Genesis 4:1-15, Exodus 20:13, Numbers 32:23, Luke 12:2, 1 Corinthians 4:5

Summary: The tragic story of Cain and Abel did not have to happen if only Cain had controlled his emotions and listened to the counsel of God. Instead, we witness the first murder and the further progression of humanity’s rebellion and wickedness.

In the first verses of Genesis 4, we are introduced to two sons of Adam and Eve, two attitudes of reverence toward God, one act of obedience, one act of defiance, a refusal to heed sound advice, and the horrendous consequences of rebellion. We witness remorse, selfish concern, and the gradual spread of sin that will soon bring about judgment from God by the flood, as recorded in Genesis 6-8.

The story of Cain and Abel is not only about violence and its fruit but also a source of controversy in reference to the number of people that were upon the earth, the issue of family dynamics, and the passage of time in general.

When we read about the beginnings of humanity as written in Scripture, not only do we appeal to our faith in what God has said, but we also need to apply the common sense He has given us as well.

Cain and Abel were only two of the numerous children Adam and Eve had (Genesis 3:20). The issue does not center on the population of the world at that time but on what this story teaches us concerning sin and its rotten harvest (Genesis 3:23).

The story opens with the birth of Cain (4:1), and the proclamation from Eve believing that this child she bore might be the fulfillment of the promise given to her and Adam by God (Genesis 3:15). However, Cain, Abel, and everyone throughout the progression of civilization is born in sin and unable to redeem themselves (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 5:12).

The “Seed of the woman” whom God referred to could not be born like any other person. He could not have the stain and curse of sin upon Him (Isaiah 53:9; Luke 23:41; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:19, 22; 1 John 3:3,5). The Promised “Seed” could come only from the Sovereign LORD (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-25; Luke 1:26-38).

Adam and Eve’s inner hope would be crushed in the years to come as one son lay dead and another spent the remainder of his life as an unrepentant vagabond. The tragedy is that it did not have to happen.

Growing up, Cain, Abel, and their respective siblings had heard from their parents about the creation of the world and the aftermath of what happened in Eden. Adam and Eve told them the reason why they had to work by the sweat of their brow, why there were thorns and thistles in the ground, why animals were starting to turn vicious and dangerous, and why traits such as anger, hate, jealousy, rebellion, disobedience, pride, and lust resided within them. They had been instructed on how to approach God on His terms through the offering of sacrifices that served as an atonement for their sins. They were also told about the Promised Redeemer who would come to renew all things as God promised.

None of Adam and Eve’s children were without excuse nor feigned ignorance concerning the things of God. This applies to us as well (Romans 1:18-20).

Cain and Abel were both farmers. One dealt with the raising of livestock, while one tilled the soil and gathered the harvest. Both of these occupations were noble and honorable, and all seemed well for a time. The trouble began, as it always does, in the heart. It centered on their respective attitudes concerning their sacrifices to God.

Genesis 4:4 states that God was pleased with what Abel had offered to the LORD yet rejected Cain’s offering (4:3, 5). Why? Perhaps over the course of time, the meaning of the sacrifice had made a deeper impression upon Abel, while Cain had begun to see it as just one more routine instead of seeing it as a time of meeting with God and having a personal relationship with Him. This was the same attitude found in the Jewish officials of Jesus’ day. They were warned of their hypocritical ways by the LORD on the last day of His public ministry (Matthew 23). Any devotion to God they had at one time was now dull, rote motions that were worthless in God’s sight (Isaiah 1:10-17).

When the heart becomes cold toward reverence to God and substitutes it with empty religion, it is a warning sign of potential spiritual apostasy. An apostate heart was beginning to develop in Cain. God, in His mercy, counseled him on how to avert it (Genesis 4:6-7). This demonstrates the compassionate nature of God, who graciously shows us in His Word how to live for Him and avoid what happens when we refuse to heed His counsel.

Sadly, even the direct intervention of God did not stop Cain from taking out his unbridled anger on Abel, and in one instant, murdered him. Everything from that moment on became the foundation for untold misery, curses, remorse, and initiated the rapid progression of wicked behavior, coarse malevolence, reprehensible perversions, and unbridled rebellion and hatred of God from both men and fallen angels (Genesis 4:16-24, 6:1-5). Cain’s act of murder brought about an arrogant reply (4:9) that resulted in a just and unrelenting punishment and a life of abject meaninglessness (4:11-15).

Cain’s story serves as a warning to anyone who naively and arrogantly thinks that they will get away with their wicked behaviors and actions (Numbers 32;23; Psalm 11:6; Isaiah 66:24; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:2; 13-21; 16:19-31; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15).

The real tragedy is that few people bother to heed the Word of God, repent, and flee from the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7). Like Cain and everyone who has followed in his footsteps, there are those in this day and age who choose to defiantly walk on the broad road that leads to destruction, letting their emotions and selfish will dominate how they live, think, and reason. These are all foolish and deadly decisions that lead to eternal destruction (Romans 3:10-18, 23).

I pray that those of you who are reading this message are not possessed with the heart of Cain but instead are following the example of righteous Abel, who trusted in God alone for salvation and is regarded as one of the great heroes of faith (Hebrews 11:4).

The “Promised Seed,” the Lord Jesus Christ, calls on you and everyone to come to Him alone for true peace, mercy, and salvation. He is the only way to eternal life and true peace with God (Matthew 11:28-30; John 14;6; Acts 4;12; Romans 10:9-10). Do not go the way of Cain, but instead turn to Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

donaldwhitchard@outlook.com

www.realitycityreverend.com

As we move closer to the end of this age, things in our past that seemed so important are not nearly as significant now. Possessions that we believed we just had to have in our youth and through middle age barely raise an interest anymore. What is important today are the relationships we had with family and loved ones who have crossed over to the next life and the longing to be with them again. The most important factor today is that we’ve received and accepted Jesus as our eternal Savior and have become a part of His precious flock. We pray daily for any loved ones who may not have called out to Him yet, that they would do so before it’s too late. (ESV – all emphasis mine)

This world that we currently live in is rapidly moving toward the “dark side” and will soon face the worst seven-year period of time that ever has been or will be on this earth. Satan will basically be turned loose for that time to create as much havoc as he wishes. Jesus said in Matthew 24:22, “And if those days had not been cut short, no human would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.”

Prior to the start of the tribulation, all who will have received and accepted Jesus as their Savior will be removed from the earth to keep us from the wrath, as promised by the Father in 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; and Revelation 3:10. The event that will take place is called the Harpazo, Rapture, or Taking Up. It is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

For anyone who would think this will be a drawn-out event, 1 Corinthians 15:52 states, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last Trumpet. For the Trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” The Trumpet here is the Trumpet of God, not part of the trumpet judgments.

Paul tells us that the “dead in Christ will be raised first, and then those who are alive will follow. It will be after this happens that the ultimate antichrist will be allowed to come out and start the 7-year tribulation (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

It should be noted there will still be people who will call out and be saved after the Rapture has taken place, but the cost will be very high. A large number of people worldwide will be martyred. In Zechariah 12:8-9, we’re told two-thirds of the Jewish people remaining on earth will perish, and the remaining one-third will finally proclaim that Jesus is their Lord and God.

There will be a large number of people who will take the “mark of the beast” as given in Revelation 13:16-18. This will show that the person has given allegiance to the antichrist, and all who take this mark will have committed an unforgivable sin as given in Revelation 14:9-11.

Our Savior knew there would be more lost souls than saved. Matthew 7:13-14 gives us only two routes that will be available. One will lead to destruction, and one to eternal life. The road to destruction is described as wide, while the path to eternal life is said to be straight and narrow.

Before all the chaos and confusion hits, this would be a great time to choose which road you want to be on. Satanic worshipers will be on the broad road. Those who call out to be saved by Jesus will be on the narrow path. The steps are found in Romans 10:9-13.

This would answer the question, “Where Could I Go But to the Lord? James B. Coats wrote a song in 1940 with that title.

1.) Living below in this old sinful world, hardly a comfort can afford. Striving alone to face temptation, so now, won’t you tell me, where could I go but to the Lord?

Ref) Where could I go, oh where could I go, seeking refuge for my soul. Needing a friend to save me in the end, where could I go but to the Lord?

2.) Life here is grand with friends I love so dear; comfort I get from God’s own word. Yet when I face that chilling hand of death, won’t you tell me, where could I go but to the Lord? (ref)

Only Jesus is the way to the Father and eternal life. John 14:6 plainly states, “…I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Then, Acts 2:21 followed by 4:12; “And it shall come to pass, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (4:12) And there is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

We serve the only true Lord God Jehovah, Creator of the heavens and the earth. He offered a most valuable part of Himself to give us a pure pathway to forgiveness and eternal life with Him. There are no hidden rituals that must be performed, no numerous works to be done, nor any special funds to be paid for this gift from Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 says it best; “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

To refuse this gift is a reservation in the long line that will be at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15. No true believer will be in that line, and all who are there will not be granted pardons or given short sentences. It will be total darkness forever.

To go to any other than our Savior would be completely wrong. When Thomas found out that Jesus was truly alive in John 20:28-29, “Thomas answered Him, My Lord and My God! Jesus said to him, have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

No one will be forced to accept Jesus. It’s an “either-or” situation that everyone will make their own decision. Either one believes, or one doesn’t. Eternity is totally dependent on which choice each person makes.

Today would not be too early – tomorrow could be too late. Call on Him today and secure your reservation to be with Him Forever!

Come, Lord Jesus!

huebshman46@gmail.com