Abel: A Man of Faith
In the grand tapestry of biblical history, some figures shine brightly despite their brief appearance. Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is one such individual. His story, though confined to a mere handful of verses in the book of Genesis 4, reverberates throughout Scripture, serving as a timeless testament to the power of faith and the nature of true worship. The New Testament, particularly the book of Hebrews, elevates Abel to the esteemed company of faith's champions, declaring that "he being dead yet speaketh." His life, cut tragically short, nonetheless speaks volumes about righteousness, sacrifice, and the unwavering conviction that pleases God.
The Context of Early Humanity and Sin
To fully appreciate Abel's significance, we must first understand the world into which he was born. Humanity had fallen from grace, expelled from the Garden of Eden due to Adam and Eve's disobedience. Sin had entered the world, bringing with it a curse upon creation and the grim reality of death. Life outside Eden was characterized by toil, thorns, and the ever-present knowledge of lost innocence. It was in this fallen world, marked by the consequences of sin, that Cain and Abel, the first siblings, began their lives. Their differing approaches to worshipping God would soon reveal the deep chasm between human effort and divine revelation, between works and faith.
The Offering: Faith vs. Works
The pivotal moment in Abel's narrative revolves around the offerings he and his elder brother, Cain, presented to the Lord. Genesis 4:3-5 records: "And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect."
The contrast is stark. Cain, a tiller of the ground, brought an offering from his own labours – the fruit of the ground. Abel, a keeper of sheep, brought "of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof." God accepted Abel's offering but rejected Cain's. The crucial question is: Why? The answer lies not merely in the type of offering, but in the heart and principle behind it. The book of Hebrews provides the divine commentary:
By faith Abel offered unto 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 speaketh.
Abel's offering was "more excellent" because it was presented "by faith." This implies that Abel acted upon a divine revelation or understanding that Cain lacked or chose to ignore. While the specific instruction for blood sacrifice is not explicitly stated before this event, it is strongly implied by God's own actions in providing coats of skins for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21) and the subsequent establishment of the sacrificial system. Abel understood that sin demanded a blood atonement, a life for a life, pointing prophetically to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. His offering was not merely a token of gratitude, but an acknowledgement of sin and a plea for divine mercy through a divinely appointed means.
The Nature of Abel's Faith
What constituted the "more excellent sacrifice" of Abel's faith? It involved several key components:
- Obedience to Revealed Will: Abel likely understood that God required a blood sacrifice for sin. This understanding could have been passed down from Adam and Eve, or directly revealed by God. His faith was active obedience to this divine standard, unlike Cain's approach which seems to have been based on human reasoning or preference.
- Recognition of Sin and Need for Atonement: By offering the firstlings of his flock, Abel acknowledged the gravity of sin and the necessity of a life being given to cover it. The shedding of blood was a powerful symbol of expiation and propitiation.
- The Best and First: Abel brought "the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof." This signifies a willing, generous, and unreserved offering of his best. It was not a leftover or a casual gesture, but a costly and heartfelt act of devotion.
- A Right Heart Attitude: While Cain's offering was a product of his labour, it lacked the spiritual component of faith. His heart was not right with God, as evidenced by his later anger and resentment. Abel's faith indicated a humble, repentant, and trusting heart that sought God's favour on God's terms.
Abel's faith was not blind; it was informed. It was not passive; it was active. It was not self-serving; it was God-honouring. This qualitative difference in their offerings revealed the true state of their hearts and their relationship with God.
God's Testimonial and Cain's Reaction
God's acceptance of Abel's offering was a divine testimony to his righteousness. This divine favour, however, provoked a dark response in Cain. Genesis 4:6-8 records: "And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire; and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him."
Instead of repenting and seeking God's acceptance through faith, Cain harboured resentment, envy, and anger. His rejection was not arbitrary; it was a consequence of his unrighteousness and lack of faith. The apostle John clarifies Cain's motivation:
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Abel's righteousness, borne of faith, exposed Cain's unrighteousness. This spiritual conflict escalated into the first murder, a tragic illustration of the enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). Abel became the first martyr, a victim of religious jealousy and the spiritual darkness that permeates a heart devoid of faith.
Abel's Enduring Legacy
Though his life was short and brutal, Abel's impact on biblical history and theology is profound. He is remembered not for his deeds, but for his faith, which continues to speak across millennia. His legacy is multifaceted:
- The First Martyr: Abel's unjust death at the hands of his brother established him as the first martyr, a prototype for all who would suffer for righteousness' sake. His blood cried out from the ground (Genesis 4:10), a foreshadowing of the innocent blood shed throughout history and ultimately, the blood of Christ.
- A Witness to Righteousness: Abel's faith secured for him the divine witness of righteousness. He stands as an eternal example that God accepts those who approach Him by faith, on His terms.
- Mentioned by Christ: Jesus Himself acknowledged Abel's righteousness, referring to "the blood of righteous Abel" as the first in a long line of prophets and righteous ones whose blood was shed from the foundation of the world (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51). This validates Abel's standing in God's eyes and his place in redemptive history.
- A Type of Christ: In a prophetic sense, Abel can be seen as a type of Christ. He was an innocent, righteous shepherd whose blood was shed as a sacrifice. His death, though unjust, ultimately points to the perfect, willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood "speaketh better things than that of Abel" (Hebrews 12:24), offering not vengeance but forgiveness and eternal redemption.
Lessons from Abel's Faith
Abel's brief life offers profound lessons for believers today:
- Faith Pleases God: The primary lesson from Abel is that "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6). God looks beyond outward actions to the heart's disposition and the principle of faith that motivates them.
- True Worship Requires Obedience and Humility: Abel's worship was accepted because it aligned with God's implied or revealed will for atonement. True worship is not about what we think is best, but about humbly submitting to God's prescribed way.
- The Necessity of Atonement: Abel's blood sacrifice pointed to the fundamental truth that sin demands a penalty, and only through the shedding of blood can there be remission. This truth culminates in the cross of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
- Righteousness May Lead to Persecution: Abel's story tragically reminds us that living righteously in a fallen world often incurs the wrath of those whose deeds are evil. The conflict between light and darkness, faith and unbelief, is an ancient one.
- Faith Has Eternal Consequences: Though Abel died, his faith continues to speak. His example encourages believers to live by faith, knowing that their righteous acts, even if unrecognized or persecuted on earth, are eternally esteemed by God.
Conclusion
Abel, the righteous shepherd, stands as a beacon of faith at the very dawn of human history. His story, though concise, underscores timeless truths about God's character, the nature of sin, and the pathway to divine acceptance. By faith, he offered a more excellent sacrifice, obtained witness that he was righteous, and though dead, his testimony continues to echo through the ages. His life, a brief but brilliant flash, reminds us that the essence of pleasing God lies not in human effort or outward show, but in a heart that trusts, obeys, and approaches Him on the terms He has established through His divine revelation. Abel's faith remains a powerful call to all generations to walk humbly with God, offering Him not merely the fruit of our labour, but the fruit of a heart yielded in genuine faith.