What does Abel's example teach about righteousness through faith in Hebrews 11:4? “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. Through his faith he was commended as righteous, when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” Abel’s Offering: What Made It “Better”? • Genesis 4:4 states, “Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” • The difference was not the material—both brothers brought something tangible—but the motive. Abel trusted God’s word and acted on it; Cain approached on his own terms (Genesis 4:5). • Faith precedes works. Abel’s sacrifice flowed from faith; Cain’s flowed from self-reliance. Faith First, Righteousness Follows • Hebrews 11:6 reminds, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Abel pleased God because he believed God’s promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15) and responded accordingly. • Romans 1:17: “The righteous will live by faith.” Abel illustrates this timeless principle—righteousness is credited, not earned. • Galatians 3:11: “The righteous will live by faith,” reaffirming Abel’s pattern long before the Law or the Gospel was formally given. God’s Verdict: “Commended as Righteous” • God’s approval is the decisive factor. Genesis 4:4b says, “The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains how righteousness comes: God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Abel’s experience foreshadows this exchange—faith in God’s provision leads to declared righteousness. Abel’s Voice Still Speaks • Hebrews 11:4 ends, “by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” • His lasting testimony proclaims: – Approach God by faith, not performance. – Offer the best in response to grace, not to earn it. – Trust God’s promise of a coming Lamb (fulfilled in Christ, John 1:29). Practical Takeaways • Examine motives: Do good works flow from faith or from trying to impress God? • Put faith first: Receive righteousness through trusting Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Bring your “best portions” out of gratitude, mirroring Abel’s heartfelt worship. |
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