What can we learn from Cain? Anything at all? Is it not for this dispensation of Grace?

Genesis 4:3-7 – And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 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.

Sure, this event is outside this current dispensation of Grace, however, it still serves a type and shadow of current misinterpretations existing today.

Basically, Cain thought he could bring his own sacrifice/offering. He ignored God’s clear commands and thought his sincerity was righteous enough that God would accept it. He was self-righteous and blatantly ignoring what God specifically commanded him.

Is that not unlike some Christian’s today? How much is done in God’s name that is unbiblical or extra-biblical? One reasons, “well, it might not have been God’s will but at least the person was sincere and was truly thinking he was obeying and serving God”.

But does that cut it? I think Scripture is clear that it doesn’t. Not only is it pride and ignoring God’s commands, ways, and principles but it props one up in self-righteousness thinking, “Oh, I meant so well; let’s do it this way; surely my motive to have people saved or to grow the church justifies my methods. Surely, God will accept that”.

But notice how presumptuous that is? It belittles and ignores God’s commands and instead stands on one’s own personal righteous, as if that has any weight before God. I think this is one reason why Jesus proclaimed, “Away from me, I never knew you.”

Let us heed the lesson of Cain and follow only God’s commands and not our ways, our methods, or church programs, policies, etc.