Two Offerings (1)

(Part 1 of 3)
If we understand Genesis 3, we can readily understand chapter
four. After Adam sinned, he sewed aprons with the result of
his labor -- the fig leaves -- to cover himself. Cain, the
son of Adam, followed the same principle. He offered the
produce from the land, the results of his own cultivation,
unto God. Cain did exactly the same thing as Adam. The only
difference was that Adam's work was for himself, while Cain's
work was offered to God. Adam wanted to cover himself with
his works in the hope of making himself a good man, whereas
Cain offered God the produce from the land in the hope of
pleasing God. In principle, their works were the same.
While this was occurring in Genesis 3, God clothed Adam and
Eve with coats of skin, signifying that the cross must be
upon them and that death must work upon them. This was God's
revelation to Adam. In Genesis 4, Abel took God's way. Abel
offered unto God the firstling of his flock and of their fat.
What was so special about Abel was that he understood the
need of the cross. He realized that man had sinned and had to
die and that without his death man could not please God.
(Continued tomorrow).