Like Adam, his sons had to be tested, to prove whether or not they would believe and obey God's word. As sons and daughters of Adam, it is no different for us today. We too must be tested.
Cain's attitude is very prevalent in our world. He was willing to render obedience, but only on his terms, which, ultimately, was no obedience at all.
"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 labour. He presented his offering as a favour done to God, through which he expected to secure the divine approval. Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; but he rendered only a partial obedience. The essential part, the recognition of the need of a Redeemer, was left out." (PP* 72)
Isn't this so often the way we think? We attempt to serve God in our own strength, trying to do something for Him, instead of availing ourselves of the abundant Provision He has made for us. Yet, in spite of all this, God does not leave us to ourselves. He is merciful far beyond what we could ever comprehend, "not willing that any should perish". (2 Peter 3:9)
Throughout the entire story we God is thus working with Cain, giving him the opportunity to confess his sin and repent. In his anger, on the verge of committing the first murder in human history, God was reasoning with this unreasonable man, warning him that "sin lieth at the door". (Gen 4:7) And even though he rejected these divine warnings, God still offered him another chance.
"Notwithstanding that Cain had by his crimes merited the sentence of death, a merciful Creator still spared his life, and granted him opportunity for repentance." (PP 78)
Oh, Love that will not let me go! Even His judgements are not what we deserve, but are just and good, always with our very best interest in mind. Why do we question? Why do we doubt the One who wants our happiness even more than we ourselves do?
"The dark history of Cain and his descendants was an illustration of what would have been the result of permitting the sinner to live on forever, to carry out his rebellion against God...The divine sentence cutting short a career of unbridled iniquity, and freeing the world from the influence of those who had become hardened in rebellion, was a blessing rather than a curse." (PP 78)
And thus we see the sad depiction of what man truly is without Christ. But in Abel's life of faith is shown the completely contrasting principle.
"Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted...Abel chose faith and obedience; Cain, unbelief and rebellion. Here the whole matter rested." (PP 72)Likewise, we are left with a choice.
"Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time...It is only through the merits of Jesus that our transgressions can be pardoned. Those who feel no need of the blood of Christ, who feel that without divine grace they can by their own works secure the approval of God, are making the same mistake as did Cain...True faith, which relies wholly upon Christ, will be manifested by obedience to all the requirements of God..." (PP 72, 73)
Christ IS our only hope. But the path of obedience is by no means easy.
"In all ages the wicked have hated those who were better than themselves. Abel’s life of obedience and unswerving faith was to Cain a perpetual reproof...The brighter the heavenly light that is reflected from the character of God’s faithful servants, the more clearly the sins of the ungodly are revealed, and the more determined will be their efforts to destroy those who disturb their peace...Whenever, through faith in the Lamb of God, a soul renounces the service of sin, Satan’s wrath is kindled." (PP 74, 75)
But this is the path which our Saviour trod, and He has promised that He will be with us until the end (see Matt 28:20). Will we accept the honour of walking with Him?
* PP (Patriarch and Prophets)
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