would be fulfilled. And how was the covenant promise to be realized, while the gift of a son was withheld? “What wilt Thou give me,” he said, “seeing I go childless?” “And, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.” He proposed to make his trusty servant Eliezer his son by adoption, and the inheritor of his possessions. But he was assured that a child of his own was to be his heir. Then he was led outside his tent, and told to look up to the unnumbered stars glittering in the heavens; and as he did so, the words were spoken, “So shall thy seed be.” “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3....DG 27.1
Abraham had accepted without question the promise of a son, but he did not wait for God to fulfill His word in His own time and way. A delay was permitted, to test his faith in the power of God; but he failed to endure the trial. Thinking it impossible that a child should be given her in her old age, Sarah suggested, as a plan by which the divine purpose might be fulfilled, that one of her handmaidens should be taken by Abraham as a secondary wife. Polygamy had become so widespread that it had ceased to be regarded as a sin, but it was no less a violation of the law of God, and was fatal to the sacredness and peace of the family relation. Abraham’s marriage with Hagar resulted in evil, not only to his own household, but to future generations....DG 27.2
When Abraham was nearly one hundred years old, the promise of a son was repeated to him, with the assurance that the future heir should be the child of Sarah. But Abraham did not yet understand the promise. His mind at once turned to Ishmael, clinging to the belief that through him God’s gracious purposes were to be accomplished. In his affection for his son he exclaimed, “O that Ishmael might live before thee!” Again the promise was given, in words that could not be mistaken: “Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him”....DG 27.3
The birth of Isaac, bringing, after a lifelong waiting, the fulfillment of their dearest hopes, filled the tents of Abraham and Sarah with gladness....DG 28.1
The instruction given to Abraham touching the sacredness of the marriage relation was to be a lesson for all ages. It declares that the rights and happiness of this relation are to be carefully guarded, even at a great sacrifice. Sarah was the only true wife of Abraham. Her rights as a wife and mother no other person was entitled to share. She reverenced her husband, and in this she is presented in the New Testament as a worthy example. But she was unwilling that Abraham’s affections should be given to another, and the Lord did not reprove her for requiring the banishment of her rival. Both Abraham and Sarah distrusted the power of God, and it was this error that led to the marriage with Hagar.DG 28.2
God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his faith had not been perfect. He had shown distrust of God in concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, and again in his marriage with Hagar.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 125-147 (1890).DG 28.3
The heritage that God has promised to His people is not in this world. Abraham had no possession in the earth, “no, not so much as to set his foot on.” Acts 7:5. He possessed great substance, and he used it to the glory of God and the good of his fellow men; but he did not look upon this world as his home. The Lord had called him to leave his idolatrous countrymen, with the promise of the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession; yet neither he nor his son nor his son’s son received it. When Abraham desired a burial place for his dead, he had to buy it of the Canaanites. His sole possession in the Land of Promise was that rock-hewn tomb in the cave of Machpelah.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 169 (1890).DG 28.4
[“Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. So Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.DG 28.5
[“Then Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying: ‘I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight’....DG 28.6
[“Hear us, my lord: You are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places. None of us will withhold from you his burial place, that you may bury your dead.”—Genesis 23:1-6, NKJV].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47, 1886, par. 13
The counsels are of God, and His Word was not given in a few days on a high-pressure plan. It took a long space of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm was composed, a proverb penned, a vision from God recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years were occupied from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John. God would not have us so excitable, in such a hurry; and yet there are some who need to be taught diligence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47a, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47a, 1886, par. 14
The Lord would not have us be so excitable, in such a hurry. The counsels of God in His Word were not given in a few days, on the high-pressure plan. It took a long period of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm composed, a proverb penned, a vision recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years passed from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis, down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 29, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 29, 1887, par. 57
Spoke to the congregation in chapel from Genesis 18, 19. I did not know I was expected to speak until one hour previous to my going into meeting. But I believe it to be our duty to be ready for service at a moment’s warning. I felt like praying earnestly to God to make the word spoken effectual in reaching the hearts of the hearers, and the Lord heard my prayer, and His Spirit did touch my heart and the hearts of the hearers. I invited those who wished to seek the Lord most earnestly and to take a more decided stand for the Lord to be not only professionally believers in the truth, but to be obedient to all of God’s requirements. Many moved forward, and heartfelt testimonies of confession were made, and the Spirit of the Lord was in our midst to soften and subdue hearts. The meeting closed with earnest prayer to God. We were engaged for three hours in this exercise. Wrote ten pages, large scratchbook.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 16, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 16, 1888, par. 13
Men should let God take care of His own Book, His living Oracles, as He has done for ages. They begin to question some parts of revelation and pick flaws in the apparent inconsistencies of this statement and that statement. Beginning at Genesis, they give up that which they deem questionable, and their minds lead on, for Satan will lead to any length they may follow in their criticism and they see something to doubt in the whole Scriptures. Their faculties of criticism become sharpened by exercise, and they can rest on nothing with a certainty. You try to reason with these men, but your time is lost. They will exercise their power of ridicule even upon the Bible. They even become mockers, and they would be astonished if you put it to them in that light.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 40, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 17
From Genesis to Revelation the conditions upon which eternal life is promised are made plain. God requires that those who shall enter heaven shall be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. “Keep My commandments and live” is the requirement of God. [Proverbs 4:4.] But one says, “My conscience does not condemn me in not keeping the commandments of God.” But in the Word of God we read that there are good and bad consciences, and the fact that your conscience does not condemn you in not keeping the law of God does not prove that you are uncondemned in His sight. Take your conscience to the Word of God, and see if your life and character are in accordance with the standard of righteousness which God has revealed in His Word. You can then determine whether or not you have an intelligent faith, and what manner of conscience is yours.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 67, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 67, 1895, par. 14
Christ came in the form of humanity to live the law of God. He was the Word of life. He came to be the gospel of salvation to the world, and to fulfill every specification of the law. Jesus is the Word, the guidebook, which must be received and obeyed in every particular. How necessary that this mine of truth be explored, and the precious treasures of truth be discovered and secured as rich jewels. The incarnation of Christ, His divinity, His atonement, His wonderful life in heaven as our Advocate, the office of the Holy Spirit—all those living, vital themes of Christianity are revealed from Genesis to Revelation. The golden links of truth form a chain of evangelical truth, and the first and staple link is found in the great teachings of Christ Jesus. Why, then, should not the Scriptures be ennobled and exalted in every school in our land? How little children are educated to study the Bible as the Word of God, and feed upon its truths, which are the flesh and blood of the Son of God! “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood” (that is, continue to receive the words of Christ, and practice them) “hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [John 6:53-56.] “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” [1 John 3:24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 75, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 75, 1897, par. 1
Those who accept Christ will follow on to know the Lord. This acceptance means conversion through the Holy Spirit’s power and efficiency. The working of the Holy Spirit upon the human agent brings to him a conviction of sin, makes him susceptible to truth, [and] enables him to discern and make earnest application of it to his own heart. This power preserves him from falling under temptation, and imparts to him wisdom in winning souls to Christ. And every true believer who will follow on to know the Lord will have this power working in him. He will discern in Christ not only the Alpha of Genesis, but the Omega of Revelation. He will learn by personal experience that Christ is the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, and that it is through His church, His people in their unity, that He is to shine in undimmed luster to the world. He beholds himself as the work of Christ. Having the mind of Christ, he walks in His footsteps, and his good works and love for others testify to the world that He is Christ, that God has sent His Son to impart His Spirit to His people, and that they may represent Christ in their love for one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 52, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 2
After His crucifixion and resurrection, thousands would be led to open the Scriptures with an intense desire to study the prophecies, from Genesis to Revelation. And they would see with anointed eyes the predictions in the prophetic Roll of the advent of a divine Teacher. In Christ crucified they would see the very work done which the prophecies declared He would do to proclaim the gospel, the Word of life to a world that was shadowed and corrupted by transgression and sin. And the words of Christ would be gathered up; the New Testament would declare to them a work which would thrill the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 33, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 30
When the students of prophecy shall set their hearts to know the truths of Revelation, they will realize what an importance is attached to this search. Christ Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Genesis of the Old Testament, and the Revelation of the New. Both meet together in Christ. Adam and God are reconciled by the obedience of the second Adam, who accomplished the work of overcoming the temptations of Satan and redeeming Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall. The two Adams will meet in Paradise and embrace each other, while the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, and all who have refused the opportunities and privileges given to them at such an infinite cost, and have not returned to their loyalty, will be shut out of Paradise.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 21, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 29
Here we have the Alpha of Genesis and the Omega of Revelation. The blessing is promised to all those who keep the commandments of God, and who co-operate with Him in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning Star.” [Revelation 22:16.] That which Christ has spoken in the Old Testament is for all the world. What He has said in reference is His commandments is not Yea and Nay, but Yea and Amen.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 69, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 15
Our youth must have well-conducted schools, where they can gain an all-round education. From Genesis to Revelation the gospel shines forth with no uncertain light. From the time when God talked with Adam and Eve in Eden, giving them heavenly instruction, the light has continued to shine down through the ages. Christ appeared to His servant John, and gave him a revelation of the closing events of this earth’s history.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 98a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 98a, 1897, par. 49
All who join the ranks of Sabbathkeepers should become diligent Bible students, that they may know the pillars and ground work of the truth. They should study prophetic history, which has brought us down point by point to where we are at the present time. This is God’s plan for our school. Young men should attend who desire to become educated for any line of work, who have capabilities and see the necessity of learning more and still more where we stand today in prophetic history, uniting link after link in the prophetic chain, even from Genesis to Revelation. Christ is the Alpha, the first link, and the Omega, the last link, of the gospel chain, which is welded in Revelation. These young men will not have fixed habits of wrong, or defects in disposition and character that will make them inflexible.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 54, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 54, 1898, par. 8
Perfection of character is required by God, and this is kept before us in His Word from Genesis to Revelation. “When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” [Genesis 17:1.] To Israel God said, “I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy for I am holy. ... For I am the Lord your God that bringeth you out of the land of Egypt, to by your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” “And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.” [Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 117, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 117, 1898, par. 12
The uneducated heathen then learns his lessons through nature, and through his own necessities; and, dissatisfied with darkness, he is reaching out for light, searching for God in the first great cause. There is recorded in Genesis various ways in which God speaks to the heathen. But the contrast between the revelation of God in Genesis and the ideas of the heathen is striking. Pagan philosophers, many of them, had a knowledge of God which was pure, but degeneracy, the worship of created things, began to obscure this knowledge. The handiwork of God in the natural world, the sun, the moon, the stars, were worshipped.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 12, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 12, 1899, par. 2
The Word of God is to be the great lesson book in all our schools. From Genesis to Revelation it is full of instruction in practical godliness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 85, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 12
The history of the world from the beginning is contained in Genesis. There it is revealed that all nations who forget God and discard His way and His sign of obedience, which distinguishes between the just and the unjust, the righteous and the wicked, the saved and the unsaved, will be destroyed. The first books of the Bible, which trace down the history of nations, including the destruction of the old world, show the overruling providence of God, which from generation to generation has provided for the education of a chosen people. The plainly written Word in regard to the just and the unjust is a living testimony in regard to those whom the Lord will sanctify. None who live in disobedience can receive His blessing. Only those who are obedient can receive this.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 153, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 32
We cannot know God and Jesus Christ until we search the Scriptures, beginning with Genesis. In this Word we find out why it was necessary for Christ to leave His high command in heaven, to separate Himself from the angelic family, laying off His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothe His divinity with humanity. For our sake He became poor, that by His poverty He might make many rich, securing for them eternal riches. That He might work in our behalf, He came to live among fallen humanity, in a world marred by sin and misery.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 68, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 15
The whole gospel from Genesis to Revelation is the means appointed and specified of God through which to reveal His will to the people, and it is to be appreciated, respected, and heeded.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 110, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 110, 1901, par. 6
While they were talking thus of their crucified and buried Lord, “Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?” [Luke 24:15-17.] “Have ye not heard,” they answered, “that the prophet mighty in deed and word has been taken and crucified by cruel hands, and is now buried?” Beginning at Genesis, the Stranger told them what had been prophesied from the first concerning Jesus. While He was comforting their hearts, they came to the house where they lived, and invited their Companion to come in. He acted as though He were going further, but they constrained Him to tarry with them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 70, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 9
The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour’s atonement. Those who study the Redeemer’s wonderful sacrifice grow in grace and knowledge.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 170, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 170, 1904, par. 19
I have not been able to sleep since 12 o’clock, but I have a message from the Lord to bear to our people. Present to the people everywhere at this time the perpetuity of the law of Jehovah. Present to them that the only foundation for Sunday observance has its origin not in the Word of God, but in the papal authority. Now let all consider that the time has come to reason from cause to effect. We must, as ministers of the Word, delay not to impress the people more decidedly in defining our authority for keeping the original Sabbath of Jehovah. Please read the word in Genesis.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 67, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 67, 1907, par. 17
The message of the gospel, from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s appointed means through which to reveal His will to men. It is to be appreciated, respected, and carefully studied. In a humble, prayerful spirit, Scripture is to be compared with Scripture. In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the plan of God is so plainly and simply revealed, that all His children may lay hold upon the truth. Here the means which He has appointed to keep unity in His church, that its members may reveal to the world a healthy religious experience, is plainly declared. Those who conform their lives to obedience to the commandments of God, and are united in the faith of the Scriptures; those who are bound together as one in Christ Jesus, their lives hid with Christ in God, will practice the golden rule, doing to others as they would have others do to them. They will bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, and their testimony will have a powerful influence with the unbelieving world. These souls appreciate the great gift of God to our world; their course in life testifies that Christ has not died for them in vain. They make use of the provision made by heaven at infinite cost to draw souls to obedience to the law of God. Co-operating with the great Master Worker, they become laborers together with God. They become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Their consistent Christian lives magnify the law of God and make it honorable before the gainsaying world. Their deportment in courtesy and unwavering fidelity, their justice and mercy demonstrate to the world that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 69, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 42
The Old Testament, containing the prophecies of the coming of Christ, is now made of small account. The cry now is, “The Christ, the Christ! The gospel, the gospel!” But the gospel is taught all the way through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The gospel is revealed in all the prophecies of the first advent of Christ as the Saviour of men. Every act of the old dispensation to turn men away from sin or to bring them forgiveness was done with reference to the Saviour who was to come. He was the steppingstone by which man was to be exalted.Genesis 18:2-3
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 43—Showing Hospitality
6T 341.2
In the records of Genesis we see the patriarch at the hot summer noontide resting in his tent door under the shadow of the oaks of Mamre. Three travelers are passing near. They make no appeal for hospitality, solicit no favor; but Abraham does not permit them to go on their way unrefreshed. He is a man full of years, a man of dignity and wealth, one highly honored, and accustomed to command; yet on seeing these strangers he “ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground.” Addressing the leader he said: “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Thy sight, pass not away, I pray Thee, from Thy servant.” Genesis 18:2, 3. With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food; while they were at rest under the cooling shade, Sarah his wife made ready for their entertainment, and Abraham stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his hospitality. This kindness he showed them simply as wayfarers, passing strangers, who might never come his way again. But, the entertainment over, his guests stood revealed. He had ministered not only to heavenly angels, but to their glorious Commander, his Creator, Redeemer, and King. And to Abraham the counsels of heaven were opened, and he was called “the friend of God.”Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Showing Hospitality
2TT 568.2
In the records of Genesis we see the patriarch at the hot summer noontide resting in his tent door under the shadow of the oaks of Mamre. Three travelers are passing near. They make no appeal for hospitality, solicit no favor; but Abraham does not permit them to go on their way unrefreshed. He is a man full of years, a man of dignity and wealth, one highly honored, and accustomed to command; yet on seeing these strangers he “ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground.” Addressing the leader he said: “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Thy sight, pass not away, I pray Thee, from Thy servant.” Genesis 18:2, 3. With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food; while they were at rest under the cooling shade, Sarah his wife made ready for their entertainment, and Abraham stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his hospitality. This kindness he showed them simply as wayfarers, passing strangers, who might never come his way again. But, the entertainment over, his guests stood revealed. He had ministered not only to heavenly angels, but to their glorious Commander, his Creator, Redeemer, and King. And to Abraham the counsels of heaven were opened, and he was called “the friend of God.”Genesis 18:6-8
The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters
Accusations
PC 10.6
Let us give this matter due consideration. I am prepared to stand for some things; but not yet are we as a people fully ready for this issue. There should be first a fair representation of the subject, and it should be considered in all its bearings. Read carefully the record of Genesis 18:6-8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 23, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 23, 1911, par. 8
Let us give this matter due consideration. I am prepared to stand for some things; but not yet are we as a people fully ready for this issue. There should be first a fair representation of the subject, and it should be considered in all its bearings. Read carefully the record of Genesis 18:6-8.Genesis 18:16-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 7, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 7, 1897, par. 7
“And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that thing which he hath spoken of him. And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.” [Genesis 18:16-21.]Genesis 18:16-33
Conflict and Courage
Countdown for Sodom, February 14
CC 51.1
And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? ... That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: ... Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18:23, 25.CC 51.2
Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes. “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” said the Lord....CC 51.3
And the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he had saved them by his sword, now he endeavored to save them by prayer.... With deep reverence and humility he urged his plea.... Himself a sinner, he pleaded in the sinner’s behalf. Such a spirit all who approach God should possess. Yet Abraham manifested the confidence of a child pleading with a loved father. He came close to the heavenly Messenger, and fervently urged his petition.CC 51.4
Though Lot had become a dweller in Sodom, he did not partake in the iniquity of its inhabitants. Abraham thought that in that populous city there must be other worshipers of the true God.... Abraham asked not once merely, but many times. Waxing bolder as his requests were granted, he continued until he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be found in it, the city would be spared.CC 51.5
Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham’s prayer. While he loathed the sins of that corrupt city, he desired that the sinners might be saved. His deep interest for Sodom shows the anxiety that we should feel for the impenitent. We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner.CC 51.6
All around us are souls going down to ruin as hopeless, as terrible, as that which befell Sodom. Every day the probation of some is closing. Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. And where are the voices of warning and entreaty to bid the sinner flee from this fearful doom? Where are the hands stretched out to draw him back from death? Where are those who with humility and persevering faith are pleading with God for him? 31Patriarchs and Prophets, 139, 140.Genesis 18:17-19
Ye Shall Receive Power
Abraham, September 3
YRP 255.3
The Lord said of him: “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:17-19).Genesis 18:17-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 34, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 34, 1889, par. 8
Abraham was visited by angels that were on their way to destroy the corrupt city of Sodom. God said He would tell Abraham about the destruction because he had trained his children in a proper manner. [Genesis 18:17-21.] Abraham pled with God to spare the city for the honest inhabitants, of whom but ten could be found. Here we have an example of a city where the leaven of licentiousness had been at work, and that great city was destroyed. Brethren and sisters, we ought to be wide awake. We need not trust in our own wisdom or strength, but we can, by faith, lay hold on the infinite arm of God.Genesis 18:18
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 31—Hope for the Heathen
PK 368.1
In the renewal of the covenant shortly before the birth of Isaac, God’s purpose for mankind was again made plain. “All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him,” was the assurance of the Lord concerning the child of promise. Genesis 18:18. And later the heavenly visitant once more declared, “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 22:18.The Review and Herald
June 17, 1915
RH June 17, 1915, Art. A, par. 4
In the renewal of the covenant shortly before the birth of Isaac, God’s purpose for mankind was again made plain. “All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him” (Genesis 18:18), was the assurance of the Lord concerning the child of promise. And, later, the heavenly visitant once more declared, “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 22:18.From Splendor to Shadow
Chapter 31—Isaiah’s “Good News” for All the Nations
SS 194.3
Shortly before the birth of Isaac, the child of promise, God’s purpose for mankind was again made plain: “All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him.” Genesis 18:18. The all-embracing terms of this covenant were familiar to Abraham’s children and grandchildren. That the Israelites might be a blessing to the nations and God’s name might be made known “throughout all the earth” (Exodus 9:16), they were delivered from Egyptian bondage. If obedient, they were to be far in advance of other peoples in wisdom. But this supremacy was to be maintained only in order that through them the purpose of God for “all nations of earth” might be fulfilled.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 164, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 164, 1899, par. 18
God requires fruit from His people. The husbandmen have received a trust from God, and this is to be used as God has specified. They are to return to the Lord His own in tithes and offerings, that those who know not God may be benefitted. In the goodness, the mercy, the justice and the love of God revealed in the church, the world is to have a representation of the character of their Creator. When men thus live the law of God, the world will have a living, high, exalted memorial of the superiority of those who love and fear and serve God above every other people on the face of the earth. The fruit of obedience God will make to appear in the union of Jews and Gentiles. Then the covenant made with Abraham will be fulfilled, “In thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” [Genesis 18:18; Galatians 3:8.]Genesis 18:19
Christ Triumphant
Guard Against Losing Communion With God, March 15
CTr 81.1
I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Genesis 18:19.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 56—Eli and His Sons
PP 575.2
God had said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” Genesis 18:19. But Eli allowed his children to control him. The father became subject to the children. The curse of transgression was apparent in the corruption and evil that marked the course of his sons. They had no proper appreciation of the character of God or of the sacredness of His law. His service was to them a common thing. From childhood they had been accustomed to the sanctuary and its service; but instead of becoming more reverent, they had lost all sense of its holiness and significance. The father had not corrected their want of reverence for his authority, had not checked their disrespect for the solemn services of the sanctuary; and when they reached manhood, they were full of the deadly fruits of skepticism and rebellion.Reflecting Christ
Abraham’s Example as a Father, June 28
RC 193.1
I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:19.Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 23—Counsel to One Who for Financial Reasons Was Planning to Leave the Work of God
2SM 216.3
God designs that all who are laborers together with Him should have a rich experience in His love and His power to save. Never should we say, “I have no experience,” for that God who gave Paul an experience will reveal Himself to every soul who will earnestly seek Him. What said God to Abraham? “I know him,” said the heart-searching God, “that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). Abraham would cultivate home religion, and the fear of the Lord would lead to integrity of life. He who blesses the habitation of the righteous says, “I know him that he will command.” There is no betraying of sacred trusts, no hesitating between right and wrong. The Holy One has given rules for the guidance of all—the standard of character from which none can swerve and be guiltless. God’s will is to be diligently and conscientiously studied, and it must be made paramount in all the affairs of life. The laws which every human agent is to obey flow from the heart of infinite love.The Ministry of Healing
The Father’s Responsibility
MH 390.3
The father is the lawmaker of the household; and, like Abraham, he should make the law of God the rule of his home. God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household.” Genesis 18:19. There would be no sinful neglect to restrain evil, no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism; no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and righteous laws. God has given rules for our guidance. Children should not be left to wander away from the safe path marked out in God’s word, into ways leading to danger, which are open on every side. Kindly, but firmly, with persevering, prayerful effort, their wrong desires should be restrained, their inclinations denied.The Upward Look
Keep God’s Glory in View, August 23
UL 249.3
Abraham is a noble example of a faithful householder, and he has given us an example of the unquestioning obedience that all should render. He who blesses the righteous said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him” (Genesis 18:19). They will keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. He will not speak words of hypocrisy or deception. There will be no betraying of sacred trusts....This Day With God
God Will Work With You, January 31
TDG 39.1
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Genesis 18:19.To Be Like Jesus
God Calls for Repentance and Holy Living, December 21
BLJ 373.1
For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him. Genesis 18:19, NKJV.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Christian Life
1SAT 325.2
Fathers and mothers, God has placed the younger members of His family under your care. Are you fitting them to live that life which measures with the life of God? Are you teaching them by example to hide the life with Christ in God, to believe in Him, to love Him? God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). Now, as then, this is what God requires from parents. He wants them to educate their children in such a way that when they go forth into the world, they will resist the temptations which beset them on every side.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Attending School on the Sabbath
2TT 182.1
Had these dear brethren possessed greater spirituality, had they realized the binding claim of God’s law as every one of us should, they would have known their duty, and would not have been walking in darkness. It was very hard for them to see how they could take any other course. But God does not consult our convenience in regard to His commandments. He expects us to obey them, and to teach them to our children. We have before us the example of Abraham, the father of the faithful. The God of heaven says, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord.” Genesis 18:19. And this was why such great blessings were pronounced upon him and his posterity.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Duty to Children
1TT 76.1
Even after they are of age, children are required to respect their parents, and to look after their comfort. They should listen to the counsel of godly parents, and not feel that because a few more years are added to their life, they have grown out of their duty to them. There is a commandment with promise to those who honor their father and their mother. In these last days children are so noted for their disobedience and disrespect that God has especially noticed it, and it constitutes a sign that the end is near. It shows that Satan has almost complete control of the minds of the young. By many, age is no more respected. It is considered too old-fashioned to respect the aged; it dates back as far as the days of Abraham. Says God: “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.” Genesis 18:19.Christian Education
Chapter 25—Fragments
CE 222.1
A well-ordered Christian household is a powerful argument in favor of the reality of the Christian religion,—an argument that the infidel cannot gainsay. All can see that there is an influence at work in the family that affects the children, and that the God of Abraham is with them. If the homes of professed Christians had a right religious mould, they would exert a mighty influence for good. They would indeed be the “light of the world.” The God of heaven speaks to every faithful parent in the words addressed to Abraham: “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” [Genesis 18:19.]—Patriarchs and Prophets, 143-144.Homeward Bound
The Importance of Family Worship, May 22
HB 163.1
For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice.—Genesis 18:19.Homeward Bound
The Father, September 13
HB 282.3
The father is the lawmaker of the household; and, like Abraham, he should make the law of God the rule of his home. God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household.” (Genesis 18:19.) There would be no sinful neglect to restrain evil, no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism; no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and righteous laws. God has given rules for our guidance. Children should not be left to wander away from the safe path marked out in God’s word, into ways leading to danger, which are open on every side. Kindly, but firmly, with persevering, prayerful effort, their wrong desires should be restrained, their inclinations denied.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 1, 1854
1LtMs, Ms 1, 1854, par. 12
Parents, I saw, stood in the place of God to their children, and they will have to render an awful account whether they have been faithful to the little few that have been committed to their trust. I saw that you were rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel unless you speedily turn square about and be faithful to your children. Think you that God can cover or hide iniquity in children and preserve them whom He hates? No, never. God hates unruly children who manifest passion and evil tempers, etc. He can not save them in the time of trouble. They will be eternally lost through parents’ neglect. Their blood will be upon their parents. How can parents be saved with the blood of their children upon them, when they might have saved their children? God says, “I know Abraham, that he will command his household after him.” [Genesis 18:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 3, 1854
1LtMs, Ms 3, 1854, par. 23
I saw that you were rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel unless you speedily turn square about and be faithful to your children. Think you God can cover or hide iniquity and preserve children whom He hates? No, never. God hates unruly children who manifest passion, evil tempers, etc. He cannot save them in the time of trouble. They will be eternally lost. Parents, negligent, unfaithful parents, their blood will be upon you, and can you expect to be saved in the day of God’s fierce anger with the blood of your children upon you,—children who might have been saved had you acted as faithful parents should? God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him” [Genesis 18:19], and He gave him the name of being the father of the faithful.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 52, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 52, 1886, par. 14
Bro. Bourdeau, if your home is governed by the religion of Christ, then I am a stranger to its workings. The Father of the faithful said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Abraham cultivated home religion and caused the fear of the Lord to circulate through his tents. It is the voice of God that is to be heard. There is no hypocrisy on the one hand, no deception on the other. “I know him that he will command.” There will be no betraying of sacred trusts, no flinching from the demands of truth, no yielding to human weakness. There is a law, and Abraham will keep it. Now this testimony cannot be borne in your case. Blind affection, a cheap manifestation of love, goes a long ways with you. To encircle the arms about the neck is easy; but manifestations should not be encouraged by you unless they are proved to be of real value by perfect obedience. Your indulgence, your disregard of God’s requirements is the veriest cruelty. You encourage and excuse disobedience by saying, “My boy loves me.” Such love is cheap and deceptive. It is no love at all. The love, the genuine love, to be cultivated in the family is of value because it is verified by obedience. Parents and children alike are to be ruled by Him who is unerring in counsel. This will prevent parental oppression on the one hand and filial love on the other. God has given us rules for the guidance of all, and from these rules there can be no sinless swerving. God’s will must be paramount. The love and fear of God must be brought into the home. The love you seem to cherish and talk so much about is not worth a straw. It is outside show. It is the same in nature as the love the Christian world claim to have for God when they do not obey His commandments. I hope that your eyes will be anointed with eyesalve that you may see that you are tampering with sacred responsibilities. Your house needs to be set in order. I hope that no one will imitate your example and bring into his home such government as you have exercised. I fear that you have become blind, and that you have so long walked in the light of your own eyes, that you will never have the mist and fog removed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 83, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 83, 1886, par. 10
Abraham was a light to the world, and the Lord said of him, I know Abraham, that he will command his children and his household after him. [Genesis 18:19.] Abraham walked in the ways of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 16, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 16, 1886, par. 13
I have been where I have had children of my own to educate, and I know how hard they have to struggle to gain the victory. I know how hard it was in times when Satan was tempting them to evil. We want a practical, living Jesus with us every day of our lives, and then we can educate and train our children, and peace will be in our house. God says, I know Abraham that he will command his household and his children after him. [Genesis 18:19.] And this is the work we want to teach parents to do in this age of the world, just like Abraham, to command their children and their household after them. God says, I know him that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord. Abraham knew God had commandments, and he would keep them. He knew God had a law, and he would obey it. He would not deviate from it himself nor allow his children to.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 65, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 65, 1886, par. 8
The religion of Jesus is by many reserved for certain days, certain occasions, laid aside and neglected. The abiding principle of truth is not merely for a few hours on the Sabbath or for a few days of charity, but it is to be brought into the heart, refining, sanctifying the character. If there is a moment when man is safe without the special light and strength from heaven, then he may dispense with the truth of God which should be his counselor and guide. God’s pure, holy Word must be a controlling power upon the life. The Bible is giving forth its lessons to us if we will take them to heart. Abraham was in favor with God. The Lord said, I know Abraham that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. Abraham was honored of God because he would cultivate home religion and cause the fear of the Lord to circulate through his tent. It is God that speaks and says, “I know him, that he will command.” [Genesis 18:19.] There will be no betraying of sacred trust on his part, no yielding to any but one guide. There is a law. Abraham will keep it. No blind affection will cloud his sense of right and interfere between God and the souls of his children. That kind of indulgence which is the veriest cruelty will not lead Abraham astray. Parents and children are God’s property, to be ruled by Him. By combined affection and the influence of authority, Abraham ruled his house. God’s Word has given us our rules for guidance. These rules form the standard from which there can be no swerving, if we keep the way of the Lord. God’s will must be paramount. The question for us to ask is not what have others done, what will my relatives think, or what will they say of me if I pursue this course, but what has God said? Parent nor child can prosper in any course excepting in the way of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 24, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 24, 1887, par. 42
Abraham was chosen of God to bring about a new era in the plan of His providence. To him was entrusted the true religion to be transmitted to his descendants. By his maxims, as well as by his example, he was to help coming generations in developing right characters. God chose him to occupy this important place because he cultivated domestic piety and could thus have a decisive influence upon the families brought in contact with him. He would keep the ways of the Lord, and the fear of God would characterize his family. He who blesses the habitation of the righteous says: “For I know him, that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord” [Genesis 18:19]; and not follow their own will and do after their own pleasure; it is God’s way which must be kept, for their own good and for the good of all them who come in contact with him. As a father, Abraham will be faithful to his sacred responsibilities. He will not bend the principles of truth to make them agree with the defects of character in his children. There is a law, and Abraham will keep it. He is amenable before God. He is not to erect a rule of his own for the management of his children, but to follow the rule of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 53, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 53, 1887, par. 25
Shall we, my brethren, elevate the standard of righteousness? Will parents bring religion into their homes? Will they do their duty before God in seeking to close every door to the enemy? Will they disregard the positive injunctions of God and connect their children with unbelievers because this is the choice of their children? Are there not reasons why the Spirit of God does not work with His people? Truth is kept in the outer court. Communion with God is forfeited to please worldly relations and friends whose hearts are constantly in opposition to the truth. The Searcher of hearts said [of] Abraham, “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] God’s blessing was upon Abraham because he would cultivate home religion. He who blesses the habitation of the righteous says, “I know him that he will command his household after him.” There will be no betraying the truth on his part. There is a law. Abraham will keep it.Conflict and Courage
A Home God Can Bless, February 12
CC 49.1
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Genesis 18:19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 36, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 36, 1890, par. 6
The master who hires them is to beware lest there is the least unfairness in exactions of labor, in the payment of wages. Give no occasion for Satan to present charges against you. Like Abraham, make no inconsiderate speeches, no exactions or unkindness. In ancient days Abraham commanded his children and his household after him “to keep the way of the Lord.” [Genesis 18:19.] The healthful impressions are to be made on the soul by the grace of Christ which illuminates your own heart. In the press of business, in the cares and burdens, pray more than at any other time. Show that you realize that One is your Master, even Christ Jesus. This cannot be forgotten and pressed into the background without injury to master as well as injury to servants.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 5b, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 5b, 1891, par. 9
I call your attention to Abraham, the father of the faithful. How strict was his regard to the will of God. “I know him,” said the Heartsearcher, God, “that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] He who blesses the habitation of the righteous says, “I know him,” “I know him that he will command.” There will be no betrayal of trust on his part, no yielding to any guide but one. There is a law, and Abraham will keep it. The Holy One demands faithfulness of all His stewards; He has given us rules for the guidance of all; these rules form the standard of righteousness from which none can swerve and be guiltless. The will of God must be honored as supreme.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 18, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 18, 1891, par. 7
Eternal vigilance is the price of safety, especially in this age of the world, when its inhabitants are like the inhabitants of Sodom. What more can be said than has been said, what more can be done than has been done, to warn, to guard the workers in our missions and in our institutions, I am at a loss to determine. What is the reason for this careless inattention to warnings? Is it because the heart is not right with God, is not keeping “the way of the Lord” [Genesis 18:19], but is left to drift in any way Satan may choose?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 20a, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 20a, 1893, par. 46
God designs that all who are laborers together with Him should have a rich experience in His love and His power to save. Never should we say, “I have no experience,” for that God who gave Paul an experience will reveal Himself to every soul who will earnestly seek Him. What said God of Abraham? “I know him,” said the heart-searching God, “that he will command his children and his household after him; and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Abraham would cultivate home religion, and the fear of the Lord would lead to integrity of life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 93, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 93, 1893, par. 26
Family religion must be maintained for your own good, and for the good of your little ones. It is the duty of both of you to combine faith and works to educate and train your little ones to love Jesus. Said the Searcher of hearts about Abraham, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Abraham would cultivate home religion, and cause the fear of the Lord to circulate through his tent. Brother Harris, you have not in firmness and decision occupied your position in your family that you should. There must be, as you value your soul, no betrayal of sacred trust and truth on your part, no yielding to any guide but One.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 34, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 34, 1894, par. 46
Among the precious things left on record for our learning is the record of the life of Abraham, the father of the faithful. The Searcher of hearts said, “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Abraham was chosen of God to cultivate home religion. There would on his part be no betraying of sacred trusts. Abraham knew what was the law of God, and he determined to obey it. The Lord to him was Judge, Lawgiver, and King, and in no case would he be disobedient.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 26, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 11
What is your practice? Are you injuring your understanding through using narcotics, tobacco, wine, and liquor? I warn you of that path because God warns you all from it. You must give a good example to your children. It was sin that brought the agony upon the Son of the infinite God, taking the wrath of God upon His own divine soul. What hereditary trusts have you gathered? Have you gathered them up from Abel, Noah, Abraham? God says of Abraham, “for I know him that he will command his children and his household after him.” [Genesis 18:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 22, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 22, 1894, par. 21
I have sought to present before you the principles which should mold the actions of those who bear responsibilities in His cause. There was much dross, much chaff, to be separated from your spirit and character before your course of action could represent the character and work of Jesus Christ. Everything you did was deeply corroded with selfishness, and your influence and that of Brother Frank Belden was of a character to mar the experience of all those who looked to you for an example. Neither of you realized the necessity of attaining to a high experience in divine things so that at all times and under all circumstances you might “keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment” [Genesis 18:19], mingling with your exercise of justice the mercy, the love, the goodness, the long forbearance and tenderness of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 105, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 2
A true man before God is one who fears God himself and influences all his family to give their hearts to Christ to be his abiding place. The rule for the right government of every family circle is, “They shall keep the way of the Lord.” [Genesis 18:19.] The question to be settled by father and mother is not what will others say? What will my neighbors say and think of me if I keep the way of the Lord, but what will God think of me if I fail to do so? Shall the father of the family regard it a sufficient excuse for disobeying God’s commandments that his neighbors not look upon loyalty to the word of God with favor? Have his neighbors paid the ransom for the soul of father or mother or children? How can the blessing of the Lord rest upon those who are looking to see what their neighbors think of them in keeping the commandments of the Lord? We should regard our homes as our own province. In our homes neither minister, church or neighbors should have a voice as to how we should control and educate our families. The home is to be made a Bethel, a holy temple where God presides; for we are all living in the sight of the eternal world. If the love of Christ pervades the heart, contentment and peace will be the result. To cherish any other principle will bring restlessness and dissatisfaction to the soul and it will prove a harder task to govern the family than for a king to rule his subjects.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 8, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, par. 48
My dear Bro. and Sr. Baker, whom I love in the Lord, the Lord will guide you if you will once trust in him. He has given you every encouragement to do this. Our youth must not be educated to make finite man their dependence. The first principles of holiness (wholeness) to God are yet to be learned. God’s will and God’s way should be made our will and our way. There is not one rule for the supposed superior and another for the inferior; one way for the supposed lordly, and another for the more humble. Keeping the commandments of God means more than we are inclined to suppose. Of those who would find peace it is said, “They shall keep the way of the Lord; then peace and holy joy will be theirs.” [See Genesis 18:19.]Education
Chapter 20—Bible Teaching and Study
Ed 187.2
God called Abraham to be a teacher of His word, He chose him to be the father of a great nation, because He saw that Abraham would instruct his children and his household in the principles of God’s law. And that which gave power to Abraham’s teaching was the influence of his own life. His great household consisted of more than a thousand souls, many of them heads of families, and not a few but newly converted from heathenism. Such a household required a firm hand at the helm. No weak, vacillating methods would suffice. Of Abraham God said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.” Genesis 18:19. Yet his authority was exercised with such wisdom and tenderness that hearts were won. The testimony of the divine Watcher is, “They shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” Genesis 18:19. And Abraham’s influence extended beyond his own household. Wherever he pitched his tent, he set up beside it the altar for sacrifice and worship. When the tent was removed, the altar remained; and many a roving Canaanite, whose knowledge of God had been gained from the life of Abraham His servant, tarried at that altar to offer sacrifice to Jehovah.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 12b, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 12b, 1896, par. 20
Every child brought into the world is the property of Jesus Christ, and should be educated by precept and example to love and obey God; but by far the largest number of parents have neglected their God-given work by failing to educate and train their children, from the first dawning of reason, to know and love Christ. By painstaking effort parents are to watch the opening, receptive mind, and make everything in the home life secondary to the positive duty enjoined upon them by God—to train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. God commended Abraham, saying, “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] When parents do the work of the Lord as did Abraham, the Lord will guide them in His way.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 24a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, par. 14
The president of the General Conference should have the privilege of deciding who shall stand by his side as counsellors. Those who will keep the way of the Lord, who will preserve clear, sharp discernment by cultivating home religion, are safe counsellors. Of such a one, the Searcher of hearts saith, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him. And they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 49a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, par. 10
God is Commander in our offices of publication, and as the workers pass over the threshold to enter their work rooms, they should feel a sacred awe. Angels are in these rooms. Those who have any connection with the service of God should bear themselves with a Christlike dignity, manifesting a Christlike spirit toward superiors, inferiors, and equals. If they are learners in the school of Christ, they will have Christlike manners. There should be no partiality or hypocrisy. The fear of God, the sense of His goodness and holiness, should circulate through the entire institution. “They shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] This should be the standard at all times for the managers and workers in the appointed centers which God has created to vindicate His truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 5, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 5, 1896, par. 8
The work of the parent is seldom done as it should be. Of Abraham God said, “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] This is the work that parents neglect, the great responsibility which so few parents understand. They see that their children are sent to school to learn of the things of this life, but they fail to remember that the most precious lessons are those learnt in the home. Children are the property of God; the life of Christ should be their example, and painstaking effort should be made to show them that the requirements of God are not arbitrary exactions, but are for their present and future happiness. Parents, <have you studied parental government that you may wisely> train the will and impulse of your children; teach the young tendrils to entwine about God for support. It is not enough that you say, Do this, or, Do that, <and then become> utterly regardless and forgetful of what you have required, <and the children are not careful to do your commands.> Prepare the way for you child to obey your commands <cheerfully;> teach the tendrils to cling to Jesus. Train them to do missionary work, teaching them to commence by practicing self-denial, by saving their pennies to help the needy or to give to the Lord’s work. Teach them to ask the Lord to help them in the little things of life; to be wide awake in to see the small duties which need to be done, to be helpful in the home. <If you do not educate them, there is one who will, for Satan is watching his opportunity to sow the seeds of tares in the heart.>Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 8a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 8a, 1896, par. 4
The father of the faithful, Abraham had a strict regard for the fear of the Lord. He who searches the heart said of him, “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, that they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Abraham cherished home religion. For this reason the Lord selected him to be a representative man. I know him, He declared, I know that he will not betray sacred trusts, nor yield to any guidance but Mine. He will keep My law. He will not show in his family the blind affection or indulgence that is the ruin of children.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 28, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 28, 1896, par. 18
Those who will have sumptuous fare, and selfish temporal indulgences, are not the men to be connected with God’s sacred work. They will be seduced by ambitious projects and unbelief, from the humble, self-denying path that every Christian must consent to travel. Any other path but the “way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” [Genesis 18:19] is a byway that leadeth not to the city of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 69a, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 2
A true man before God is that man who, with all his house, fears God. The Lord Jesus abides in the hearts of the members of his family. The rule, the standard, of master, children, and servants is: “They shall keep the way of the Lord.” [Genesis 18:19.] “The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked.” [Proverbs 3:33.] The question of the father of the household, of the mother who stands by his side as his helper, is not, “What will others do?” “What will others think of me?” “What will my neighbors think of me?” Shall the father of the children consider it is for their present convenience and neighborly feelings to do according to their wishes? Have they paid the ransom for the souls of father, mother, or children?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 81, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 81, 1896, par. 8
God has presented before us the example of Abraham. He was the father of the faithful. His strict regard for God’s requirements was exercised in his home. And the Searcher of hearts said of him, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.” The record also states the result, “And they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] If Abraham had neglected this work of discipline in regard to the training of his children, they would have grown up regardless of the requirements of their parents. This would lay the foundation for them to be likewise regardless of the commandments of God. Abraham cultivated home religion. The fear of the Lord circulated through his tent. “I know him,” said God, “that he will command his household and his children after him.” There will be no betrayal of sacred trusts with Abraham; no yielding to weakness and indulgence in permitting his children to have their own way, and choose their course. The law of God is Abraham’s standard. He will keep the requirements of God, and teach his children and household to do the same. Blind affection, that indulgence which is the worst kind of cruelty, will not be practiced by him. The young will not be permitted to order and command. God has made Abraham the head, and he will command.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 136, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 136, 1898, par. 1
God judges a man by what he is in his family. Abraham is called the father of the faithful. “I know him,” said the Searcher of hearts, “that he will command his children and his household after him, to keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] The Lord chose Abraham as a representative man, because He knew that he would cultivate home religion, that he would cause the fear of the Lord to circulate through his tent. There would be no betrayal of sacred trust on Abraham’s part. He would acknowledge and keep God’s law. Blind affection and indulgence, which is the veriest cruelty, would not be shown by him. By the combined influence of authority and affection he would rule his house. Mercy and justice were blended in his rule.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 133, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 133, 1898, par. 4
Parents will never arouse to their great responsibility of bringing their children up with correct habits until they are wholly converted to God’s will and way, as was Abraham. Of him God said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” [Genesis 18:19.] God’s rich promises to Abraham in regard to his posterity were made on condition that Abraham co-operated with Him in the education and training of his household and children. If Abraham chose his own way, and followed his own impulses, indulging blind affection, the child of promise would develop a character that would not bring honor to God’s name, and God would not be able to use him to carry out His will and way.13LtMs, Ms 133, 1898, par. 5
God chose Abraham because he knew that he would cultivate home religion, and cause the name of the Lord to be reverenced, feared, and loved. “I know him,” He said, “that he will command his household and his children after him.” [Verse 19.] He will not betray sacred trust by yielding to blind affection, which is opposed to the Lord’s discipline.Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 758—Reverence on the Sabbath
9MR 322.1
I saw that you were rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel unless you speedily turn square about and be faithful to your children. Think you God can cover or hide and preserve children whose iniquity He hates? No, never. God hates the passion, evil tempers, etc., manifested by unruly children. He cannot save them in the time of trouble. They will be eternally lost. Parents, negligent, unfaithful parents, their blood will be upon you, and can you expect to be saved in the day of God’s fierce anger with the blood of your children upon you—children who might have been saved had you acted as faithful parents should? God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him” (Genesis 18:19), and He gave him the name of being the father of the faithful.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 12, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 12, 1898, par. 39
Of Abraham God said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] This means earnest work in the home. And in this work angels of God co-operate with the parents. The beams of the Sun of Righteousness will so brighten the way that the rough place will be made smooth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 125, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 125, 1898, par. 10
The yoke of obligation is laid upon parents to do Christian missionary work in the home. The apostle continues, “Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” [Ephesians 6:4.] “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” [Colossians 3:21.] Of Abraham God said: “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that thing which he hath spoken of him.” [Genesis 18:19.] Parents are to be God-fearing educators of their children. The father is the house-band of the family, and he is to feel the responsibilities devolving upon him, as the Lord’s steward of a sacred trust.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 91, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 91, 1899, par. 20
Abraham was called the father of the faithful. His connection with God showed that he was determined to walk in the fear of the Lord in his home life. “I know him,” said the Searcher of hearts—He who blesses the habitation of the faithful—“that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] He will keep the law instituted in Eden as the standard of character.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 32, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 32, 1899, par. 5
All heaven recognized Abraham’s faithfulness in this respect, and He who blesses the habitation of the righteous said, “I know Abraham. He is priest of his household and patriarch in his home.” “He will command his children and his household after him, to keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 7, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 7, 1899, par. 15
Parents lose much when they are only half converted. Of Abraham Christ said, “I know him, that he will command his household and his children after him, ... to keep the way of the Lord.” [Genesis 18:19.] By the combined influence of love and authority Abraham was to rule his home. He was to walk before his household without hypocrisy or deception. He would do nothing to betray the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 31, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 20
Fathers and mothers, under your care God has placed the younger members of His family. Are you fitting them to live that life which measures with the life of God? Are you teaching them by example to hide the life with Christ in God, to believe in Him, to love Him? God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Now, as then, this is what God requires from parents. He wants them to educate their children in such a way that when they go forth into the world, they will resist the temptations which beset them on every side.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 140, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 140, 1901, par. 56
I have sought to present before you the principles which should mold the actions of those who bear responsibilities in His cause. There was much dross, much chaff, to be separated from your spirit and character before your course of action could represent the character and work of Jesus Christ. Everything you did was deeply corroded with selfishness, and your influence, and that of Brother Frank Belden, was of a character to defile the experience of all those who looked to you for an example. Neither of you realized the necessity of attaining to a high experience in divine things, so that at all times and under all circumstances you might “keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment” [Genesis 18:19], mingling with your exercise of justice the mercy, the love, the goodness, the long forbearance, and tenderness of Christ. When a sufficient time for test and trial had been given you, and you failed to make a wise use of your capabilities and talents to glorify God, I was shown that He would separate you from His work. But I feel so grateful to God that He has been trying you with His refining fire, for without His discipline, you would not be fitted for any branch of the work. I feel the tenderest, heartfelt sympathy for you, my brother, and for my nephew Frank Belden. God has entrusted to him special capabilities and talents; but his self-esteem, his independence, his self-confidence have led him to rely upon himself instead of the Lord God of Israel. O, how poor we are in ourselves, and how rich we might be in Jesus Christ! The Holy Spirit is light and love and power, and God wishes to endow us with the Holy Spirit. Christ desires to make us channels through which His grace and righteousness shall flow in a rich, full current of life and blessing, of peace and joy, to refresh the souls of others. The command is given to us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” [Galatians 6:2.] “Pray one for another that ye may be healed” [James 5:16], have a heart that is softened by the Holy Spirit, which will make us kind and tender to, and thoughtful of, one another. We are to be forgiving one to another, and to be to each other in all our intercourse and connection all that we possibly can be. We are to be to others, as far as we are capable, what Jesus was to His disciples when He walked with them and talked with [them] on earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 166, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 166, 1901, par. 5
The Searcher of hearts said of Abraham: “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Abraham cultivated home religion. The fear of the Lord was felt in his household, and He who blesses the habitations of the righteous richly rewarded him. “I know him, that he will command his children after me. He will not betray sacred trusts. He will keep my law.” Brother and Sister McClure, you have tried to persuade. You have not commanded.Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
Lessons From Israel
13MR 184.4
Abraham was called the father of the faithful. His connection with God showed that he was determined to walk in the fear of the Lord in his home life. “I know him,” said the Searcher of hearts—He who blessed the habitation of the faithful—“that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” [Genesis 18:19]. He will keep the law instituted in Eden as the standard of character.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 134, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 134, 1901, par. 23
God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” [Genesis 18:19.] If parents desire their children to be educated in accordance with the Lord’s plan, they must work in God’s way, in the home life, training their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 17, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 17, 1902, par. 15
Of Abraham God said, “I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham all that which he hath spoken of him.” [Genesis 18:19.] All parents who work diligently and earnestly will receive this commendation. Too often parents give to the world the time and attention that belongs to their children. If they would realize the responsibility resting on them, if they would do all in their power for their children, God would work with them, by His Spirit impressing the children’s minds. The Lord will not do the work He has given parents to do. But He will be their helper, co-operating with every sincere, unselfish effort they make.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 144, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 144, 1902, par. 6
He who blesses the habitation of the righteous, the high and holy One in whose mouth there is no flattery or deception, declared to Abraham: “‘I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.’ [Genesis 18:19.] I know that there will be in his life no betrayal of truth. I know that he will yield to no will and follow no guidance but Mine. He will keep My law. He will be true to principle.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 184, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 184, 1903, par. 6
God said of the father of the faithful, “I know him (Abraham), that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord.” Genesis 18:19. They were to study and become acquainted with the ways and will and purposes of God. “I know him,” saith the Searcher of hearts, “that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 67, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 67, 1903, par. 19
Parents are not to provoke their children to wrath by a harsh, dictatorial, overbearing spirit. They are simply to teach them the law of the Lord. Concerning Abraham, God declared, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 188, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 19
Now, God says, “I know Abraham, that he will command his household (well, his household was large) and his children after him, to keep the way of the Lord.” To do what? Justice and judgment. [Genesis 18:19.] Well, now, that is what we must teach our children. He says, I know Abraham, that he will do this. And God knows everyone that will be faithful in their house to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. We want to begin the work of obedience to our God right here in our family. And we want to teach them how to be ready, that when Christ comes, they will have the mark of God upon them that they are obedient, and that they shall be translated to heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 114, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 16
Abraham’s household numbered no less than a thousand souls, and God said of him, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 203, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 203, 1903, par. 18
Abraham obeyed the word of the Lord. His large household, consisting of more than a thousand souls, was controlled by Christian principles. The searcher of hearts, He who blessed the habitations of the just, said of him, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]18LtMs, Lt 203, 1903, par. 26
“I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord.” [Verse 19.] Parents are never to show harshness and roughness in their treatment of their children. They are to show the gentleness of Christ. They are to keep the way of the Lord, guiding their children in this way, daily revealing the Saviour’s love and tenderness, daily obeying the principles of truth.Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2
Chapter 85—Counseling
2MCP 765.2
God Has Given Rules—The father is the lawmaker of the household; and, like Abraham, he should make the law of God the rule of his home. God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household” (Genesis 18:19). There would be no sinful neglect to restrain evil; no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism; no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and righteous laws.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 7, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 7, 1904, par. 35
We want every child to be where he can be impressed in regard to God’s claims upon him and to carry God’s claims out. The Lord says of Abraham, I know him, that he will command his children and household after him, to keep the way of the Lord. [Genesis 18:19.] These children are to come up with a discipline that they will carry out in their lives, wherever they are. Now here is the work, and it is no light job to decide what to do.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 9, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 9, 1904, par. 14
Home education means much. It is a matter of great scope. Abraham was called the father of the faithful. Among the things that made him a remarkable example of godliness was the strict regard that in his home he paid to the commands of God. He cultivated home religion. He who sees the education given in every home, and who measures the influence of this education, said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]19LtMs, Lt 9, 1904, par. 21
“I know him that he will command his children and his household after him.” [Verse 19.] This commanding on the part of Abraham, God justified. It is essential, and in harmony with the will of the Lord of love, that parents exercise wise, Christlike authority in the home. It is His love that requires parents to repress in the child all that savors of disobedience, all that would lead the child to dishonor his parents and to dishonor God. If children are not restrained, they will cherish ideas and take liberties that will make their example and influence a power for evil. He whose heart is love has spoken decidedly, saying that evil habits are to be repressed by the combined influence of authority and affection.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 22, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 22, 1904, par. 17
Of the patriarch Abraham, the Omniscient One said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]19LtMs, Ms 22, 1904, par. 21
He “will command his household.” [Verse 19.] There would be no sinful neglect to restrain the evil propensities of his children, no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism, no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and righteous laws.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 319, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 319, 1904, par. 14
Children, he helpful to your mother. Obey her word promptly, and the Lord will bless you. God said, “I know Abraham, that he will”—coax? no;—“that he will command his children and his household after him, and they will keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] God expects parents to bring their children up to obey Him. Should your father and mother allow you to do wrong things, without correcting you, they would displease God. Those parents who allow children to have their own way are neglecting their duty, and God will hold them accountable for not restraining their children. Many parents indulge their children and thus encourage habits that ought to be corrected. Unless these habits are corrected, the children will grow up with unlovely, disagreeable characters.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 144, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 144, 1906, par. 23
Abraham was chosen of God to leave his kindred and his country and go to another land, there to dwell among strangers. He heeded the voice of God. He paid strict regard to the doing of God’s will. “I know him,” said the great Searcher of hearts, “that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.] Shall we not remember that it is God who blesses the habitation of the righteous? Of Abraham God said, “I know him”—it is the Omniscient that speaks—“that he will command.” There will be no betraying of truth, no yielding to the temptation of Satan to allow the children and the household to control. The man who follows the example of Abraham will command—not by any act of violence, but kindly, firmly. He will allow no oppression, no filial disobedience. By the combined influence of decided authority mingled with love, he will rule his household in the fear of God. If necessary, he will administer punishment.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 39, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 39, 1906, par. 6
Let the true-hearted youth come out from under the influence of every man who has refused the light of truth and who has accepted fables instead. The Holy One has given us rules for the guidance of all who will keep the way of the Lord. The law is God’s standard, from which there can be no swerving without sin. Where God’s will and way are not paramount, the first principles of holiness have yet to be learned. The rule of heaven, which must be observed with unswerving obedience, is, “They shall keep the way of the Lord.” [Genesis 18:19.] Every other path is that of the destroyer. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked. Some whose eyes are now blinded by Satan seem to be proud of their smartness and keenness, as revealed in their deceptive, fraudulent, underhand dealings. But a day will come when the Word of God, as summed up in His law, will be vindicated.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 189, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 189, 1907, par. 7
We read that God said, I know Abraham, that he will command his children and his household after him. [Genesis 18:19.] It was a very large family to keep in the way of the Lord, to do judgment and justice, and to carry out the very instructions that are given here in living on the plan of addition, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 186, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 186, 1907, par. 22
“I know Abraham, said the Lord, that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” [Genesis 18:19.]My Life Today
The Influence of a Christian Family, April 30
ML 124.1
For I know him, that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Genesis 18:19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 244, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 244, 1908, par. 6
Abraham is a noble example of a faithful householder, and he has given us an example of the unquestioning obedience that all should render. He who blesses the righteous said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.” [Genesis 18:19.] They will keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. He will not speak words of hypocrisy or deception. There will be no betraying of sacred trusts. Abraham will keep the law of God as one who is answerable to the Lawgiver.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 242, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 242, 1908, par. 4
Abraham is a noble example of a faithful householder, and he has given us an example of the unquestioning obedience that all should render. He who blesses the righteous said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.” [Genesis 18:19.] They will keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. He will not speak words of hypocrisy or deception. There will be no betraying of sacred trusts. Abraham will keep the law of God as one who is answerable to the Lawgiver.Our Father Cares
A Home God Can Bless, July 5
OFC 198.1
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Genesis 18:19.Genesis 18:19-32
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 79, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 79, 1901, par. 18
Of Abraham the Lord said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” [Genesis 18:19.]16LtMs, Ms 79, 1901, par. 19
“And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.” [Verses 20, 21.]16LtMs, Ms 79, 1901, par. 20
Abraham pleaded with God to save the city, saying, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.” [Verse 32.] But in all the city not ten righteous persons could be found. The entire city was destroyed. Even the little children were destroyed; for evil had been transmitted to them by their parents. “The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities.” [Genesis 19:24, 25.]Genesis 18:20-32
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 19, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 19, 1886, par. 12
We read of visitors coming to Abraham as he was sitting in the door of his tent, and how did he receive them? These were angels of God, and one of them was no less than the Son of God. When these guests came up to his tent, they were strangers; but he observed the rules of true courtesy towards them. The Word of God tells us to “be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” [Hebrews 13:2.] Abraham did this. And when the heavenly guests made this known to Abraham, then they told him what was their purpose in regard to Sodom. The cry of distress and suffering had come up to the God of heaven, and He had come down to see if they had done altogether according to the cry of it, which was come up unto Him. And while Abraham was not in Sodom, was not connected with Sodom, yet we see that he had an intense interest that Sodom should not be destroyed if God could spare it. Genesis 18:20-22. In the next verse we are told that Abraham drew near and said (quote verse 23).4LtMs, Ms 19, 1886, par. 13
While Abraham had a true sense of humility which every child of God should possess, yet he had an intense interest in the souls of sinners. He is represented as drawing near. He steps close to those heavenly messengers and pleads with them as a child would plead with his parents. He remembers that Lot has made his home there in Sodom and that Lot has connections all through Sodom by marriage. Therefore Abraham commences at 50, and the Lord tells him that he will spare it for 50; and he goes down to ten, and the Lord tells him that He will spare it for ten’s sake. [Verses 26, 32.] He does not make any further appeal, but he does hope that there will be found ten righteous men in Sodom. Well, when the angels came in Sodom, they could not find even five righteous ones in the splendid city so that we may reason that there may be the most splendid cities, having the greatest wealth, and yet there not be found five righteous in them. Every one of us, as we are seeking for the future immortal life, should have everything connected with us as favorable as we can make it for the development of Christian character. God frequently calls us to break every tie that binds us to unholy influences and to come out from among them.Genesis 18:23
Christ Triumphant
God Hears Our Intercessory Prayers, March 9
CTr 75.1
And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Genesis 18:23.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Genesis 18:1-8
Conflict and Courage
Entertaining Strangers, February 13
CC 50.1
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2.CC 50.2
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and talked with him as friend with friend. When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful example of hospitality.29Patriarchs and Prophets, 138.CC 50.3
In the records of Genesis we see the patriarch at the hot summer noontide resting in his tent door under the shadow of the oaks of Mamre. Three travelers are passing near. They make no appeal for hospitality, solicit no favor; but Abraham does not permit them to go on their way unrefreshed. He is a man full of years, a man of dignity and wealth, one highly honored, and accustomed to command; yet on seeing these strangers he “ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground.” Addressing the leader he said: “My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant” (Genesis 18:2, 3). With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food; while they were at rest under the cooling shade, Sarah his wife made ready for their entertainment, and Abraham stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his hospitality. This kindness he showed them simply as wayfarers, passing strangers, who might never come his way again. But, the entertainment over, his guests stood revealed. He had ministered not only to heavenly angels, but to their glorious Commander, his Creator, Redeemer, and King. And to Abraham the counsels of heaven were opened, and he was called “the friend of God.” ...CC 50.4
The privilege granted Abraham and Lot is not denied to us. By showing hospitality to God’s children we, too, may receive His angels into our dwellings. Even in our day, angels in human form enter the homes of men and are entertained by them. And Christians who live in the light of God’s countenance are always accompanied by unseen angels, and these holy beings leave behind them a blessing in our homes.30Testimonies for the Church 6:341, 342.