Chapter 5—The First Murderer and His Victim
This chapter is based on
Genesis 4:1-15
.
Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character.
Abel saw justice and mercy in the Creator’s dealings with the fallen
race and gratefully accepted the hope of redemption. But Cain per-
mitted his mind to run in the same channel that led to Satan’s fall—
questioning the divine justice and authority.
These brothers were tested to prove whether they would believe and
obey the word of God. They understood the system of offerings which
God had ordained. They knew they were to express faith in the Saviour
whom the offerings typified, and at the same time to acknowledge total
dependence on Him for pardon. Without the shedding of blood, there
could be no remission of sin. They were to show their faith in the
blood of Christ as the promised atonement by offering the firstlings of
the flock in sacrifice.
The two brothers erected their altars alike, and each brought an
offering. Abel presented a sacrifice from the flock. “And the Lord
had respect unto Abel and to his offering.”
Genesis 4:4
. Fire flashed
from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. But Cain, disregarding the
Lord’s direct command, presented only an offering of fruit. There was
no token from heaven to show it was accepted. Abel pleaded with
his brother to approach God in the divinely prescribed way, but his
entreaties made Cain the more determined to follow his own will. As
the eldest, he despised his counsel.
Cain came before God with murmuring in his heart. His gift ex-
pressed no penitence, for it would be an acknowledgment of weakness
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to follow the exact plan marked out by God, of trusting his salvation
wholly to the atonement of the promised Saviour. He would come in
his own merits. He would not bring the lamb and mingle its blood
with his offering, but would present his fruits, the products of his labor,
as a favor done to God. Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in
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