By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain… and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death… for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. – Hebrews 11:4–5 (KJV)
In the first two examples of faith listed in Hebrews 11, we are immediately presented with a stark contrast:
Abel’s faith leads to his death.
Enoch’s faith leads to his escape from death.
And yet, both men are celebrated equally as heroes of faith. What are we to make of that?
The journey of faith is about our walk, not our wants.
Abel did everything right. He brought the better offering. He worshiped with reverence. He walked in righteousness. And he was murdered for it.
Enoch also did everything right. He walked with God. He pleased God. And he was taken up—never to see death.
Same faith. Different results.
This challenges the popular idea that faith always leads to visible blessing, protection, or success. Abel’s blood stained the earth. Enoch’s body was never found. Faith does not guarantee sameness of outcome—but it always guarantees God’s favor.
Both Abel and Enoch pleased God—that is the common thread.
Abel’s faith was expressed in worship. He offered his best, trusting in God’s unseen promise of atonement.
Enoch’s faith was expressed in intimacy. He “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24), which in Hebrew implies continual fellowship and alignment with God’s ways.
Their faith was not primarily about what they did—it was about who they trusted and how they walked.
Whether life ends in a violent field (like Abel) or in a supernatural ascension (like Enoch), the reward of faith is God Himself.
Hebrews 11:4 says of Abel: “He being dead yet speaketh.”
His offering, his blood, and his faith still speak across generations. Faith doesn’t die with the body—it becomes a testimony, a voice from beyond.
Meanwhile, Enoch’s absence also speaks. His missing body was a sign that God honors those who seek Him. He became a living witness to the reality of eternal life.
Abel is honored with a voice that still echoes.
Enoch is honored by being spared death.
But both are described with the same verdict:
They pleased God.
Hebrews 11 is not a hall of comfort—it is a hall of faithfulness.
Some who live by faith will suffer.
Some who live by faith will be spared.
But all who live by faith will be remembered by God.
The life of faith is not a bargain for blessings. It is a journey of trust, whatever the outcome.
Let’s pray-
Lord, thank You for showing me through Abel and Enoch that faith is not about controlling the outcome—it’s about walking closely with You. Help me trust You when faith feels costly, and when it feels glorious. No matter the length of my life, may my life please You. Let my faith speak, and let my walk reflect Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
