The Hall of Faith: The Pre-Flood Hall of Faith: Abel, Enoch, and Noah

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Joshua Welch | Anderson, Indiana

The book of Hebrews is a treatise encouraging the perseverance of faith. The Jewish converts to Christianity faced persecution, leading to discouragement (see 10:32-34). So there is constant, systematic encouragement throughout the work to continue in their confident faith. The following phrases are evidence of this theme:

“…we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1).
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
“…let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1).
“…let us hold fast our confession” (Hebrews 4:14).
“…you have become dull of hearing…let us go on to perfection” (Hebrews 5:11; 6:1).
“…show the same diligence…do not become sluggish…” (Hebrews 6:11-12).
“…let us draw near with a true heart…let us hold fast…not forsaking…” (10:22-25).
“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (12:1).
“…strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees…” (12:12).

Each phrase indicates that the author knew of the struggles these Hebrew Christians faced and the possible consequences. He does not want them to “drift, depart, come short, become sluggish, or be ensnared” as a result of their trials. In fact, the admonition against backsliding at the close of Hebrews 10 is strong as he writes,

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.’ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:35-39).

The message to these people of faith is clear: “the just shall live by faith” (10:38). So, to remind the Hebrews of what a real, active, unwavering “faith” looks like, the author shares a list often referred to as the “Hall of Faith” using examples from the Old Testament to demonstrate faith.

Hebrews 11 gives at least 18 examples of those who endured and pleased God by their faith. They are examples of those who “live by faith.” Many of these suffered in horrible ways but still endured. In the instances cited, these individuals are role models. They are not only role models but also encouragers who cheer Christians on to the finish line. They have completed the race and urge us to do the same (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Before the author of Hebrews names these exemplars, he first defines faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In verse 6, he adds, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Clearly, faith must be of some type of “substance” or “conviction” (ESV). However, how can one have a conviction about what one does not see? Because God has revealed the realities by promise. The one who trusts in God’s promises shows their convictions by their life. They “diligently seek” God’s promises and obey His will. So, faith is firm confidence and conviction in the hope of something, yet unseen, for which we are living to obtain. Faith is not just a mental activity but is seen in action. Every example in Hebrews 11 demonstrates such action. The first three examples are from the pre-flood era of Biblical history. Though these figures may seem distantly ancient, their examples are presently relevant. Consider their faith and be stirred to emulate their example.

“Abel Offered to God”

As Hebrew eleven begins, three pre-flood examples from the book of Genesis are cited as pictures of those living “by faith.” The first example is that of Abel. Hebrews 11:4 says of Abel:

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks” (11:4, NKJV).

Note the verbs in this verse about Abel; one will see the activity of Abel’s faith. Abel was verified as “righteous” by God because “by faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice.” Go back to the Old Testament account of Abel’s offering, and it is clear that both Cain and Abel offered something to God (Genesis 4:2-5). Yet Abel’s offering was received while Cain’s was rejected. Thus, the author’s point about faith is not just in the offering. We must make an acceptable offering. This ties in with another important aspect of our faith. Remember, Hebrews 11:6 says the person with God-pleasing faith must be “diligently seeking Him.” Perhaps this is the key difference between the offering of Cain and the offering of Abel. Abel’s offering was offered in accordance with God’s will, but Cain’s was not. Abel was “seeking Him” in his offering, but Cain was not. The point? Before faith can offer to God, faith must listen to God’s will.

Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Could this be the key distinction between Cain and Abel? Abel heard the will of God and offered accordingly. Cain followed his own will and offered speculatively. Abel was accepted. Cain was rejected. What a lesson for those living “by faith” today. In an age when so many offer God whatever pleases them, let us make sure that when we offer, we have first listened to the will of God. Near the end of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi strongly rebuked those in the nation of Israel who offered to God what they would never have offered to their earthly rulers (cp. Malachi 1:6-10). Abel’s obedient offering is indicative of a God-approved faith and sincere reverence. True faith offers to God what pleases Him.

“Enoch Pleased God”

Enoch is the second individual mentioned in the Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith.” The facts about Enoch are brief and mentioned only in Genesis 5:22-24 and Hebrews 11:5. The Hebrew author notes,

“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (NKJV).

While little is known of Enoch, the phrase “he pleased God” tells us much about him and God-pleasing faith. There is a canyon of difference between one who lives to please himself and one who lives to “please God,” like Enoch. The Genesis text tells us why Enoch “pleased God” as it states, “Enoch walked with God” (5:24, NKJV). This begs the question: if Enoch walked with God, and walking with God is pleasing God, what does it mean to walk with God?

First of all, walking with God implies agreement with God. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The one who walks with God must be in union with the will of God (see also 2 Cor 6:14-16). This unity is seen in thought, word, and deed. Submitting to God takes humility (Micah 6:8). It also means we must make efforts to know God’s will.

Second, walking with God implies that God does have a path in which we must walk. We know this path because God reveals His will to man. God revealed the path he wanted Enoch to walk, and Enoch walked in it. To Old Testament Israel, God’s path was connected to His commandments. Leviticus 26:3, 12 says, “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments…I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.” For Christians today, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). For this reason, Paul told Christians in Colosse, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). Jesus is “the Way” and though the way may be “narrow and difficult” we must walk His path (see Matthew 7:13-14).

Thirdly, walking with God implies obedience to God. Israel was told to “walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice” (Deuteronomy 13:4). We cannot disconnect “walking with God” from obedience to Him. The idea is prevalent that we can “please God” while rejecting what He says. Enoch’s example teaches otherwise. May we be people who “please God” because we walk in His path, live in union with His character, and strive to be obedient to His will. This is God-pleasing faith. True faith obediently walks in union with God as Enoch did long ago.

“Noah Prepared An Ark”

The third individual mentioned in Hebrews 11 is Noah. The author writes,

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (NKJV).

Far more is said about Noah in the Genesis text than about Abel or Enoch. Genesis 6-10 are devoted to the flood accounts, the post-flood world, and the post-Noah genealogy. Thus, much has been said and written about this great character of faith. Within the Hebrews text, we learn of several elements of his exemplary faith.

First, Noah listened to the warning of God. Hebrews 11:7 says he was “divinely warned of things not yet seen.” Though Noah had never seen rain or a flood, he still got to work building the ark. God’s grace gives us instruction and warning, and we must obey. Genesis 6:22 says of Noah, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” In like manner, though we have never seen the return of Jesus and the destruction of our world, we are given a warning of its impending coming. Some will ignore the warning. Those of faith will listen. Matthew 24:37 says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” True faith will trust the credibility of this divine admonition from Jesus, just as Noah trusted God.

Second, Noah “moved with godly fear.” Noah had a reverence for the authority of God, and it moved him to obedience. Our faith in the authority of the police officer moves us to obey the traffic laws for fear of his power to write a ticket. The student’s faith in the authority of the principal moves them to obey school rules for fear of the principal’s right to enforce discipline. Likewise, a “godly fear” will lead one to obedient actions while living in the presence of an Almighty God. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Noah feared God, and it moved him to action.

Finally, Noah “prepared an ark for the saving of his household” (11:7). The ark was a prepared vessel for a prepared family. Likewise, heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. People of faith will strive to prepare while on this earthly voyage for the heaven God has prepared for us. True faith is not just interested in preparing self, but also in helping prepare others for what lies ahead. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Tim 4:16).

Conclusion

Each of these pre-flood Bible characters has both common denominators and common differences. Their “faith” in God’s unseen promises is a commonality. However, the various ways they were called to act out their faith show us distinct nuances. Keep this in mind though: each of them displays their faith with an action verb. Abel offered. Enoch walked. Noah moved and prepared. In your Christian walk, what has God called you to do that you have left undone? True faith is called to action. How are you living out your faith to be an example to others today? If you are not moving forward, you are backsliding. The inspired word of God calls you not to decline, but to advance. So, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1). Live your faith.

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April 2023 | GROW magazine