The Gallery of Faith Part 2

Introduction: The quest for God's approval

Thesis: True faith for salvation has always been in Christ alone - evidenced by Abel's faith from the beginning. Every man seeks approval from God above all other approvals - even atheists seek this but suppress it as Romans 1 says.

Outline:

1. The Context of Abel's Faith: The sin of his parents

2. The Contents of Abel's Faith: God's Revelation

3. The Contrast of Abel and Cain' Offering: Works vs Faith

4. THE CONTEXT OF ABEL'S FAITH: His Parents - every person was born in sin, standing condemned and destined for eternity in Hell without hope unless a savior provides a sacrifice for them.

5. THE CONTENTS OF ABEL'S FAITH: God had provided the means of redeeming man from his corrupted state - sacrifice. God provided skin coverings for Adam and Eve when they sinned, killing animals, spilling blood. Abel's parents would have taught them this - Abel sacrificed blood, the best blood he had, to God.

6. THE CONTRAST BETWEEN CAIN AND ABEL'S OFFERING:
   Abel offered based on faith: humble heart, God's work (coming savior), God's prescription (blood).
   Cain offered based on self: his works (ground labors), selfish heart, his own idea of acceptable sacrifice.

Conclusion:
Don't seek to be perfected by your own works, follow God's prescription of faith in His work.