05_The two offerings
Gen 4:3-5 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought an offering, from the firstborn of his flock and from their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering; 5 but for Cain and his offering He had no regard.
“And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord.” – Genesis 4:16
“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” – I John 3:12
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.”– Jude 11
The story of Cain and Abel is one of the earliest in the Bible. It forces us to grapple with the unsettling question: why did God accept Abel’s offering but reject Cain’s?It explores the heart of the most profound issues that we face as human beings. It uncovers the meaning of worship and faith, and the devastating consequences of sin.
The writer of Hebrews reveals, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous, God testifying about his gifts.” (Hebrews 11:4). The question is, why did the brothers offer different sacrifices?
Both Abel and Cain knew and acknowledged God’s being and his right to be worshipped. But Abel’s faith went beyond this. He apparently had something that Cain lacked. This deficit was fundamental to Cain’s rejection.
The essence of Abel’s offering seems to be twofold. He understood, from his parents’ sad history, the central role of a sacrifice in his relationship with God. He coupled this with faith, and offered an acceptable sacrifice.
The essential need for sacrifice is hinted at in the story of how God clothed our first parents with animal skins after they sinned and realized that they were naked. Since death had not yet entered the world, animals must have been sacrificed to provide these skins for Adam and Eve. It is true that these sacrifices were inadequate to allow them to re-enter paradise. Yet they allowed their outer nakedness to be covered. The place of animal sacrifice as a cover for sin was thus established.
Abel offered a sacrifice of the firstlings from his flock of sheep. But Cain offered the fruit of his labor from his vegetable garden. Without blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Secondly, Cain did not do what was good (Gen. 4:6,7; I John 3:12). This implies that he did not have the faith of Abel, for without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
As James writes, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe—and tremble.” (James 2:19). Cain’s belief was devoid of the obedience and reverence that characterize true faith. Cain’s heart was far from God, and his actions reflected that distance.
From God’s fatherly words to Cain after the rejection of his offering, it is plain that Cain did not love God. That is, God was not his standard for goodness. Rather, he himself was his own standard. He decided whether his own deeds were good enough or not. This lack of trust in God’s character led to an unacceptable offering.
This is still more plain from his behavior after the rejection of his offering. His response to God’s words manifested an utter lack of faith. He was not in heartfelt agreement with God’s will. Looking back on his offering in this light, it is plain that it was not an act of worship flowing from a sincere heart that sought to please God. It was a religious gesture, one that sought social acceptance and conformity rather than God’s commendation.
When his offering was rejected, he became angry with God and jealous of Abel. Note that God had not condemned Cain after his failed offering. Rather, he gave him a compassionate warning and a way to set things right. He saw Cain’s struggle and urged him on to conquer his sin. Yet Cain refused.
His pride hardened him against both God and his brother. This pattern of ignoring God’s warnings is characteristic of unbelief. It repeats throughout Scripture—whether in Noah’s generation, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, or Israel’s captivity. When we resist God’s rebuke, we fall into greater sin and deeper separation from Him. As Proverbs warns, “A person who is often rebuked and hardens his neck will suddenly be broken beyond remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
Instead of examining his heart and humbling himself, he raged. He ignored God’s warning and encouragement: “Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7). Instead of correcting his ways, he murdered his righteous brother. Just so, the religious leaders envied Jesus and rejected God’s authority by crucifying his anointed one.
The contrast between Cain and Abel reflects two approaches to worship that are still evident today.
The people of faith come humbly to learn of God what is good, and obey him. The Lord Jesus addressed this in His teaching: “If you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering” (Matthew 5:23–24). True worship is inseparable from right relationships with both God and others.
The religious come to God on their terms. They expect God to conform to their selfish desires and bless their self-directed efforts. They do not suspect that he knows that their hearts are far from him though they honour him with their lips.
Cain’s refusal to repent arose from his rejection of God’s authority. This is what the apostle later calls “the way of Cain” (Jude 1:11). It is the path of self-will. In this pathway, worship is a way to secure blessings. This mindset is all too common. Many approach God expecting Him to solve their problems. They seek wealth or promotion, healing or happiness. But they do not see him. They do not know that he alone is good. They do not realize that their true need is goodness. They resist His call to repentance for they do not know that they need his forgiveness and his Spirit. They have no desire for holiness and transformation.
True worship begins with acknowledging that God is sovereign and worthy to be obeyed. It is not about manipulating God to meet our needs. Worship begins with aligning our hearts with Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). We come to God by following Christ in humility, yielding under his yoke even through suffering.
Consider Abel’s legacy. His life was cut short, but his faith still speaks down the centuries. He pleased God through his simple faith. Yet he paid the price for his devotion. In contrast, Cain departed from the presence of the Lord. He chose his own way rather than seeking God’s mercy. Yet he built cities. He had a flourishing line of accomplished and prosperous descendants. This reminds us that faithfulness to God is no guarantee of earthly comfort or success.
Let us examine our hearts. Are we worshippers or self-seeking religious people? Have we humbled ourselves to acknowledge that apart from the blood of Christ there is no acceptable offering we can bring? Are we anxious to receive his correction and amend our ways? Jesus Himself declared that worship must be in spirit and truth—genuine, heartfelt, and aligned with God’s revelation of Himself.
The story of Cain and Abel is a sobering reminder that our choices have eternal consequences. Abel chose faith and obedience. Though his life was brief, he gained the eternal reward of God’s approval. Cain chose pride and rebellion. His life, though outwardly successful, typifies alienation from God and eternal destruction.
This choice is the most important decision anyone can ever make. It determines not only how we live now but also where we stand for eternity. Let us live and die in humble faith, seeking to please God like Abel who did what was right. Let us reject the way of Cain who flouted His authority.
As true worshippers, let us give God the honor and obedience He deserves by submitting ourselves to Christ as Lord. Let us daily decide, “As you will, Lord.” God bless.