A More Excellent Sacrifice
Today’s Verse:
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. ~Hebrews 11:4
Hebrews 11 is the great chapter on faith. Some have referred to this monumental chapter as “The Hall of Faith.” Others have referred to it as “The Westminster Abbey of Faith Heroes.” It is a chapter that definitely inspires us about the faith of Old Testament believers who prevailed in life because of their faith. This morning, let us reflect on how Abel’s faith testified through his more excellent sacrifice.
We see the action.
“By faith Abel offered unto God….” Abel had faith in bringing the shed blood and sacrifice of a first-born lamb for his sins. There was action in his faith. He believed in his heart that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sin. Through the offering of the first-born lamb, he foresaw the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. The action was initiated in his heart through faith. Faith alone in Christ’s shed blood and death saves from sin. We substantiate a living faith through our works. Abel understood that his action told others that he had a faith that was alive and active.
We see the accomplished.
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain….” God had respect, or gave approval, to Abel’s sacrifice, but not to Cain’s. A more excellent sacrifice refers to the fact that Abel’s faith in the blood sacrifice was superior to Cain’s, which was in his efforts, or the works of his crops. The contrast between Abel and Cain is a picture of grace and works. We are saved by grace alone. Paul said, “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” None of us are righteous, but we attain righteousness through our faith in Christ.
We see the affirmation.
“…By which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts….” God accepted Abel’s sacrifice. It was a public testimony that God had respect unto Abel’s sacrifice. God is pleased when a sinner comes to Him through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell when he knew that God did not have respect to his offering. God told Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” God was making it very clear that He is pleased with our faith in Him and not in ourselves.
We see the articulation.
“…And by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel’s faith still speaks beyond the grave. A life that is saved continues to speak of Christ and has a lasting impact. I think of many memorial services that I have had the privilege of officiating for saved individuals, and how their testimony has resulted in relatives and friends coming to Christ. A saved life speaks of the eternal security that a person has when he leaves this life. Dr. Curtis Hutson instructed his daughters to write the plan of salvation on his tombstone so that passersby could read it and be saved. Abel’s faith is listed in Hebrews 11 because his faith in the sacrificial death of a first-born lamb gave him God’s acceptance and approval. Christ is the more excellent sacrifice for every sinner. Thank God today for His unspeakable gift.
Have a faith-inspired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 54-58