11:4
Abel offered the first fruits of his labours, an animal offering. Cain offered some crops in the course of time, almost as an afterthought. Abel's gifts were accepted, Cain's were not. Abel was accepted by God because he had faith, he put God first. This is an example to us today.
11:5
There is no record of Enoch dying. Gen 5:22-24 says that he lived faithfully with God, and then God took him away. And it says here that he did not experience death. Enoch was approved of by God, not because of any sacrifices he offered, but because of his faith in God.
11:6
"Without faith it is impossible to please God". Within the context of the letter the importance of this statement is as follows. The Hebrews still had the notion that they needed the sacrifices and Levitical priesthood in order to please God. The writers contention is that it is impossible to please God without faith, and that meant faith in the once for all sacrifice of His Son. And the write demonstrates this in two ways. He will shortly begin a long list of heroes who were commended for their faith, having already named two. The second way is in their general approach to God. He has already named their belief in God as creator, for that is ultimately an act of faith. No one saw God create the universe! Though the evidence we do see is consistent with there being a creator. Here he says "one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who draw near". No one can see God, so making any approach to Him involves an act of faith. We must also believe that it is beneficial to approach Him. We believe that God rewards those who seek Him.
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