Genesis 4:4-5 And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering:… I. THE POINTS OF AGREEMENT TRACEABLE BETWEEN THE TWO BROTHERS. 1. They agree in the fact that they are the descendants of a fallen and guilty ancestry. 2. Cain and Abel agree, as they are alike placed under a dispensation of mercy and salvation. 3. They agree also in acknowledging that God had a claim upon them, that He ought to be worshipped, and that stated times ought to be employed for that purpose. II. WE NOTICE THE POINTS OF DIFFERENCE THAT EXISTED BETWEEN THEM. 1. They differed in the method of their approach unto God. Cain's offering was eucharistic, Abel's piacular. The one was a thank offering, the other sacrificial. It is of importance that we are thankful for providential blessings; but it is of infinitely greater importance that we form correct views of God's method of justifying the ungodly, and cordially acquiesce in His appointment. 2. They differed in the treatment they met with at the hands of God. — "And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering; but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect." 3. They differed also in the influence by which they were actuated. "Cain was of that wicked one." He was led captive by the devil at his will. (R. Jackson.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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