God takes the initiative and introduces a plan designed to save his world from the dilemma imposed by sin and evil. The plan begins in human history with a covenant made between God and Abraham:
"Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves.' " (Gen. 12:1-3)