R.L. Whiteside
Genuine faith is based on evidence that admits of no doubt, and to believe in a person means more than to believe that such a person exists. “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). In addition to accepting the truth that God is, we confidently trust Him for the fulfillment of His promises. In all genuine faith there is, therefore, the element of confidence and trust. We trust Him to fulfill His promises, and we confide in His wisdom and goodness.
It is true that Abel heard God’s command and obeyed, and therefore he made his offering by faith (Gen. 4:4; Heb. 11:4). But there was something back of all that. Why did he do what God said, and why did not Cain do what God said? Abel had confidence in God’s wisdom and goodness. Cain had confidence in his own wisdom and way. Hence, Abel followed God’s way and Cain followed his own way. Abel did what God commanded because he had more confidence in God than in himself.
