By Faith: Abel
What does faith mean? The Holy Spirit defined faith one way in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.” Faith was an underlying element of the message that our forefathers received and trusted (cf. Hebrews 11:2). Faith is how we understand that our world was formed out of nothing by the Word of God (cf. Hebrews 11:3; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-2). How can we comprehend this? The Holy Spirit teaches us plainly where faith comes from. “So belief (faith-KJV) cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” We must be mindful of this fact as we look at the life and faith of Abel.
The Bible does not say much about Abel, the son of Adam. Yet the Scripture does indicate he lived a life of righteousness before Jehovah our Father. Abel was one of many mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Abel had faith that was based on something more than a mere mental ascent. His faith was based on a revealed Word directly from God. While we have no record of what is said, we do have evidence from the Scripture that He did that which was right. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh” (Hebrews 11:5)
By Faith, Abel Offered A More Excellent Sacrifice Than Cain
The first sons of Adam and Eve came to offer sacrifices to God. To this point, we are not given any indication that any other sacrifices had been offered by mankind. This does not mean that they did not occur, but we have no inspired account of such. Cain brought the fruit of the ground as an offering to Jehovah (cf. Gen 4:3). Abel brought the firstlings of his flock as an offering to Jehovah (cf. Gen 4:4). Abel's offering was respected, whereas Cain’s was not (cf. Gen 4:4-5). The question many ask is why? After all, Cain was a tiller of the ground. How would he have animals to offer? There must be an answer to this question.
Why Is Abel’s Faith Recognized?
Abel’s only claim to faith as recorded in Hebrews is that He offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. What defines a more excellent sacrifice? The Word of God (remember Romans 10:17). Jesus even refers to Abel as a prophet whose righteous blood was shed (cf. Matthew 23:35). During the Patriarchal dispensation, of which Cain and Abel lived, God spoke directly to men, as is indicated in Genesis 1-3 and even in verse 4 when God speaks to Cain himself. God questioned him, “And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee shall be its desire; but do thou rule over it” (Gen 4:6-7) God’s appeal to Cain was: if you do well, you will be lifted up.
Could Cain Be Recognized?
How would Cain know how to do well? To do what God had asked of men. To do what his brother had done. God spoke to men, and Abel knew the excellent sacrifice was from the flocks of the field. If God required flesh and blood as an offering at this time, could Cain acquire it? Yes, he could. Even under Moses, farmers, brick masons, or anyone else could acquire the required sacrifices pertaining to their station in life. Simply put, let us consider the logical conclusion. If God did not give a specific command for the offering He desired, and then subjectively chose Abel’s over Cain's, then God would be like an unjust father who told His sons to go and bring me a gift but I will not tell you what it is I require of you. But, if you do not bring what I require, I will reject you and there will be dire consequences.
Is this the action of God? No! When we look at even God’s response to Cain we find that God implies that Cain could do well. If he offered what was right, the same thing that Abel had offered, he would be lifted up. The Hebrew writer affirms that Abel's offering, his gifts, were what bore witness that he was righteous. God had an expectation that Abel met, and Cain could have met it too if he would humble himself and exercise a faith that comes by hearing and acting upon the Word of God.
How Does the Faith of Abel Teach Us Today?
Unfortunately, the first case of murder occurs between the first brothers. Cain would not accept the Word of God, whether in command of counsel. Yet, though the blood of righteous Abel was spilled by his brother, it still speaks to us today. From the faithful example of Abel, we understand the reality of true faith in God is based on surrender to His revealed will. His faith is an example of faith that is based on assurance and conviction that God is right, and faithfulness is trusting God at His Word and not our own perceived understanding.
God is clear in His expectations for worship today. His expectations have not changed though the mindset of man changes continually. We must remember that unauthorized worship is vain worship. However, if we are worshiping in vain (not in spirit and truth) we can correct that and be numbered among the faithful. Let us resolve to follow the faithful example of Abel.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
