Topical Bible: Faith: Abel

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Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the Bible, particularly in discussions of faith. His account is primarily found in Genesis 4:1-10, where he is depicted as a righteous man whose faith and actions were pleasing to God. Abel's life and faith are further expounded upon in the New Testament, where he is often cited as an exemplar of faith.

Biblical Account

In Genesis 4, Abel is introduced as a shepherd, in contrast to his brother Cain, who was a farmer. The narrative describes how both brothers brought offerings to the Lord: "And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering" (Genesis 4:4). Abel's offering was accepted by God, while Cain's was not, leading to jealousy and ultimately, Abel's murder by Cain.

Faith and Righteousness

Abel's faith is highlighted in Hebrews 11:4, which states, "By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead" . This passage underscores the importance of faith in Abel's actions, suggesting that his offering was made with a sincere heart and trust in God, distinguishing it from Cain's.

Abel's Legacy

Abel's faith and righteousness are further emphasized in Matthew 23:35, where Jesus refers to him as "righteous Abel." This designation affirms Abel's standing as a model of faithfulness and integrity. His account serves as a testament to the belief that true faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's will.

Symbol of Innocence and Martyrdom

Abel is often seen as a symbol of innocence and the first martyr, as his life was unjustly taken due to his righteousness. His blood is described as crying out to God from the ground (Genesis 4:10), symbolizing the injustice he suffered and God's awareness of human wrongdoing. This imagery is echoed in Hebrews 12:24, which contrasts the blood of Abel with the blood of Christ, highlighting the redemptive power of Jesus' sacrifice.

Theological Implications

Abel's account raises important theological themes, including the nature of true worship, the consequences of sin, and the vindication of the righteous. His faith is portrayed as a model for believers, illustrating that God values the heart and intentions behind one's actions. Abel's life and death remind Christians of the call to live faithfully, even in the face of adversity.

In summary, Abel's faith is a foundational example in the biblical narrative, demonstrating the importance of sincere devotion and the enduring impact of a life lived in accordance with God's will. His account continues to inspire and instruct believers in their own journeys of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes ...
... condition of things. We see it in Adam and Eve; especially in Enoch; and
"By faith Abel obtained witness that he was righteous.". ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiv the revelation to which.htm

Faith
... Listen to their names: "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice;"
"By faith Enoch was translated;" "By faith Noah built an ark;" "By faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm

The Meaning of Faith
... Through faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, and so received the
assurance that he was an upright man, for God approved of his gifts. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the meaning of faith.htm

Faith the Foundation of all Knowledge.
... "By faith Abel offered to God a fuller sacrifice than Cain, by which he received
testimony that he was righteous, God giving testimony to him respecting his ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iv faith the foundation of.htm

The Faith of Abraham.
... But we shall not dismiss in silence the faith of Abel, Enoch, and Noah. ... Third,
the faith of Abraham is compared with the faith of Abel. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

On the Faith.
... diversity of nature, but, just as in the case of Adam and Abel the manhood ... Those,
then, in whom arises firm and unshaken faith in the Gospel, pass from being ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the faith.htm

Hebrews xi. 3, 4
... By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he
obtained witness [3200] that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxii hebrews xi 3.htm

The Significance of Abel, Seth, and Enos to Christ and his Body ...
... lives in hope as long as the city of God, which is begotten by faith in the
resurrection, sojourns in this world. For in these two men, Abel, signifying "grief ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 18 the significance of abel.htm

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... Cain, "The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground," and the
apostle's comment upon that in another place is""By faith Abel offered unto ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the voice of the blood.htm

The Lamb of God in Scripture
... in the sacrifice, as well as in the man bringing it, for the Holy Ghost says little
about the difference of the man, but He says, "By faith Abel offered unto ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the lamb of god in.htm