Often times in the quest to win an argument about the Bible, scriptures are ripped from their context and used in a “gotcha” type way that total destroys the beautiful message of salvation. At other times, the obvious is missed due to preconceived notions. The latter is true when Christians dismiss the Old Testament as not having any relevance to belief in Christ; but it does. As a well known preacher said, The Old Testament is Christ concealed, the New is Christ revealed.

Most everyone who is familiar with the Bible knows the story of Adam and Eve so it won’t be recounted in this lesson. The story most often neglected and misunderstood is the story of Cain and Abel. In that story we find the anti-type of and a parallel to the salvation revealed in the New Testament. The real emphasis in the Cain-Abel story and the gospel of Christ is that without God’s protection there is no hope.

To begin the account, we must first look at what positions in life God assigned to Cain and Abel. Cain was a tiller of the ground and Abel, a keeper of sheep. When they each brought offerings to the Lord, Abel’s was accepted and Cain’s offering rejected. Much discussion surrounds Cain’s offering being rejected, but when the total message of the scriptures is understood, it can reasonably be inferred that Cain didn’t give his all to his work and by keeping the best for himself; didn’t see himself as a sinner; thought his position as being the first born was sufficient; and didn’t make every effort to do well with a contrite and humble heart as did Abel. God said in Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.  

God protected Cain, the sinner, from harm, but his life was miserable since he didn’t have God in his life. The lesson here is give your best with a humble heart recognizing that God is the giver of all things good and is the one who wants the best for all humanity.

It can be said that with the mark on Cain, Cain had a measure of perfect salvation while on earth, though it was a tough life. While no promise of eternal salvation was given to Cain, he was protected from earthly death. Yet, protection from earthly death isn’t what God wants for his creation. He wants all to be saved spiritually as well as physically. Peter wrote (2 Peter 3:9): The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  The word perish in the verse means to be destroyed, to be put to death, and by extension [eternal separation from God] no hope of eternal life with the saved. Even though God hasn’t brought all creation to an end doesn’t mean he won’t, since he is giving all who will obey time to repent of their wicked ways.   

Cain is but one example of salvation for the sinner though Cain’s salvation was limited. It is obvious without God that no one has any hope of eternal life. The writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 2:3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;  There is no escape if one doesn’t accept Jesus Christ and thus obey the gospel. A life of obedience which includes as Paul wrote: (Romans 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Give God your best and enjoy the great salvation he so graciously offers to all who will follow him in their walk of life.

© 12-29-2006 DEC