The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Cain vs. Abel

Here's my understanding of the passage and answer to the question. Note: although this will appear to be a reply to sojourner, it is not actually a reply to him... it just happens to be a convenient place to post my reply.

1. In Gen 3:7, we read that both Adam and Eve sewed leaves together; agrarian in nature. But God killed an animal(s) and clothed them with its skin, Gen 3:21. (cf. Lev 17:11; Zech 9:11; Mk 14:24; Heb 9:14-22; 10:4-14)
2. Several years had to have passed since the Fall and thus not only was the "day" (aka: Sabbath) acknowledged as a day of worship but also the regulation of that worship, i.e., an acceptable sacrifice unto the Lord. Thus all who were alive at that time knew that the offering had to be an animal; shedding of blood. Notice God's rebuke in v. 7 "If thou doest well [right], shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door:...". Cain did not obey the command of God in regard to what offering was to be brought.
3. This can be seen from Heb 11:4 "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain," which I believe "faith" is to be understood not only in regard to Abel's heart (gratitude and love) but also in obedience to God. True faith's motivation is love and its expression is in the keeping of God's commandments. (cf. Lk 6:46; Jh 14:15; 15:10-14; Gal 5:6; Eph 2:8-10; 1Jh 2:3-5)
4. The subsequent sacrificial system given to Moses on Sinai was essentially that which was practiced for centuries prior to its institution, albeit in greater detail and with a fuller revelation of its meaning. Both that which was practiced during the antediluvian and postdiluvian periods were typical, i.e., shadows of the final sacrifice of Christ which actually accomplished what they pointed to but were incapable of doing; satisfying the demands of the law and securing eternal salvation for all who believe. (cf Heb 5:9; 8:3ff; 9:6ff; et al)
5. Conclusion: Cain violated the "regulative principle of worship" as was revealed to him; one was to bring in faith (love & obedience) an animal sacrifice whereby blood had been shed. But Cain brought that which he had determined was acceptable. It is also possible (WARNING: speculation follows) that Cain was unwilling to go to Abel, his younger brother, for the purpose of securing an animal sacrifice since Abel was "...a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground." (Gen 4:2) One thing is certain, Cain hated his brother and thus he killed him.

That's my