The Crime
Read Genesis 4:3–8. What is the process that led Cain to kill his
brother? See also 1 John 3:12.
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Cain’s reaction is twofold: “Cain was very angry, and his counte-
nance fell” (Gen. 4:5, NKJV). Cain’s anger was directed, it appears, at
God and at Abel. Cain was angry with God because he thought that he
was the victim of an injustice and angry with Abel because he was jeal-
ous of his brother. Jealous of what? Just the offering? Certainly, more
was going on behind the scenes than what is revealed in these few texts.
Whatever the issues, Cain was depressed because his offering had not
been accepted.
God’s two questions in Genesis 4:6 are related to Cain’s two condi-
tions. Note that God does not accuse Cain. As with Adam, God asks
questions, not because He doesn’t know the answers, but because He
wants Cain to look at himself and then understand the reason for his
own condition. As always, the Lord seeks to redeem His fallen people,
even when they openly fail Him. Then, after asking these questions,
God counsels Cain.
First, God urges Cain to “ ‘do well,’ ” to behave the right way. It is
a call for repentance and a change of attitude. God promises Cain that
he will be “ ‘accepted’ ” and forgiven. In a sense He is saying that Cain
can have acceptance with God, but it must be done on God’s terms, not
Cain’s.
On the other hand, “ ‘if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And
its desire is for you, but you should rule over it’ ” (Gen. 4:7, NKJV).
God’s counsel has revealed the root of sin, and it is found in Cain him-
self. Here, again, God is counseling Cain, seeking to guide him in the
way he should go.
God’s second word of counsel concerns the attitude to take toward
this sin, which lies at the door and whose “ ‘desire is for you.’ ” God
recommends self-control: “ ‘You should rule over it.’ ” The same prin-
ciple resonates in James, when he explains that “each one is tempted
when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:14,
NKJV). The gospel offers us the promise not only of the forgiveness of
sin but also victory over it. (See 1 Cor. 10:13.) In the end, Cain had no
one to blame for his sin but himself. Isn’t it generally that way with all
of us, as well?
What does this unfortunate story teach us about free will and
how God will not force us to obey?