A real and true faith
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
This verse stayed on my heart for years as I continued to study what true faith meant — for the better part of 10 years, to be exact. Paul’s statement, “the evidence of things not seen,” perplexed me for some time. However, as I was revisiting this passage recently, God opened my eyes to an amazing truth, primarily through the story of Cain and Abel. In Hebrews 11:4 (KJV), it says, “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.”
At first glance, this reveals nothing particularly astonishing. I mean, how can an excellent sacrifice show faith? So, I went to Genesis to re-read this story. In Genesis chapter 4, we see Abel bringing the firstborn of His flock as a sacrifice unto the Lord. The lamb still had life and many years of service for Abel; however, he freely gave it to be slaughtered and burned. Cain brought the overripe fruit that fell to the ground — fruit that was lifeless and no longer attached to the tree.
Abel knew what God wanted for a sacrifice and gave without fear of losing what he had. In a sense, Abel gave God his future, showing evidence of what he could not see because he trusted God fully. Whereas Cain gave what he could go without — the fruit that was overripe in the dirt, and unusable to him. “But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)
Abel shows us that faith is an action. Faith is more than understanding, knowledge, or belief that God exists. True faith means we have every confidence and assurance to live out what He has asked of us, believing that He is faithful and just, not only to forgive us, but to keep us on the path that leads to eternity with Him as a bride without spot or blemish. We walk in faith, knowing we can get there, because He says He will never leave us or forsake us. We walk believing God is right next to us, giving us the ability to resist temptation, love one another, and always showing that His hope is in us.
Pastor Scott Acklin ministers at New Fire Ministries.