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Why did God accept Abel’s offering but reject Cain’s offering?
Great question! Here's the answer:
God accepted Abel and rejected Cain because Abel’s offering was based on pure motives and Cain’s was not.
Cain was the first murderer. He murdered his brother, Abel, because of jealousy and pride (Genesis 4:8). God had commanded Cain and Abel to present offerings to Him as a form of worship. Since Abel was a shepherd, he was supposed to bring the best portions of the firstborn lambs (Genesis 4:4). As a farmer, Cain was supposed to bring some of his crops (Genesis 4:4).
The Bible tells us that God was happy with Abel's offering, but He was not happy with Cain's offering (Genesis 4:4–5). God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), and He already knew Cain's motive was wrong. Abel gave out of a heart of faith and worship (Hebrews 11:4), but Cain had the wrong heart attitude. This is why God accepted Abel's offering and rejected Cain's offering.
Cain was jealous and angry with his brother, so he decided to murder him. Despite Cain's violent behavior, God still protected and provided for him (Genesis 4:15–17). As believers today, we must be cautious not to follow the way of Cain (1 John 3:12). In everything, we must follow God, love Him and others, and faithfully serve Him.
Bible Truth
“Do what is right and then you will be accepted. If you don’t do what is right, sin is waiting at your door to grab you. It desires to control you. But you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:7).
“How terrible it will be for them! They have followed the way of Cain. They have rushed into the same mistake Balaam made. They did it because they loved money. They are like Korah. He turned against his leaders. These people will certainly be destroyed, just as Korah was” (Jude 1:11).
“You have come to Jesus. He is the go-between of a new covenant. You have come to the sprinkled blood. It promises better things than the blood of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).
