Feb 17
12
WHICH WAY ARE YOU GOING?
Genesis 4:1-5
Tom Harding
We live in a most religious world. In every county, country and culture; among all people, without exception there is some form of religion. Did you know that all religions can be summed into two groups. The way of Cain or the way of Abel.
Cain represents the way that seems right unto men (Prov. 14:12), the way of the flesh, works, self righteousness, self glory, do the best you can and God will be satisfied. Cain approached God with the best efforts of all his labors, “the fruit of the ground” and God had no respect unto him or his offering. It is recorded in the scriptures, woe unto them that have gone the way of Cain (Jude 24).
Abel represents the way that God has established throughout scripture to show mercy to undeserving sinners. It is the way of free grace (Rom. 3:24), the way of effectual substitution by a blood offering (2 Cor. 5:21), the way of faith (Heb. 11:4). Clearly, Abel and his offering is a picture of the only way of salvation in and through the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). The Lord called Abel a righteous man (Matt. 23:35).
Now, which way are you going? I know that all of us by nature are going the way of Cain, because that is what comes to us naturally. It seems rather logical and reasonable to approach God on the basis of our works. However, our best efforts will never satisfy God’s offended justice (Luke 16:15). God has singled out these two brothers to teach us the way of God’s salvation in Christ alone, through grace alone, through the blood alone, and to plainly condemn the way of works (Rom. 9:13-15). I pray that God will give us much grace to follow the example of Abel and to seek salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.