Topical Bible: Decision: Abel

◄ Decision: Abel ►

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Introduction

Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the Bible, known for his righteous decision-making and faithfulness to God. His account is primarily found in the book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a shepherd who offers a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. Abel's life and decisions provide profound insights into themes of faith, worship, and righteousness.

Biblical Account

The account of Abel is found in Genesis 4:1-10. Abel is introduced as a keeper of sheep, while his older brother Cain is a tiller of the ground. The narrative highlights a pivotal moment when both brothers present offerings to the Lord. Abel's decision to offer "the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions" (Genesis 4:4) is met with divine favor, as the Lord looks with favor upon Abel and his offering. In contrast, Cain's offering is not regarded with the same favor, leading to jealousy and ultimately, the tragic murder of Abel by his brother.

Faith and Righteousness

Abel's decision to offer the best of his flock is a testament to his faith and righteousness. Hebrews 11:4 commends Abel for his faith: "By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God gave approval to his gifts." Abel's decision to give God the first and best of what he had reflects a heart fully devoted to the Lord, setting a standard for true worship and sacrificial giving.

The Voice of Abel's Blood

After Abel's murder, the Lord confronts Cain, saying, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10). This statement underscores the gravity of Cain's sin and the enduring testimony of Abel's righteousness. Abel's blood, though shed unjustly, continues to speak, symbolizing the cry for justice and the enduring impact of righteous decisions.

Legacy and Typology

Abel's life and decisions have a lasting legacy in Scripture. Jesus Himself refers to Abel as righteous in Matthew 23:35, placing him among the prophets whose blood was shed unjustly. Abel's account is also seen as a typology of Christ, the ultimate righteous sufferer whose blood speaks a better word than that of Abel (Hebrews 12:24). Abel's decision to offer a pleasing sacrifice prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and redemption.

Conclusion

Abel's decision to offer a faithful and righteous sacrifice to God serves as an enduring example of true worship and devotion. His life, though cut short by violence, continues to speak to believers about the importance of making decisions that honor God and reflect a heart of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to 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 speaks.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... THE GREAT COMMISSION - THE GREAT INSTRUCTION - THE GREAT TEMPTATION - THE GREAT
DECISION. ... a steep slope, leaving, on our left, the ancient Abel Beth Maachah ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

Peace on Earth through Righteousness
... So has it been since Cain killed Abel, since Christ was crucified on Calvary ... war,
but to submit the dispute to judicial settlement, to a righteous decision by a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/ii peace on earth through.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... everything with his speech do not venture to record their decision without having ...
For what harm did death itself inflict on Abel, although it was a violent and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

Writings of St. Ambrose.
... probably before the De Officiis and De Abraham, but after the works on Paradise
and Cain and Abel, though the ... Ambrose, refused to submit to their decision. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/vi writings of st ambrose.htm

The Cross as a Social Principle
... Jesus early knew that the decision was going against him ... that upon you may come all
the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter xi the cross as.htm

writings in connection with the donatist controversy.
... 25. But the same mother which brought forth Abel? ... Chapter 6. -- 9. First, then, let
us record for further consideration the case proposed for decision? ...
/.../augustine/writings in connection with the donatist controversy /

Epistle Liv. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus ...
... of the world it was none other than a brother who slew righteous Abel, and an ... live;
this is not to give honour to God, by whose direction and decision we know ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle liv to cornelius concerning.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... of men have not refused a compliance with such public modes of decision, provided
they ... the lowest seats in judgment,) who say that Cain and Abel brought their ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Rom. v. 12
... Thus was Abel justified, thus was Abraham, in having slain his son, thus was John ...
But when he was willing, he became suddenly young by his decision alone and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily x rom v 12.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. ... it in his
time""that the victory is certain, and that every believer from Abel to the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm