Topical Encyclopedia
Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the Bible, particularly in the context of righteousness. His account is primarily found in
Genesis 4:1-10. Abel is depicted as a shepherd, in contrast to his brother Cain, who was a tiller of the ground. The narrative of Abel is often highlighted as an early example of righteousness and faithfulness to God.
Sacrificial OfferingAbel's righteousness is most notably demonstrated through his offering to God.
Genesis 4:4 states, "And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering." Abel's offering was accepted by God, while Cain's was not, which led to Cain's jealousy and subsequent murder of Abel. The acceptance of Abel's offering is often interpreted as a reflection of his righteous heart and sincere faith.
Hebrews 11:4 further emphasizes this, stating, "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings."
Symbol of RighteousnessAbel's life and death serve as a symbol of righteousness and the cost of living a life pleasing to God. His faith and obedience are seen as a model for believers. Abel's account is a reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the reality of suffering for righteousness' sake. Jesus Himself refers to Abel as righteous in
Matthew 23:35, saying, "And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar."
Legacy and TestimonyThe legacy of Abel's righteousness extends beyond his life.
Hebrews 12:24 speaks of Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant, "and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." Abel's blood cried out to God from the ground, as noted in
Genesis 4:10, symbolizing the injustice he suffered. However, the blood of Christ speaks of redemption and reconciliation, surpassing the cry for justice.
Abel's account is a profound testament to the importance of faith and righteousness. His life, though brief, is a powerful example of the enduring impact of living in accordance with God's will. Abel's righteousness is not only a historical account but also a spiritual lesson for believers, encouraging them to pursue a life of faith and obedience to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 11:4By 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Sin is from Natural Descent, as Righteousness is from Regeneration ...
... of Infants Chapter 19 [XV.]"Sin is from Natural Descent, as Righteousness is from ...
one," here, must not be regarded as Adam and Christ, but Adam and Abel. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 19 xv sin is from.htm
Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... Wherefore Abel's faith as to justifying righteousness before God looked not forward
to what should be done by himself, but back to the promise of the seed of ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm
The Second Part.
... Two men Adam begat, and in one was unrighteousness, in one was righteousness:
unrighteousness in Cain, righteousness in Abel. [1668 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part.htm
Peace on Earth through Righteousness
... So has it been since Cain killed Abel, since Christ was crucified on Calvary ... there
is no foundation for enduring peace on earth except in righteousness: that it ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/ii peace on earth through.htm
The Faith of Abraham.
... Both sacrificed, but Abel desired righteousness. He had a conscience of sin,
and sought reconciliation with God through his offering. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm
Index of Subjects. Abel, 124, 136, 193, 414.
... Abel, 124, 136, 193, 414. ... and further grace, [538]105, [539]108, but not the meritorious
ground of either, [540]504; the ground of all righteousness, [541]105 ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/index of subjects abel 124.htm
The Righteousness of Christ, an Everlasting Righteousness
... divine revelation; we may be sure none were ever saved, or will be saved, but by
the righteousness of Christ. It was through faith in him, that Abel was saved ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the righteousness of christ an.htm
Manes Said: You are Caught in the Charge You Yourself Bring ...
... [1698] And whence, then, did righteous Abel and all those succeeding worthies,
[1699] who are enrolled among the righteous, derive their righteousness when as ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/28 manes said you are.htm
Concerning the Posterity of Adam, and the Ten Generations from Him ...
... Now the two brethren were pleased with different courses of life: for Abel, the
younger, was a lover of righteousness; and believing that God was present at ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the posterity.htm
Our Unrighteousness.
... which is by faith, but out of an original righteousness. The cloud of witnesses
in Hebrews 11.does not begin with sinless Adam, but with Abel before he was ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xv our unrighteousness.htm
Resources
What does it mean to pursue righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the weapons of righteousness in 2 Corinthians 6:7? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
