ABEL WAS A TYPE OF JESUS CHRIST

by Dr. Hank Lindstrom

Abel was a shepherd.  (Genesis 4:2)
It was as a shepherd that he presented his offering unto God.  (Genesis 4:4)
Though giving no cause for it, Abel was hated by his brother.  (Genesis 4:8)
Cain was jealous of his brother Abel and it was out of envy the Cain slew Abel.  (Genesis 4:7)
Abel did not die a natural death.  (Genesis 4:8)
Abel met a violent end at the hand of his brother.  (Genesis 4:8)
Punishment was meted out upon his murderer.  (Genesis 4:11,12)
The offering Abel presented was an offering unto God.  (Hebrews 11:4)
The offering which Abel presented was the firstlings of his flock, a lamb.  (Genesis 4:4)
In bringing his offering by faith he demonstrated that he believed the Word of God.  (Hebrews 11:4)
The offering which Abel presented is described as an excellent one.  (Hebrews 11:4)
God had respect unto Abel and to his offering. God accepted the offering of Abel.  (Hebrews 11:4)
In the presentation of his offering, Abel obtained witness that he was righteous.  (Hebrews 11:4)  Abel was already saved and made righteous.
After Abel's presentation of his offering, God publicly testified of His acceptance of it.  (Hebrews 11:4)
Abel's offering still speaks to God. By it Abel being dead yet speaketh.  (Hebrews 11:4)

Christ was pictured by the life of Abel

Our Lord is a Shepherd: the Good Shepherd.  (John 10:11)
It was as a  Shepherd that Jesus Christ presented His offering to God.  (John 10:11)
Jesus, though giving no cause for it, Jesus was hated by His brethren according to the flesh the Jews. (John 15:25)
It was through envy that Jesus was delivered up to be crucified.  (Matthew 27:18)
Our Lord did not die a natural death. He was slain by wicked hands.  (Acts 2:23)
Jesus was crucified by the house of Israel, His brethren according to the flesh.  (Romans 9:5)
After His death, our Lords murderers were punished by God.  (Mark 12:9)
The Lord Jesus was presented an offering to God.  (Ephesians 5:2)
The offering He presented was Himself; a lamb.  (II Peter 1:19)
In presenting Himself as an offering He was obedient to the Word of God.  (Hebrews 10:7-9)
The offering Christ offered was an  excellent one. It was a sweet smelling savor.  (Ephesians 5:2)
God accepted His offering: the proof being that He is now seated at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12)
While presenting Himself on the Cross as an offering to God, He obtained witness that He was righteous The centurion saying, This is a righteous man.  (Luke 23:47)
God publicly testified His acceptance of the offering by raising Him from the dead.  (Acts 2:36)
Christs offering now speaks to God.  (Hebrews 12:24)