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"God testifying of his gifts..."

Text: Hebrews 11:4

HOW MAY WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE GENUINE FAITH?

This is one question that many of us would like to have an answer to. The following text may yield some light on this subject.

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice
than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was
righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it
he being dead still speaks.”
Hebrews 11:4

1. Marks of a genuine faith

a) It expresses itself in a desire to worship God.

b) It further expresses itself in offering “excellent sacrifice”.

2. Witnesses of true faith

a) The deeds performed would function as “witnesses” of true faith.

b) Two witnesses were presented:-

i) Abel’s excellent sacrifice was a witness (Cf. Genesis 4:4).

ii) God was another witness.

“And the LORD respected Abel and his offering.”
Genesis 4:4

3. Through it he being dead still speaks

a) “Through it”

i) This is a reference to Abel.

ii) It is a reference to his life which God respected.

iii) It is also a reference to his faith in God.

iv) This faith was wonderfully expressed in the way he worshipped God.

b) “Being dead still speaks:

i) Death would be experienced by all.

ii) However faith is not silenced by death.