649. GEN 4:4. ABEL, AS AN EXAMPLE

Gen_4:4. Abel, As an Example

"And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering."’97Gen_4:4.

"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 it he being dead yet speaketh."’97Heb_11:4.

Refer to the previous history, and discourse, &c., on Cain.

We now have to contemplate a character, in whom the contrast is most striking and delightful.

Abel was the second person born into our world. Eve who had been so disappointed in reference to Cain, the first son, called her second Abel,’97which signifies a Vapor, or vanity. A name peculiarly striking’97as though predicted of his transitory earthly career. But his character was distinguished for moral excellences. He shines forth among the illustrious Old Testament saints, who formed a resplendent galaxy of holy lights, in the early period of the history of the world. Observe,

I. He is the first person described as offering sacrifice to God. See text.

We are referred to the probable if not certain origin of sacrifices, and to the skins, &c., mentioned. Chap. Gen_3:21. Unreasonable to suppose the animals slain merely to supply clothing, and certainly not for food,’97no doubt for sacrifice. Abel, therefore, offered such a sacrifice. A lamb. Afterwards the great Annual Sacrifice. It was expressive,

(1.) Of his guilt.

(2.) Of his demerit; or, just desert of death.

(3.) Of his faith in the promised Saviour, as the evidence of God’s love and mercy. See Heb_11:4. Observe,

II. Abel is the first of whom God’s gracious acceptance is declared.

We presume our first parents were so; but there is no public record’97no testimony. But there is that of Abel. See Heb_11:4. Now God gave testimony of his favor by various signs; sometimes,

(1.) By an audible voice.

(2.) By visions of the night.

(3.) By fire from heaven.

(4.) By inward peace.

Now the two last would be the mode, we presume, in which God would show his respect. See the offering. The victim’97the death’97the confession and expression of faith’97the descending fire, &c. Or the passing by of the Divine glory. As a sequel of this,’97the peace and real happiness of Abel. How honored’97how blessed! How secure to have the respect of God!

III. Abel was the first who was persecuted and martyred for religion.

How terrible the history of religious persecution! Here was its rise, the commencement, &c. In Abel’s own family. His brother. With deadly hate; even to death. S.Iain on account of his faith and religion. The first in the noble company of the martyrs. As such,

IV. Abel was the first who tasted of the bitterness of death.

Death had been threatened, deserved. Had been seen in the inferior creatures, their dying struggles and decomposition. But as yet, there was no tomb. Abel first entered the house appointed for all living. The great, solemn, and momentous change he first experienced. See our first parents beholding the mangled, pallid corpse. How sad and awful the spectacle! Since then, every house and family has been invaded. The first of millions upon millions. Still it was the first, &c.

V. Abel was the first to be received into the heavenly state.

First to pay the penalty of sin. First to enjoy the blessing of immortality. The first human redeemed being, who passed through the gates into the celestial city. The first to enjoy the martyr’s crown, and to dwell with God. The first of a multitude, which no man can number. How grand the spectacle to angels, to receive their first companion from earth. Smitten by the agent of Satan’97welcomed by the hosts of glory. His mortal remains on earth fulfilling the curse’97mingling with the dust. The happy spirit in heaven, &c. Let the subject,

1. Lead us to see the importance of right religion.

It must be revealed. God’s own. It must be personal. It must be accepted.

2. That true religion may involve us in suffering.

World hate you, &c. "Through much tribulation," &c. It may be, death. "Whoso will be my disciple," &c.

3. That true religion will be amply and eternally recompensed.

God’s smile here. Eternal life hereafter, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS