Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” In Abel we find the FIRST example of justification by faith, and in Cain an example of legalism (works-righteousness).
Cain later murdered Cain in envy (Gen 4:8, 1 John 3:12). Abel therefore became the first martyr for the sake of preaching faith alone (Luke 11:51). So, right from Genesis, those of works (Cain) have persecuted those of faith (Abel).
Nevertheless, by faith, Abel “obtained witness that he was righteous” (Heb 11:4). The sacrifice he offered in Genesis 4 was a revelation of his heart; Abel came before God, not by his works, but by trusting the blood of another. He must have heard from his parents (Adam and Eve) about the Promised Seed who would deliver from sin (Gen 3:15). So he came believing in the Same. This was represented by the offering he gave.
So, Abel had a revelation of the Gospel. This is what we do today—we trust in Christ’s blood (given in sacrifice) for salvation.
Romans 3:22-26 (NKJV)
22 even the righteousness of God, THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, to all and ON ALL WHO BELIEVE. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 BEING JUSTIFIED FREELY by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth AS A PROPITIATION BY HIS BLOOD, THROUGH FAITH, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and THE JUSTIFIER OF THE ONE WHO HAS FAITH IN JESUS.
We trust in HIS righteousnesss, which comes to all who believe, by faith.
Philippians 3:9 (NKJV)
9 and be found in Him, NOT HAVING MY OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is from the law, but that which is THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS FROM GOD BY FAITH.
Hebrews 11:4 continues, “…God testifying of his (Abel’s) gifts…” That is, God bore witness concerning Abel’s gifts (i.e. his offering). He affirmed that He had accepted the same. Genesis 4 says it this way, “…the Lord RESPECTED Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering” (vv. 4-5).
Therefore, only faith pleases God. The issue here (Genesis 4) wasn’t physical sacrifices, but the state of the heart (faith in God’s Grace), which the offerings pointed to. Abel approached God in faith, Cain did not.
And by faith, Abel, though dead, “still speaks” (Heb 11:4). That is, Abel, by his example, speaks. Although deceased, he tells us how men are accepted by God (by his story)—it is by faith, and faith alone.
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2022.
