By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks (Hebrews 11:4).

The story of Cain is a sobering one. After all, Cain was a believer. Not only did he talk to God, but God spoke with Him. He was also religious. He actively worshiped God by presenting God with an offering. Yet even though he knew God, talked to God, and worshiped God, the Bible tells us that he was a murderer and “of the evil one” (1 John 3:12). It is terrifying to realize that you can be very religious and very lost.

The difference between Cain and Abel is not that Abel was religious and Cain was not. The difference isn’t even primarily in the type of offering that each one made. Rather, Hebrews tells us that the difference is that Abel offered his sacrifice “by faith.” Abel offered his sacrifice trusting in the grace of God for forgiveness and acceptance. Cain offered his sacrifice as a work, believing that he had done enough to earn God’s forgiveness. That is why Cain is so angry when God does not accept his offering. His works were not good enough to earn God’s favor.

Like Cain, we can be tempted to approach God based on our works—whether these works are the sacrifices we make, the good deeds we do, or the moral life that we live. Yet, what God requires of us is that we trust in Him. We are made right with God by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for thinking that I could ever merit your love through my works, my religious activity, or my sacrifice. Instead, by your Spirit, empower me to live by faith, trusting in the work of Christ alone on my behalf. May I never worship you in an attempt to earn your favor. Instead, may I worship you in faith that, through Christ, I already have your favor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.