Hebrews 11:4-7

Faith From Creation to the Flood

The faith of Abel is seen through his actions (Genesis 4:3-5; 1 John 3:11-12). Since Paul says faith comes by hearing God's word (Romans 10:17), it is clear that Abel was obedient to God's command. Milligan believes it was this obedient attitude which made Abel's sacrifice a better one (1 Samuel 15:22), causing him, in the words of Milligan, to act "strictly in compliance with the will of God." It was through that faith that Abel obtained his witness and God acknowledged that faith. Abel still speaks today through his example of faith (Hebrews 11:4).

Enoch is spoken of in Genesis 5:21-24 and Judges 1:14-16. Genesis says that "God took him." Coupled with Hebrews 11:5, it would appear that he was translated to heaven much as Elijah was (2 Kings 2:1-12). Enoch did not have to experience death as other men do, but was taken up from the earth, not to be found on it any longer. God could testify to the fact that Enoch had pleased him. One must believe, or have faith, in God before he can set out to please Him. I would not obey someone who was not my superior or someone that I did not think deserved my obedience. One would simply not obey God if he did not believe in Him. Also, our coming to God is based on our belief in his promises of a reward (Hebrews 11:6; John 14:1-6).

The story of Noah is found in Genesis 5:32; Genesis 6:1-22; Genesis 7:1-24; Genesis 8:1-22. It is pointed out that Noah's faith caused him to act as God told him to and build an ark. There was no sign at that time that there would be a flood. By his actions of trust, or faith, in God, Noah saved his household. By those same actions, he condemned a world that did not believe God's word. Noah also became the “heir of the righteousness” through his actions of faith (Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 9:8-17).