Hebrews 11:1-4 v. 1. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. v. 2. “For by it the elders obtained a good report. v. 3. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. v. 4. “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 which he being dead yet speaketh” (“still speaks,” NKJV).

Background of Text, Hebrews 10:31 The writer expressed his confidence in the Hebrew saints – they were not “of them who draw back to perdition… Then he goes directly to chapter 11, to “faith’s hall of fame,” and cites many Old Testament worthies who demonstrated what it means to “believe to the saving of the soul.”

Facts About Faith as it is outlined in chapter 11: Its Definition, v. 1, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Its Necessity, v. 6, “without faith it is impossible to please God…” Saving Faith illustrated in vs 4-5,7-40. In these verses he mentioned Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, etc. The first example cited was Abel.

Regarding Abel, Hebrews 11:4: “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.. “By it he being dead, yet speaketh (“still speaks,” NKJV). - “Still speaks” is present tense. Abel who is “dead still speaks!”

Consider the O.T. Background of These N.T. Scriptures (Gen. 4:1-10) Adam and Eve became parents, vs The Sons adopted honorable professions. Both sons offered sacrifices unto God, 3-4. The Lord’s Response to their sacrifices, Gen. 4:4-5 The Response of Cain, Gen. 4:5,8. - ”He was wroth and his countenance fell, v.5. - “Rose up Against Abel…and slew him. 4:8.

God’s Response to Cain’s Actions: He asked Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother He said “the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground, 4:9. - Abel’s blood cried out to God! - Abel’s blood speaks, Heb. 11:4 - Christ’s blood speaks “better things than that of Abel,” Hebrews 12:24.

There is a Sense in Which One Can Speak Without Using Words! One May speak by setting a good example, I Peter 3:1-4. This was Abel’s way. - Actions often speak louder than words. - His actions proved he was “righteous,” Heb. 11:4. - His works were “righteous,” I John 3:12. We Can also speak without talking! - Our faithful attendance proves a lot. - cf. 2 Corinthians 8:8; I Corinthians 11:26.

What Is Abel Telling Us? Faith is Necessary, Hebrews 11:4,6. Man is not saved by faith alone! Cf. Jas. 2: It makes a Difference How We Worship God! Worship demands our Best! Gen. 4:4. Blood Is Necessary to Salvation. God pays attention to the voices of those whose innocent blood has been shed! There are times when Death is better than Life!

Conclusion: All have sinned, Romans 3:23. The wages of sin is death, Romans 6:23. No person has to live in sin, Acts 2: Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance! Christ’s blood speaks better things than that of Abel, Hebrews 12:24. Jesus invites You to “come” to Him, Matthew 11:28!