Genesis 4:1-16 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.… Introduction: Cain's religion, in common with many false religions, was one — 1. Which had in it some good. 2. Of expediency. 3. Which lacked faith. 4. Abounding in self-righteousness. 5. That persecuted others.Abel's religion — 1. Embodied all the good that was in the other. 2. Surpassed it, even in its own excellencies — "more plenteous sacrifice." 3. Recognized the existence of guilt, and its merited doom. 4. Was actuated by faith. 5. Was approved of by God. Consider, then — I. NATURAL RELIGION. Look at — 1. The principle upon which it is founded — practical goodness. This principle is intrinsically excellent, is one upon which all men should act; is one to which no one can object. 2. The standard by which it is to be tested — the moral law of creation, love to God and man. In order to "do well," the act itself must be perfect; the motive must be good; and the rule must be good. 3. Its reward to its faithful adherents — "shalt thou not be accepted?" Such a religion will command the approval of God; and will secure immortality for all its votaries. Now measure your conduct by this religion; and are you perfect? Think of sin in its nature, its effects, and its ultimate consequences, and see if you have not sinned. And can natural religion justify you? No; something else must be found, and something else is to be found. Look then at — II. REVEALED RELIGION. Notice — 1. That revealed religion assumes that men are guilty. It also recognizes their liability to punishment. 2. That it has provided a sin offering — a substitution of person, of sufferings. 1. The acceptance of this is accompanied with Divine evidence. 2. It is efficient for all purposes for which it is presented. 3. Having accepted it, the sinner is treated as though he himself had suffered. 4. That the sin offering reposeth at the door.This implies that Christ's atonement is accessible to the sinner; that it rests with man to avail himself of it; that men often neglect it; that God exercises great patience towards the sinner; that the sinner cannot go to hell without first trampling on the Cross; and that he wilt be forever deprived of every excuse for his destruction. (D. Evans.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. |
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