Hebrews 11:3-4 (msg) By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see. By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That’s what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.

“It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference.” 

It is because of what He believed that Abel brought his best to God. The NLT version of this verse says: 

Hebrews 11:4 (NLT) Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man…

Righteousness IS believing God is who He claims to be. That’s it; that’s all. It’s not about being perfect or ceremony or rituals – it is simply faith, “Confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Abel knew this… or I should say, Abel knew Him, the Giver of Life, and trusted Him. The offerings, I believe, were there to keep Abel’s heart open to and trusting in God instead of his own efforts and accomplishments. That while we may do Good things, they are still ultimately by God’s hand. This is to keep us from falling into the ‘me’ trap that continues to destroy so many lives. God loves us and wants us to experience Life and trust that He is all we need… and He will never leave us. That is Freedom and Life and righteousness all wrapped into One beautiful, surrendered existence to the One who died so that we may live. We truly are “blessed to believe that the Lord would do what He said.” -Luke 1:45