We can notice two attributes of Able’s faith seen in Hebrews 11:4 (KJV): he offered a “more excellent sacrifice” and through it, “he being dead yet speaketh.”
Pleion is the Greek word translated as “a more excellent,” according to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, “is used sometimes of that which is superior by reason of inward worth.”
Superior by reason of inward worth—a revealing principle, yes? Superiority is not initially seen by the natural eye but by the invisible motive that produces the visible scene.
Pleion is also used in Matthew 5:20, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed (emphasis mine) the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven,” which means our righteousness must be an inward characteristic based in grace through faith in Christ Jesus rather than an outward form practiced by personal works as typified by the Pharisees.
While much could be said regarding the sacrifices of Cain and Able, it is plain that Abel’s was more acceptable because of his “inward” motive, action, and belief. And because of that, he was commended by the Lord as righteous.
God witnessed Abel’s faith by accepting his sacrifice, and by this witness, Abel still speaks to us[1] even though he died many thousands of years ago. How encouraging is it to know that when we offer our sacrifices to the everlasting God through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, they are not limited to our lifetime but can still speak beyond our death!
We see the same testimony in Revelation, “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’” (Revelation 6:9-10 ESV).
Having a faith that speaks beyond our life is based on the righteousness found only in Jesus Christ, “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him” (1 John 2:29 ESV).
Let’s be encouraged today that our faith can continue to speak, not just now but beyond our natural life!
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1997). Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament (707). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
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