Abel - A More Excellent Sacrifice
Hebrews 11 has often been called the “Hall of Fame of
Faith” by modern preachers. This tribute to the faithful heroes of
former days begins with an Old Testament character named Abel.
Verse four records the basis for the Hebrew author’s commendation
saying, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than
Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God
testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.”
If we desire to be righteous, we should pay attention to a key detail in
this short text.
It is important to notice that both Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam,
offered sacrifices to God. Genesis 4:3,4 offers more specific details:
“...Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord.
Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And
the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain
and his offering.” Now, why did God respect one offering, but not
the other?
One of the slogans of preachers today is: “It doesn’t matter what you
believe, as long as you’re sincere.” Indeed, some people will justify
anything as worship to God “as long as their heart is in it.” Certainly,
worship must be from the heart (Romans 10:10). But, there is no proof
that Cain’s offering was any less “sincere” or “heartfelt” than Abel’s.
Thus, if “sincerity” is the only condition to acceptable worship, then
why does God not accept the offering of Cain?
The key to answering this question is found in the first two words of
Hebrews 11:4. Abel’s sacrifice was more pleasing because it was “by
faith.” How does one offer a sacrifice “by faith?” Romans 10:17
says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God.” The key difference in Cain and Abel’s sacrifices must have
been that God commanded a specific type of sacrifice. Abel followed
those instructions precisely, but Cain chose to offer a sacrifice
according to his own wisdom.
The Hebrew writer informs us, “...he being dead still speaks.”
Does Abel have a message for you? Yes. In your beliefs, in your worship,
in your church’s practices, make sure you have the authority of God’s
Word. Our worship can be in vain if it is based on anything else besides
“the oracles of God” (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). Follow
God’s Word closely and accept no alterations to the truth (Galatians
1:6-9; Revelation 22:18,19).
August 2006