Hebrews – Chapter Eleven XI

by Ed Urzi

“It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed His approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith” (Hebrews 11:4 NLT).

We can end our look at the Biblical account of Cain and Abel by noting Cain’s response to the sentence he received for murdering his brother. Genesis 4:13-14 tells us that Cain did not express contrition, remorse, or sorrow for his act of homicide. Instead, he lamented the fact that he was made to suffer the consequences for what he had done.

The Old Testament book of Proverbs characterizes that response by reminding us, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Cain also serves as a living example of 2 Corinthians 7:10: “…godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

In addition, Cain’s experience reminds us that our choices and decisions give birth to real consequences. For instance, God warned Cain that he was heading for trouble but Cain refused to listen. In a similar manner, we also make real choices that lead to real consequences that carry a real eternal impact. The Biblical book of James touches upon this subject, as does the book of Ephesians…

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV).

Those choices and decisions contribute to the history of our lives and influence others for better or worse. Cain thus offers an object lesson in this cause-and-effect relationship. If Cain’s attitude toward God had been right, then the offering that ultimately led him on the path to his brother’s murder would have been right as well. This explains why the New Testament book of 1 John tells us…

“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous” (1 John 3:12 NIV).

This has also led one commentator to observe…

“Moffatt finely comments: ‘Death is never the last word in the life of a righteous man.’ When a man leaves this world, he leaves something in it. He may leave something which will grow and spread like a canker; or he may leave something fine which blossoms and flourishes without end. He leaves an influence of good or ill; every one when he dies still speaks. May God grant to us to leave behind not a germ of evil but a lovely thing in which the lives of those who come afterwards will find blessing.” (1)

(1) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “The Faith Of The Acceptable Offering (Heb_11:4)”