Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Offerings

Tragedy of Abel and Cain: The Offerings of Abel and Cain  (Part 1 of 9)

The tragedy of Abel and Cain is a tragedy shared by men today. Their trouble is not so different than our struggles. The source of their problems are also the same as ours.

• Genesis 4:1-4, “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”

Why did the Lord accept Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? What is the significance?

First, we must realize that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Secondly, it is vital to ask, “Why are they making an offering to the Lord?”

Since the time that Adam sinned all men have sinned. Abel knew that he needed forgiveness for his sin. The Bible plainly declares,”And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)

The Bible also shows the righteousness of Abel’s offering.

• Hebrews 12:24, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

What was the difference between Abel and Cain’s offerings?

Cain did not accept the fact he needed forgiveness. His offering was the fruit of his own labor.  Cain’s offering reveals self-righteousness which can never be good enough.

• Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Abel’s sacrifice declares faith in the shed blood.

Tragedy of Abel and Cain: Religion and Faith

The sacrifices also reveal the difference between religion and faith.

Religion tries to attain self-righteousness which is impossible.

Faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and his righteousness is the only way to gain redemption and eternal life.

In Christ
J-me
Copyright 2009 J-me

The articles in this series are:
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Offerings
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Cains Sin
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Deception
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – No Repentance
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Defiance
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Cain Leaves God’s Presence
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Cain Builds Enoch
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Worldly Success
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Calling on the Name of the Lord