April 28, 2020
FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
CAIN-LIKE OR ABEL-LIKE WORSHIPPERS?
See Genesis 4: 1-26.
Not all who say “Lord, Lord” are recognized by Him in their judgment, and not all who worship God have their worship accepted by Him. That’s the life-and-death lesson and test much greater than what we are experiencing now in the covid-19 global pandemic.
“Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character. “Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy in the Creator’s dealings with the fallen race, and gratefully accepted the hope of redemption.
“But Cain cherished feelings of rebellion, and murmured against God because of the curse pronounced upon the earth and upon the human race for Adam’s sin [Gen. 3: 1-24; Rom. 5:12, 14, 17, 18]. He permitted his mind to run in the same channel that led to Satan’s fall,—indulging the desire for self-exaltation, and questioning the divine justice and authority. These brothers were tested, as Adam had been tested before them, to prove whether they would believe and obey the Word of God……
“The two brothers erected altars alike, and each brought an offering. Abel presented a SACRIFICE…. but Cain, disregarding the Lord’s direct and explicit command, presented only an OFFERING…..
“Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his heart in regard to the promised sacrifice and the necessity of SACRIFICIAL offerings. His gift [not sacrifice] expressed no penitence for sin. He felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgment of weakness to follow the exact plan marked out by God….
He chose the course of self-dependence…. He presented his offering as a FAVOR done to God, through which he EXPECTED to secure divine approval.
“Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; but he rendered only a PARTIAL sacrifice. The essential part, the recognition of the need of a Redeemer, was left out.
“So far as birth and religious instruction were concerned, these brothers were equal. Both were sinners, and both acknowledged the claims of God to reverence and worship. To outward appearance their RELIGION was the same to a certain point: but beyond that the difference between the two was great.
“Cain had the same OPPORTUNITY of learning and accepting these truths as had Abel. He was not a victim of arbitrary purpose. One brother was not elected to be accepted by God, and the other is to be rejected [as in the false doctrine of Predestination].
Abel CHOSE faith and obedience; Cain, unbelief and rebellion. Here the whole matter rested.
“Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of time [the generation we live in]……
“True faith, which relies wholly on Christ, will be manifested by obedience to all the requirements of God. From Adam’s day to the PRESENT TIME the great controversy has been concerning obedience to God’s law.
“In all ages there have been those who claimed a right to the favor of God even while they were disregarding some of His commands But the Scriptures declare that by WORKS is ‘faith made perfect;’ and that without the works of obedience, ‘faith is dead.’ James 2: 22,17. He that professes to know God, ‘and keepeth not the commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.’ 1 John 2:4.” Patriarchs & Prophets, 71-73.
By the attitudes, spirit and condition of our minds and heart whenever we come “to offer a sacrifice” in public or private worship, we reveal whether we are Cain-worshippers or Abel-worshippers.
The final worship test which we are yet facing in the soon-coming Sunday-law, will finally draw the line between the wheat and tares, the wise from the foolish virgins, the final Abels and Cains.
Let us make our calling and election sure today. Tomorrow is but a promise, not a guarantee to all mortals like us. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. NMF